FAQ - eco friendly homes Asheville, eco friendly homes, eco friendly community Asheville
Click here for a copy of our Bylaws
Click here for a copy of the Covenants and Restrictions Phase 1
Click here for a copy of the Covenants and Restrictions Phase 2
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the property tax rate for the Villages?
A. The Villages is located in the Town of Woodfin and our current tax rate is $.89 cents per $100.00 valuation (a rate of less than 1%) on the home. We have the lowest combined municipal tax rate in Buncombe County. Services provided by the Town for the municipal taxes include police protection, trash pickup (including recycling), street repairs and maintenance, etc. The Town also plows the roads when necessary from snow accumulation. Fire protection is provided by the West Buncombe Fire Department and the cost of protection is included in the above tax rate. Tax rates are reset annually by the applicable governing boards.
Q. Am I required to use the preferred builders or the home designs pre approved by you?
A. No, you can submit plans for your custom home for approval to our Architectural Review Board (ARB). Custom plans require a $1250 ARB fee which is paid to these professionals for their time and expertise. Our preferred builders are here for your use if needed. They can provide you with key local knowledge of the building codes, slope development issues and municipal fee requirements. If you elect to use your own builder, we require a meeting with them to review our protective covenants and to obtain licensing, insurance and other standard building contractor requirements. All homes are required to be a minimum silver level for North Carolina Healthy Built Homes. LEED certification is also desired and pertinent information can be obtained from our chief sustainability officer. Details about our preferred builders and the pre approved home plans are available online. In addition to the preferred builders, we do have on site engineers, architects and other construction related professionals here to assist you.
Q. When do you expect the Villages to be completed?
A. We have a projected sales completion for 3 years for the first phase and 2 additional years for the second phase for a total of 5 years. Currently we have 20 lots sold with 15 homes completed.
Q. Am I able to rent my home if I choose to do so?
A. Yes, however short term leases are prohibited. Leases of 3 months or longer are allowed. Owners are responsible for ensuring all renters are informed and in compliance with the resident responsibilities.
Q. Are there alternative driving directions to get to Crest Mountain?
A Yes, our sales office is located at 6 Celebration Place, Asheville, NC 28806. Depending on where you are coming from, there are up to 6 options to approach Crest Mountain.
Q. Are home businesses allowed in the Villages?
A. Yes, with restrictions based on parking, office hours, and the definition of the business, which are covered in the protective covenants. (see above)
Q. What is included in the $1,250 Initiation Fee?
A. This is a one-time fee that is administered by The Villages HOA and covers many of the anticipated expenses related to the care and maintenance of the common areas at the Villages. The fee is composed of two parts. $300 to an orientation workshop and $950 to the HOA, used for community teams and bugetary purposes. A Sales Representative can give you more detailed information about some of the planned uses of this fee.
Q. Do the Villages have a written Vision and Mission?
A. Yes. The Vision is "The Villages at Crest Mountain is Asheville's landmark ecofriendly, intentional community that emphasizes sustainability, interdependence, diversity, self-reliance and affordability." The Mission of the Villages at Crest Mountain is "to manifest our shared vision by seeking balance among social, economic and environmental values." These values are defined in the Mission, and specific goals are set to help us implement our mission.
Q. What is the status of your development?
A. VCM has a detailed development plan tied to our Vision & Mission with stated short and long-term goals to measure our progress in completing this project. We have recently completed the infastructure for the orchards phase of the community. We believe, because we are debt free, and our infastructure is complete, we are well positioned for ongoing success in the real estate market. When you add our ammenities to the basics of a residential community, we offer a unique and compelling value.
Q. What is your policy about pets?
A. Pets are permitted and their care and maintenance is the responsibility of their owners. A detailed Pet Policy is currently being developed and should available soon.
Q. Is this project primarily for older and/or retired people?
A. No. We are drawing resourceful, energetic residents of all ages who are self-reliant, emotionally mature, able to get along with others in a group situation and share our vision, mission and values. The Villages at Crest Mountain is a family-friendly community.
Q. Are people living in the Villages permitted to have clotheslines?
A. Yes, the Protective Covenants permit umbrella and non-stationary types of clotheslines.
Q. Are residents permitted to have chickens?
A. Yes. VCM follows the City of Asheville's approved guidelines regarding having chickens in your yard. VCM also plans to have an area on the edge of the community designated for urban chicken use. Detailed guidelines are being prepared to inform residents about the Village's standard on raising chickens.