Frequently Asked Questions

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Architectural Review Committee
  • chevron_rightDo I need permission from the Architectural Review Committee to Repair or Paint my house?
    Repairs that do not alter the exterior appearance of your property do not require ARC approval. These include like-for-like repairs and replacements that do not change the size, texture, type of materials, and/or color of the home.
     
    For changes that alter the appearance of your home, see Residents > Architectural Review for instructions and application forms.
  • chevron_rightDo I need approval before I remove Trees on my property?
    Trees that are either dead or dying do not need prior approval and should, of course, be removed as promptly as possible. If the tree is in the front or side yard, the stump must also be removed and ground. Sod or mulch must be replaced so that there is no evidence of the original tree.
     
    If the tree had been used to mask an area of the property such as pool equipment, then the tree must be replaced as soon as possible. All trees planted in the front or side yards of a property must be approved by the ARC before planting.
Association Dues
Association Rules
  • chevron_rightWhat Yard Signs are permitted?
    The only yard signs permitted are House for Sale signs, political candidate signs, and small congratulatory signs, such as graduation. Permissible signs must be less that 6 square feet in size, and must be removed promptly after an event. Contractor signs or advertising signs are NOT permitted. 
  • chevron_rightMay I hold a Garage Sale?
    You may occasionally advertise and host your own garage sale. Remember that the City of Brentwood and the Princeton Hills HOA prohibit homes from commercial or retail use, so make sure garage sales are not your regular business.
     
    You are warned not to place advertising signs at the entrances until early on weekend mornings. If signs are placed in the easements along public roads on weekdays, the city workers will remove them. They can be retrieved during business hours M-F at Public Works.
     
    If you place advertising on a neighbor's property, ask first. In your newspaper ad or social media advertising, ask that cars be parked on just one side of the street. 
     
    The Princeton Hills HOA advertises and sanctions the Annual Neighborhood Garage Sale on the first Saturday in May.
Mailbox
  • chevron_rightHow do I maintain or replace my Mailbox?
     
    Mailbox Maintenance
     
    Question: What do I do if my mailbox is damaged or needs painting?
     
    Answer: It is the responsibility of each homeowner to maintain his or her own mailbox. The mailbox must match all other mailboxes and shall be kept in good repair and painted glossy black. Approximately every five years, the HOA will repaint all mailboxes to maintain uniform maintenance throughout the neighborhood. In between each painting, it is the responsibility of each homeowner to repair or replace a rusted, damaged or non-functional receptacle box, scrollwork, number plate or post.
     
    Question: What if I just need a new receptacle box or flag, not the pole or number plate?
     
    Answer: If you just need a new receptacle box, it can be purchased at Lowe's and installed yourself. Gibraltar Industries 11.7-in W x 15-in H x 24.8-in D Metal Black Post Mount Mailbox, Item # 217532 Model # ST200B00. The cost is about $57.00.
     
    Question: Can I paint my mailbox myself?
     
    Answer: Yes, it is advisable for residents to periodically maintain their mailboxes. Paulette Walsh keeps the extra paint that matches all the mailboxes. Contact her at 615-497-0049 to pick up a container of paint.
     
    Or, if you choose to purchase your own paint, buy a glossy black paint like the one that was originally used: Sherwin Williams PRO Industrial Urethane Alkyd Enamel, Black. It’s an oil based paint that requires turpentine or paint thinner clean-up.
     
    Question: How do I get my mailbox and post REPLACED if it is destroyed by a vehicle or vandalism?
     
    Answer: All mailboxes in Princeton Hills must match the black metal standard as provided by Jarvis Sign Co., (615)865-6062 or rodney@jarvissigns.com. Jarvis offers complete replacement and installation of the pole, box, number plate, flag and decorative scrollwork. Tell Jarvis that you are a resident of Princeton Hills and that they are our primary vendor for such replacements.
     
    Question: How do I prevent bird droppings from making my mailbox and post look messy?
     
    Answer: After cleaning the box and post, you can use a product called TangleFoot, which is a tube of a sticky substance that must be applied with a caulking gun. You apply the Tanglefoot in a straight line all along the top edge of your post scrollwork and on the ball. This prevents the birds from landing on your mailbox post. Paulette Walsh keeps several tubes of Tanglefoot that belongs to the Association and can be borrowed. Contact Paulette at 616-497-0049 to borrow a tube of Tanglefoot with the caulking gun. NOTE:  This is a controversial topic. Some people believe that the use of Tanglefoot is cruel to the birds because is very, very sticky. A bird might have difficultly flying off the sticky substance. If it gets the product on its wings, it could suffer by not being able to fly. Carefully consider other alternatives before using Tanglefoot.
Safety and Security
  • chevron_rightHow do I report a problem with a street light?
    Nashville Electric Service is responsible for the electrical service and maintenance of street lights in Princeton Hills. If you see a street light that is burned out at night, on during the day, or flickers, please report that to NES on their website https://www.nespower.com/forms/report-a-streetlight-issue/.  You will complete a contact form, state the nearest address to the light post and submit the number found at the bottom of the pole. If you report the light, you can follow up and report it again if it is not fixed within 30 days.
     
     
     
  • chevron_rightDoes Princeton Hills have Video Cameras?
    Video Cameras
     
    Mindful of neighborhood car break-ins and burglaries in the greater Brentwood community, your Princeton Hills Board of Directors arranged for video surveillance cameras to be installed, along with signage alerting visitors to our neighborhood's 24-hour video surveillance. Since the installation of the surveillance cameras in 2013, the number of reported car and home incidents in our neighborhood has been dramatically reduced. It is our hope that, in conjunction with the Neighborhood Watch initiative, this addition will make our neighborhood safer and more secure for years to come.
     
    Residents with login credentials can learn more about the video cameras at Residents > Security.
  • chevron_rightHow should I handle Solicitors?
    Solicitors
     
    Does the City of Brentwood have a law regarding solicitors?
    • For other than religious groups, a solicitor's permit is required for both profit and non-profit organizations to solicit door-to-door in the City of Brentwood.
    Why does the City of Brentwood have a law regarding soliciting?
    • The law is in place to keep residents safe by screening people who approach residents' homes on private property. 
    A solicitor from a religious organization told me that he does not need a permit. Is that true?
    • That is true. Religious organizations are exempt from our city requirement to have solicitor permits, as protected by federal law. You may choose whether or not to answer your door.
    How does a solicitor get a permit?
    • Permits must be obtained through an application process through the City of Brentwood Business Clerk.
    How are solicitors to know about the soliciting rules in Princeton Hills?
    • Princeton Hills has posted 'No Soliciting' signs at both entrances.
    What should I do if a solicitor comes to my home?
    • If a solicitor comes to your door, the Princeton Hills board members request that you do not answer your door. If you have a glass door and they can see you through the door, keep the door closed and ask to see their soliciting permit. They are required to show it to you if you ask. They are not required to continually display their permit or wear an ID badge on their lapel. If your curiosity gets the best of you, or if you meet a solicitor while you are outdoors, please ask immediately to see their permit for soliciting. If they do not have a permit, ask them to leave the neighborhood and call the police at 615-371-0160.
    How can my neighbors and I discourage solicitors?
    • Remember what your mother taught you: DO NOT OPEN YOUR DOOR TO STRANGERS. You really don't know if a person will barge in to harm you. The best way to discourage solicitors is not open your home to them. If a solicitor knocks on ten doors and ten people ask for their permit, do not open the door and send them away, then the solicitor will leave and try another area.
    What else can I do to discourage solicitors?
    • Post a small label or professionally lettered small sign on your door or near your door bell.” No Soliciting” or “This is a No Soliciting Neighborhood” would be appropriate.
  • chevron_rightWhat is the Neighborhood Watch Program?
    Neighborhood Watch
    What is the purpose of Neighborhood Watch?
    • The program is a partnership between the neighborhood and the police department for the purpose of increasing awareness and prevention of crime. Neighbors are extra eyes and ears for the police department.
    • Our Neighborhood Watch Captain will send periodic emails that offer security reminders, tips, alerts and crime reports.
    How can I foster awareness and action with the Neighborhood Watch program?
    • Wave your hand to greet everyone who drives into our neighborhood. That lets visitors know that you are aware and watching. It also fosters friendliness and cooperation among neighbors.
    What should I do if I seen something suspicious?
    • CALL the Brentwood Police immediately. The non-emergency number is 371-0160.
    What if I hear a car alarm or house alarm for more than 30 seconds?
    • Call the Brentwood Police immediately at 371-0160.
    How can I prevent theft from my vehicle parked overnight in my driveway?
    • Do not store any valuables in your car, ever.
    • Lock your car.
    • Leave your eave lights shining on the car during the night.
    • Use motion lights around the perimeter of your home.
    How can I prevent burglary of my home?
    • Lock your doors and windows.
    • Set your security alarm system, day and night.
    • Set timers to operate lights and sounds at irregular intervals.
    • Do not discuss travel plans with workers in your home.
    • Do not announce travel plans on social media.
    How can the police department help me to prevent crime at my home?
    • Ask the Brentwood Police to come to your home for their FREE Home Security Survey. They will offer personalized ideas to improve the security of your home.
    Who can I contact within my neighborhood with questions about Neighborhood Watch?
    • Our Neighborhood Watch Captain for Princeton Hills is John Lynch at (615) 406-5018 or JLynch@pthgroup.com.
Trash and Recycling
  • chevron_rightWhat are the Trash Collection Policies?
    Garbage Collection Policies
    Garbage collection is paid for by your homeowners’ association dues. Bi-weekly, back door service is meant to collect normal family trash and not special event, large item or clean-out trash.  
     
    1) Please have ALL garbage BAGGED AND TIED in your own plastic bags with any size can. This is for the cleanliness of your neighborhood and the safety of our workers.
    2) You may put out up to 3 large black trash bags or one 96-gallon trash bin.
    3) There will be an additional charge of $15 for garbage in excess of 96 gallons or 3 bags, which will be billed directly to the homeowner.
    4) Please put garbage by your garage before 7:00 am for collection on Mondays & Thursdays.
    5) Contract with your local junk hauler service for clean outs and junk removal.
    5) We are NOT able to haul away the following items:
    o Tires, Paint, Oils, Batteries, Medical Waste, Construction Materials
     
     
    Holiday Schedule – Office and operations closed
    If your collection day falls on one of the holidays, your pick up will be on the next scheduled day,
    or the following Saturday, whichever comes first.
     
    New Year’s Day.   Memorial Day.   Independence Day.   Labor Day.   Thanksgiving Day.   Christmas Day
     
    If you have any questions, concerns or a missed pick up, please contact us right away:
    ELITE Sanitation, Franklin, Tennessee
    Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
    (615) 626-4146
    info@elitesanitation.com
  • chevron_rightWhat items can be Recycled?
    Princeton Hills does not offer recycling service.
     
    If you are committed to recycling, you may take sorted recyclables to any Williamson County Convenience Center.
     
    Metal Cans - Please empty and rinse aluminum, tin, and steel cans
    Plastic – Please empty, rinse and flatten ONLY types #1 and #2. 
    Mixed Paper - paper, newspaper, magazines, paperback books, junk mail, non-metallic gift wrap
    Mixed Cardboard - Flatten brown corrugated cardboard, gray fiber cardboard, cardboard egg cartons, brown paper bags
    Glass Bottles and Jars – Please empty, clean and sort into Clear, Green/Blue, Brown
     
    Nearest Collection Site:
    Brentwood Recycling Center and Goodwill Donation Center
    1301 Wilson Pike, Brentwood, TN 37027
     
    Nearby Collection Site:
    Grassland Convenience Center and Goodwill Donation Center
    (accepts recycling, trash, yard waste, construction waste, demolition waste, metal, motor oil
    1495 Sneed Road (at Hillsboro)
    Franklin, TN 37069
  • chevron_rightHow do I dispose of Yard Waste?
    Yard Waste Policies
    We suggest three options to help you dispose of your leaves, clippings, weeds, limbs, and branches.
    ** Do not mix garbage or food with yard waste, for it will contaminate the composting process.**
     
    1) For monthly collection, the City of Brentwood will collect your yard waste in paper landscape bags, as well as tree/brush limbs during the first week of each month. The limbs must be stacked in your yard near the curb with the cut ends toward the street. Tree branches must be less than 6 inches in diameter so they will fit into the chipper. The paper bags of natural yard clippings should be folded closed and placed near the limbs. The homeowner must sweep the street after the yard waste is collected. The city composts yard waste to use in city parks and there is no fee for this government service.
     
    2) For immediate yard waste disposal, county residents may take yard waste to the Williamson County Convenience Center at 1495 Sneed Road West (near Hillsboro Road) in Brentwood. If you use plastic bags, the yard waste must be emptied into the designated bin without the plastic. Or, if you use paper landscape bags, you can toss the whole bag into the bin. Limbs and branches can be tossed into the bin.
     
    3) Your privately hired landscaper should haul away all clippings, leaves and branches that their work produces.