|
FAQs
What is unique about The Dunes at Westport in comparison to similar developments in Westport?
It is being developed on previously undeveloped land.
The density of development
is lower, with only 6 lots on a 12-acre plat without any further subdivision.
All lots are one-plus acres.
The entry road traverses natural forest habitat and two designated Category 2 wetlands.
The orientation
of the ocean view lots is east-west rather than north-south.
The ocean view lots have view protection.
The design covenants will create the look of a traditional Northwest beach development.
Covenant
restrictions will retain and maintain 10 of the 12 acres as a natural environment.
Where
is the Western boundary of the 3 oceanfront lots?
The edge of the line of vegetation is the
boundary. The lots are expanding through the process of accretion.
Who owns accretion rights to the land?
The owners of the 3 oceanfront lots.
As an oceanfront lot owner, can I build as close as I
want to the ocean?
No, because of environmental restrictions, safety concerns, and an
agreement with adjacent property owners, the building pads and lines of conformity have been established for the
oceanfront lots. These building pads and lines of conformity prevent a variety of building setbacks as seen on many of
Washington's beaches. Pre-established corridors between the oceanfront cottages also provide view protection for the
ocean view lots.
Have the ocean view building pads also
been established?
Yes. Established building pads were created to maximize the ocean view.
These ocean view lots also will have a Western line of conformity.
Can I build any size or style of home?
No. The Dunes at Westport is a development
of modestly sized beach cottages (1500-3000 square feet, including detached garage). Acceptable styles are "Northwest
Cape Cod," bungalow, or farm house beach cottages for both dunes; or Northwest cabins on the forest dunes. All cottages
will have wood or wood-look-alike shingles or board-and-baton siding stained in a wood tone, with metal or wood-look-alike
roofs. Oceanfront cottages have a height restriction of 28 feet; ocean view cottages have a height restriction of 36 feet. See
Architectural Styles tab for examples.
What is the view protection
for the ocean view lots?
In addition to the established view corridors between the oceanfront
cottages, there is a view maintenance plan as part of the approved Army Corps of Engineers' wetland mitigation plan that allows
trimming of the trees to protect views.
What utilities are available?
Water and underground power, telephone, and cable are available. There is no sewer line; each lot will
have its own septic system. As each lot is sold, the developer will install a septic tank at no additional cost. Other
utility connections will be the responsibility of individual owners. There is no natural gas available. Owners who elect
to utilize propane will be responsible for that cost and required to bury the tank to conceal it from public view.
If The Dunes at Westport is an environmentally sensitive development, why have several
non-building areas been cleared?
Shore Pine Lane traverses wetland areas. Three areas
have been excavated to provide new wetlands to replace the wetland area taken up by road construction. The newly excavated
areas have been replanted. The wetland areas are really lovely--either dry or filled with water. Photos are available under
the Site Development Photos tab.
Is the site likely to flood?
Historically, State Highway 105 (Forrest Street) has flooded during record rainfall. Flooding could result in water over
Highway 105 and the entrance to The Dunes at Westport. However, Shore Pine Lane has been designed to exceed recorded flood
elevations.
Will there be a maintenance fee?
Yes, The Dunes at Westport Home Owners Association (HOA) will be responsible for maintaining the (a) designated wetland
areas (including temporary irrigation of new plantings), (b) utilities, (c) private roads (Shore Pine Lane and Sea Mist
Lane), (d) beach access easement, (e) entry gate, and (f) street lighting; and for conducting mosquito abatement. The
HOA fee has not yet been established, but likely will be in excess of $100 per month.
How
will ocean view owners access the beach?
There is an established walking easement between
lots 5 and 6. Additionally, each ocean view owner will have a designated, temporary parking place on Shore Pine Lane
to facilitate beach access.
Will the public be restricted from accessing the beach?
Yes. The Dunes at Westport is a gated community.
Is
driving permitted on the beach in front of The Dunes at Westport?
Yes, but it is limited.
Beach driving in front of The Dunes at Westport is prohibited during the peak visitor season (between April 15 and
Labor Day each year). Driving is permitted at other times, but the sand is very soft and driving access to the beach at
Twin Harbors State Park has been closed indefinitely. You'll find there is not much vehicle traffic.
|
