Highland Hills Property Owners' Association

A private lake community in Highlands, North Carolina

Next annual meeting: Saturday, July 18, 2026 · 10:00 AM · Highlands Recreation Center

Meeting details ↓

Welcome

Highland Hills is a private residential community of 56 lots in Highlands (Macon County), North Carolina, set among wooded hills around Apple Lake.

The Highland Hills Property Owners' Association, Inc. — a North Carolina nonprofit established in 1999 — maintains the community's private roads and common areas, administers community standards, and keeps owners informed. Every lot owner is a member of the association.

Contacts

Each address below reaches whoever currently holds that role. Use the one that matches your question.

president@highlandhillspoa.com General inquiries about the community and the association.
treasurer@highlandhillspoa.com Dues, payments, and financial questions.
arc@highlandhillspoa.com Architectural Review Committee: exterior changes, paint, additions, fences, and tree removal.

By mail: Highland Hills POA, P.O. Box 1844, Highlands, NC 28741.

Meetings

Annual meeting of members

Saturday, July 18, 2026, 10:00 AM
Highlands Recreation Center, 600 North 4th Street, Highlands, NC 28741

The board also meets quarterly. Written notice is sent by mail or email before each meeting — please keep your contact information current with the association.

For agendas or past meeting minutes, email president@highlandhillspoa.com.

Dues

Annual dues (current year)
Improved lot — $544.50
Unimproved lot — $199.65
Assessment year
Calendar year (January–December).
Due date
May 1
How to pay
By check payable to "Highland Hills POA," mailed to P.O. Box 1844, Highlands, NC 28741.

Unpaid dues become delinquent 30 days after the due date, accrue interest at a rate set by the Board, and can become a lien on the lot (per the Declaration). Questions about your account: treasurer@highlandhillspoa.com.

Documents

Governing documents and forms for the community. (Each link opens a PDF.)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need approval before changing the outside of my home?

Yes — written approval is required before you start. All new construction and any change to a structure's exterior — including paint color, roofing, siding, windows, fences, walls, outbuildings, gates, generators, LP tanks, pole-mounted lighting or signage, driveways and other hardscape, changes to ground elevation or drainage, and tree removal — must be approved in writing by the ARC or Board before work begins. Verbal descriptions are not accepted. Submit the ARC Architectural Review Application (see Documents) by email to arc@highlandhillspoa.com, and allow up to 30 days for a reply. Starting or finishing work without approval may result in a fine and an order to undo the change, even if it would have been approved.

Impact fees (subject to change):

  • New home construction — three-fourths of one percent of cost, $2,500 minimum, plus $250 per roll-off container.
  • Major improvement (over $25,000) — three-fourths of one percent, $1,000 minimum, plus $250 per roll-off container.
  • Minor improvement (under $25,000) — $500 flat, plus $250 per roll-off container.
  • Painting — no fee (color must be ARC-approved).
  • Roof replacement — no fee unless a dumpster is used ($250 each).
  • Tree removal — $50 per tree over 6 in. in diameter, up to a $350 maximum (waived if a construction fee is being paid); trees under 6 in. and dead or dangerous trees are free, but email arc@highlandhillspoa.com first.

How should I handle trash?

Keep trash receptacles secured in a screened area that is not visible from the road (or use an underground or comparable enclosure). If you use a pickup service, it is your responsibility to make sure cans are secured and returned to their storage area. Do not burn trash, garbage, or refuse anywhere in the community.

Where can I park?

Do not park on the roadsides or pull-over areas — Highland Hills roads are narrow and winding. Each home must provide off-street parking for at least two vehicles. If you need extra space for guests on a special occasion, arrange to use a neighbor's driveway or parking area. Golf carts are allowed on the private roads; off-road motorcycles and any vehicle under 5 horsepower (not street-legal) are not.

Are pets allowed?

Household pets are allowed. Livestock and other non-household animals are not permitted, and no pet or activity may create a nuisance for neighbors.

Can I rent out my home?

Yes, with conditions. You may lease your home as a vacation rental provided the lease covers the entire dwelling and runs at least 4 consecutive days (January 1–April 30) or at least 7 consecutive days (May 1–December 31). All leases must be in writing and must state that tenants and occupants are bound by the Declaration, its amendments, and the By-Laws. You are responsible for your tenants' and guests' compliance with community rules.

What is the speed limit?

The speed limit on Highland Hills roads is 16 mph. Residents walk the roads and children play, so please slow down.

Can I use Apple Lake?

Highland Hills owners may use Apple Lake for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. Access is by the designated path through Lot 19 (an easement); Lot 19 and its dock are privately owned — please stay on the path, carry out any trash, and do not use the dock. Motorized boats are not allowed, and the community does not provide boat storage. Use the lake at your own risk.

Helpful numbers

Local services and contacts for the community. Area code 828 unless noted · on a phone, tap a number to call.

Macon County

Highlands (town & community)

Utilities

Health