​Hello! Thanks for your interest in Scatchet Head


If you're new to our community, or are interested in buying property and becoming a member of our vibrant community, you’ve probably got a lot of questions. We have gathered the most frequently asked questions for you.    If you do not see what you are looking for here please contact us.

Are there fees or assessments? Yes, the most common are: 
•Trustees develop the club’s yearly budget in April for approval by members in July. The budget determines the amount of the annual assessment.
  • The 2022 annual assessment is $456.  2023 will be $470. 
    • Assessment statements are mailed in December, with payment due January 1; becoming delinquent January 31.
    • Full payment by the due date is preferred, however, members in good standing may elect to pay on a four-month, no-interest program.
    • Members who do not pay in full by January 31 or who have not enrolled in the payment program are assessed monthly penalties and interest on their unpaid balance.
  • A title transfer fee (assessed and paid during escrow) is $55.
  • Replacement cost of a key card is $55. 
  • Replacement cost of a parking hanger is $5 
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What privileges do my annual assessment grant me? 
  • Access to: 
    • One of Puget Sound’s most spectacular beaches
    • A clubhouse with a large meeting room with new furniture with a full kitchen.
      • Rentable at no charge with a security deposit. 
    • Heated, enclosed pool during summer months 
    • Use of tennis, basketball, pickleball courts with equipment available for no-charge rent. 
  • Community social events
Which companies provide utilities? 
• Septic Systems on most homes are the responsibility of each owner.
  • More information about home septic systems is available through Island County.
  • Certain properties along Driftwood Drive are served by a private sewer district that has the authority to assess charges for maintenance and repairs. 
• Electrical service is provided by Puget Sound Energy.
• Water service  is provided by the Scatchet Head Water District.   
  • The district is separate from the Scatchet Head Community Club. It contracts with King Water  for billing and maintenance.
  • If your lot has water service, you will be billed a minimum amount each quarter, even if you may not have had the water turned on to your property. 
• Telephone and internet services are primarily provided by Whidbey Telecom.
  • Other television and internet service providers are available. Check with vendors for specific information.

Who maintains the roads/streets? 
  • Most streets in Scatchet Head are county roads with maintenance and repairs provided by Island County.
  • George Drive (below the SHCC entrance gates) and Driftwood Drive are owned by the club and maintenance is a community responsibility. 
  • Harpoon Road and Whales Tale Lane are private streets and maintenance is the responsibility of property owners on those streets.

How do I get inside to use the clubhouse, pool? 
  • All members are issued a keycard which grants access into the buildings during open hours.
  • Keycards are for members only and may not be shared.
  • Cards will be turned off if a member falls out of good standing.

​Do I need a parking pass? 
A SHCC parking hanger with a current year decal is required to park along Driftwood Drive.  Those without proper permits may be cited and towed at their expense. 
  • Members are issued an initial hanger when purchasing their property.  Yearly decals are issued after each year's assessment has been paid.  
  • Guest passes are available through the office for member's visitors. 

Are there any special restrictions on building  or land use within Scatchet Head Community? 
  • All available lots in Scatchet Head are reserved for single-family dwellings.
  • The minimum home size is 900 square feet. (The board has no authority to provide exceptions to this minimum.)
  • If you plan to build a home (or structure more than 30-square feet) your plans must be approved by the club’s Architecture and Plats Committee.
    • Approval usually takes one to two weeks, 
    • Members can download an application from the SHCC website.
    • Prospective owners can contact the office for an application. 
    • Once approval is granted, owners have one year to complete construction, including outside painting.
  • There are no impact (or other construction) fees assessed by the club, however, owners considering building along waterfront property should be aware additional permits (Shoreline, EPA) may be required because of the location near Puget Sound.
  • Set backs and additional restrictions may apply from our CC&R or Island County ordinances. Some more common ones are:
    • No building or structure shall be built closer than 20 feet from the front property line.
    • On corner lots, no building or structure can be closer than 10 feet to the side property line abutting the street right-of-way. 
    • No residential building shall be built within the rear 20 feet of any lot. 
    • No building or structure shall be built closer than five feet to any side property line.
  
Are there other HOA restrictions I need to be aware of?  
SHCC governing documents are available on our Documents page.  
Members agree to follow all covenants, conditions, and restrictions.  They are also asked to follow Island County Building Code, the Island County Electrical Code, the Island County Plumbing Code, the Island County Fire Code, and the Rules and Regulations of the Island County Health Department.  Failure to do so may result in fines and fees being assessed, and or legal action towards your property.  

Does the Community have a Reserve Study?  
Yes,  We are required by the State of WA to file an annual comprehensive reserve study.  Community members have access under the Members Only section.