River Hills Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up to receive communications from the Association, such as General Manager e-blasts and emergency text alerts? If you wish to receive GM e-blasts and/or emergency text messages from the River Hills Community Association, contact the River Hills Community Association office at 803-831-8214.
Who should I call if I have a problem or concern and need Security assistance? Dial 911 to report any emergency. Contact River Hills Security directly at 803-831-8714 or 803-656-5066 if you have a non-emergency issue.
Who should I call if I need the River Hills/Lake Wylie Emergency Squad: For medical emergencies, you should call 911; River Hills/Lake Wylie EMS will respond when dispatched.
Why do security guards in River Hills carry firearms? River Hills Security Officers are licensed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and have similar authority to a sheriff in River Hills. While we hope that there is never a need for one of our officers to use a firearm except for training, there are times when a law enforcement officer is called upon to defend themselves or others, even in River Hills.
How can Security issue citations to drivers on River Hills roads and private property? River Hills Security Officers are licensed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and have similar authority to a sheriff in River Hills. This means they have authority to issue state citations for offenses in River Hills. Even though our community is gated, the roads are state-dedicated, and all South Carolina traffic laws must be observed.
The West Gate is more convenient to my house than the Front Gate. Can I arrange for my guests to come in the West Gate? No, only vehicles that have a River Hills bar code may enter using the West Gate. All other vehicles may only enter River Hills using the Front Gate.
My golf cart has lights; can I drive the golf cart on River Hills roads after dark? No, in River Hills, golf carts may only be used in daylight hours. This is true even if the golf cart has lights. Also, remember that all golf carts used on River Hills roads must be registered in South Carolina and with River Hills.
Can my teenage son/daughter operate my golf cart? What if an adult is also in the golf cart? Only persons over the age of 16 may operate a golf cart in River Hills. This is true regardless of who is in the golf cart.
Some country club cart path intersections have stop signs for golf carts. Do I need to stop my car and let them cross? What about golfers with push carts? You should stop for any pedestrian or golf cart crossing the road. Golfers with push carts are considered pedestrians. Many crossings at the golf course have stop signs for golf carts, and they should stop and cross when it is safe to do so. Regardless of who has a stop sign or right of way in this situation, the important thing is that everyone is safe. When you are coming to a crossing, slow down and check for pedestrians and golf carts getting ready to cross. Be Safe.
Why can’t I park a vehicle or trailer in my yard? Parking vehicles and trailers in your yard is not permitted because it’s not the “look” we want to permit in River Hills. If you need more parking space than you have on your property, there are several local options for temporary parking.
I have some guests at my house but there is no room for them to park in my driveway. Where can they park overnight? There are several possible options for temporary additional parking. Refer to the River Hills Traffic and Parking Rules. If you make arrangements for parking, be sure to advise Security, as officers patrol most parking areas.
Why do I have to park with two wheels off the pavement in River Hills? Many roads in River Hills are relatively narrow. In order to ensure that roads are clear for two-way traffic, parking must be done with two wheels off pavement.
My neighbor is making too much noise. What can I do? The first thing to do is talk to your neighbor and let him or her know. If you cannot resolve the issue directly, you may contact the River Hills Security office at 803-831-8714 to report the problem.
What should I do when driving in River Hills and am behind a golf cart/bicycle going too slowly? Vehicles such as golf carts and bicycles must be operated on the road. It is true they generally travel at a lower speed than other vehicles, but please extend all courtesy to others when you are traveling in River Hills (and elsewhere, for that matter). If you are operating a golf cart or bicycle and see a vehicle behind you, when it is safe to do so, pull over to the side of the road and let traffic pass. If you are in a motor vehicle and are following a golf cart or bicycle, be patient. When you have a safe opportunity, such as if the slower vehicle pulls over to the right side and signals you to pass, pass the golf cart or bicycle SLOWLY, giving it at least three feet of clearance.
I live in River Hills. Why can’t I use facilities at the marina or country club? The marina and country club are not owned or operated by the River Hills Community Association. You may opt to join and have privileges at these facilities but these are not included solely for being a River Hills resident.
Why can’t residents walk on the country club cart paths? What if I am a member of River Hills Country Club? Only active golfers may walk on the River Hills Country Club cart paths. This is true even if you are a member of the club. The reason for this is due to the potential hazard of being struck by a golf ball.
How do I obtain a permit to remove, replace, or improve my house, driveway, walkway, or landscape? You must file an application for a permit with the River Hills Community Association. Depending upon the work for which a permit is requested, the office may issue the permit or, for more significant requests, the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) must review and approve. ARC applications are available in the RHCA office or on the RH website (riverhills.com). The schedule for ARC application deadlines and review is printed monthly in the River Hills “Neighbor.”
I need to remove a tree. Do I need a permit to do that? What if the tree is near Lake Wylie? If you must remove a tree on your property, you must obtain a permit from River Hills unless the tree (a) measures less than six (6) inches in diameter measured three (3) feet from the ground or (b) is within ten (10) feet of your principal residence or accessory structure. Applications are available at the RHCA office and on the website. If the tree is in the fifty (50) foot buffer established by York County around Lake Wylie, you must also obtain a permit from York County and/or Duke Power. Please see https://www.yorkcountygov.com for more information.
What can I do if the Association or the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) will not issue a permit? If your application is rejected by ARC, you will be informed why it was not approved. You may revise your application to meet any objection by ARC or file an appeal, which will be heard by the HOA Board.
I want to have a garage sale to get rid of some stuff. Can I do that if I obtain an Estate Sale permit? If your planned sale is conducted as stated in the Estate Sale rule, you may apply for a permit. You cannot place items for sale outside your residence; this includes on your driveway or yard. Please contact the RHCA office for additional information, as well as information regarding real estate open houses.
I need to speak to someone on the Board about a question or concern I have. Who should I contact? The contact information for Board members is published in River Hills “Neighbors,” along with the functional area for which they are responsible. While you should feel free to contact a Board member, you should first try to address your concern with the River Hills General Manager.
Who should I contact if I have a question about the River Hills financial report and budget? You should first try contacting the River Hills General Manager to see if your question(s) can be answered. If you still need answers, you may contact the Board member responsible for the Finance Committee.
I am a property owner in River Hills. Can I attend a Board meeting or a committee meeting? Yes, a property owner may attend Board meetings provided a timely request is made to do so as required by the Covenants Article V Section 11.F.
I have a question or complaint about the Association. Who should I contact? You may speak to the River Hills General Manager or any Board member.
Who should I contact if there is a large pothole on my street or in a walking path? What about a street light that is burned out? Please contact the River Hills Community Association office at 803-831-8214 to report the pothole or burned out light.
Why doesn’t the Association monitor and post on Nextdoor? While many residents communicate and read posts on Nextdoor, it is a social media site. River Hills utilizes its website www.riverhills.com and other means to communicate with residents. Residents may choose to participate on Nextdoor, but the River Hills Community Association does not monitor or post on that website.
How long can I continue to display holiday decorations after the holiday? You may enjoy your holiday decorations for up to 14 days after the holiday. They must be removed after 14 days.
My mailbox needs to be replaced. How can I arrange to do that? You can arrange for a new mailbox by contacting the River Hills Community Association office and placing an order. There is a fee for a new mailbox, which must be paid prior to mailbox order placement. You may also contact the RHCA office for new house number signs and to see sample acceptable exterior paint colors.
