Dear Lorton Valley Residents,

With the coming of spring many outdoor activities begin and there will be an increase of additional lawn mowers and leaf blowers running, kids playing, cookouts and the volume of noise increase. Just a reminder to be cognizant of your activities and being respectful of your neighbors when making noise. Lorton Valley follows the Fairfax County Noise Ordinance which is found at www.fairfaxcounty.gov and searching “noise ordinance”. The non-emergency numbers to contact during daylight work hours are, Code Compliance 703-324-1300 and at night Fairfax Police 703-691-2131.

This ordinance basically does not allow for noise that can be heard through closed doors and windows between 10 pm and 7:00 am Sunday through Tuesday and 11:00 pm and 7:00 am on Friday and Saturdays and the day of federal holidays. Having said this, please monitor the levels of your music during the day and how it affects your neighbors. They may not enjoy the levels that the music is being played. Lawn mowing and leaf blowing make noise and little can be done about this other than the timing. However, volume levels of music can be controlled to respect your neighbors.

A multitude of violation letters have been mailed out recently with the topic being the requirement for keeping Post Lamps operational. This can be something as simple as bulb replacement to having to replace the photo sensor. Keeping the Post Lamp in operational condition includes the following.

-- Replacement of all burned out light bulb(s): If only one bulb is burning and the other 2 or 3 are not, you must replace the burned out bulb(s). Light sources must be “white” or incandescent. High-pressure sodium (yellow-orange) lights are prohibited. Flashing lights of any color are prohibited. LED lights are a great option for their longevity, but should be the lowest possble wattage (15-20 watts) to minimize glare.

--If the light does not come on at night: Replace the photo sensor and or check to see if the GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) is tripped. The GFI controlling the Lamp Post may be found in one of several locations: in the garage on a wall socket outlet; or in the electrical panel breaker box usuually located in the utility room, or on the wall just inside the utility room. If after these possibilities are ruled out, you may have a break in the line and you should contact a professional to repair.

--If a light stays on during the day: Usually signals that you need to replace the photo cell. Photo cell kits are available at any home repair/project store for minimum cost. And are relatively easy to replace.

--If your overall light fixture requires replacing (rusted, broken): You must replace with a new light fixture matching both the fixture being replaced and the light sconce on the side of the house near the main door. (Note: Only replace light fixtures with an existing type, style, size, color and consistency of the old fixture. You may have to go online, find the matching model, and order as most are not found at a local hardware store). Note: If you are still in possession of your original buyers binder, information on the outdoor lights (make, model, etc.) are located there.

Keeping your outdoor lighting in good operating conditions enhances the security of your home and helps in ensuring the well-being of our community as a whole by presenting a well-kept and uniform appearance.

Dear Lorton Valley Residents,

The Lorton Valley Community has many residents with pets in their families. Please curb your pets and keep them on a leash at all times. Dog waste stations are provided throughout the community.

Types of violations to report:


Not picking up and disposing of pet waste
Dog off leash
Dog in Tot Lots


Please report violators with the following information:

Time of sighting
Location
Description of dog & dog walker
Address of offender (this is key for notification)
Photo if possible

Without valid feedback from the community, I cannot issue a notice to the responsible resident. Reporting names will be held confidentially.


Send this information to the Customer Service Center 703.385.1133 or voice mail to me at the same number ext. 516 or email randy.kline@fsresidential.com. or stop by the Onsite Managers Office at the Lorton Valley Community Clubhouse, 9380 Windermere Hill Dr.

For further information on this issue, visit the Lorton Valley Community website at www.lortonvalley.com Thank you for assistance on this issue.

With the coming of the Spring season and longer days, there are more outdoor activities and also a higher potential for accidents. Children in tot lots, basketball on driveways, dog walkers and other outdoor activities tend to be more prevalent and vehicle operators must take additional care watching out for children. Reduce speeds as needed to lower than the 25 mph posted maximum. Stop at all stop signs and don't just slow down and roll through. Watch out for the loose ball in the street that is being chased after. Pay attention to joggers, dog walkers, and pedestrians at all intersections and school bus stops.

Think Safety First!