Page 23 - Waterview Cluster_FR.March2023

HVAC Unit

Homeowners in Waterview, and several other clusters, are required to use the cooling system known as RELAC. The system,
installed in 1963 during the original phase of construction around Lake Anne, is maintained by a private utility and uses water
from the lake to chill fluid that circulates into homes in the Lake Anne area. Please refer to the cluster website for current
information about RELAC.
For residents considering the temporary installation of an independent cooling unit, refer to RA’s Use and Maintenance Standards
Resolution 15; Air-Conditioning Units/RELAC HVAC System. To be temporarily released from the prohibitions of the RELAC
Covenant, homeowners who seek to install an independent cooling system must provide documentation to the RA Covenants
Committee establishing that a resident of the home is eligible for an accommodation under the applicable fair housing laws.
They must obtain prior approval from the Design Review Board for any addition, alteration or improvement to their lot
pursuant to Article VI, Section VI.1 (c) (1) and (2) of the Amended Reston Deed. Homeowners requesting a temporary
exemption from the prohibitions of the RELAC Covenant must agree, as a condition of approval, that RA will file a Notice of
Violation on their lot and that the notice will be released when the supplemental cooling system is removed.

Installation of a supplemental air conditioning system, that includes an exterior mounted condensing unit, is permissible when
special approval is obtained from the Reston Association Covenants Committee.

Once an exception is received, all supplemental air conditioning units require DRB review and approval on a case-by-case
basis.

It is generally preferred that supplemental units be located at an inside corner, where the perpendicular party wall of an
adjoining residence is offset beyond the residence served by the new unit. For lake-side homes, the supplemental unit should
not be located on the lake-side elevation, and that landscaping may be added, but is not required.

The applicant shall indicate any proposed relocation of existing utility meters on their application. In addition, the following
stipulations apply:

• that the unit be selected from a manufacturer (Rheem, Lenox or other cluster board-approved equal) that provides an
external condensing unit fitted with a compressor sound blanket to provide quiet operation;
• that the unit be rated to produce a maximum of 72 decibels for a single stage unit and a maximum of 72 decibels for
each phase of a two-stage compressor;
• that a screen be installed to enclose the external compressor so as to mitigate the visual impact of the unit;
• that the screen be constructed of 2x2 pickets and top runners, 2x8 top caps, and 4x4 posts;
• that the pickets, top runners and top caps be clear, kiln-dried cedar or redwood;
• that the posts be pressure treated wood;
• that the screen be finished with paint or solid stain to match brick;
• that the height of the enclosure screen be adequate to screen the unit, but not taller than the sill of an adjacent
window, and not taller than necessary to screen the unit;
• that the overall dimensions of the screen be no larger than required to provide manufacturer-recommended
clearances; and
• that the face of the enclosure screen wall that abuts the adjoining residence not precisely align with, nor protrude,
beyond the offset of the adjoining residence.

https://www.rheem.com/products/heating_and_cooling/air_conditioners
https://www.lennox.com/products/heating-cooling/air-conditioners