FAQ’s

This is probably the most common concern or question. We ask that first of all, neighbors communicate with neighbors about trees they’d like to take down, or about trees that are being taken down. If are wondering if a neighbor has one have a permit, ask them first. You may also take a look at the county website that will tell you if they have acquired a permit or not (you’ll need the address) or you can call the county at (206) 296-6680, provide the address and they will check for a permit. If you need a permit, begin also with this number.

Fence plans must be submitted to the Architectural committee for approval. They do not need to be done professionally, but should be of enough detail to define the location of the fence relative to other structures, property lines, driveways, roads, etc. A description of the fence design and dimensions is also required. Examples of acceptable fencing materials include split rail, cedar plank, and picket fences. Fence designs are expected to be in visual harmony with the residence and surrounding residences, and comply with current King County building codes.

Approval of all submitted fence plans will be made in writing by the Architectural Committee under the letterhead of the Mirrormont Community Association, will specifically reference the property affected, and will describe those conditions under which approval has been granted.

Sheds and other temporary structures do not generally require an official approval from the architectural committee, provided that the design does not contain: a) a concrete foundation, or b) living space. It is a good idea to match the shed materials to the house, or make other aesthetically positive choices. Another option to consider is the use of planted screenings between your new shed and the view of your neighbors. This thought is often greatly appreciated.

The Mirrormont Country Club is a separate organization from the Mirrormont Community Association. We have however provided information about the Club on our website as a courtesy as many people get the two confused

Report reckless driving or habitual speeders to King County Sheriff non emergency number. Report to the Mirrormont Website Blockwatch.

Report any suspicion of a crime to the King County sheriff to either the non emergency report number or dial 911, depending on the incident.

Report incidents after the fact to the Mirrormont Website Blockwatch and to the to the King County non emergency number.

Gardeners can grow all organic vegetables, not just peas — or anything else, except noxious weeds, trees and large shrubs.

The Pea Patch is 105 x 65 ft. It contains twenty-four 8-ft x 4-ft raised beds, three 8-ft x 8-ft plots, and eleven 8-ft- x 16-ft plots. One of the raised beds is devoted to a Junior Gardener program. A common area contains compost piles, tool shed, chairs, and picnic tables. If there is great interest, we could explore the potential for expanding in the future. The plot size of other community gardens varies from 80 sq ft to 400 sq ft.

Any member of the Mirrormont Community Association may apply for a plot. The plots were originally assigned on a first-come-first-served basis, with preference given to those who volunteered to establish the garden. There is currently a waiting list. Contact Linda Shepherd at peapatch@mirrormont.org to be placed on the waiting list.

Healthy food to share: Many Mirrormont residents love to grow vegetables without sacrificing trees to get the sun to grow beans and broccoli. Gardeners share their vegetables with friends and neighbors. One family has pledged all the produce from their plot to go to the Issaquah Food Bank.

Community building: The Pea Patch has been weaving more community as we’ve met new neighbors at our meetings, work parties, and potlucks. Gardeners and volunteers talk while working; people stop by on their walks to ask what’s happening. Gardeners enjoy exchanging seeds and seedlings, sharing food, and having potlucks made from the abundance of the garden. The garden is open to anyone who would like to walk through and see what’s growing throughout the year.

Education: The Pea Patch is a place to learn together about growing food. Gardeners are exchanging information about what works and what doesn’t in our microclimate. We plan to bring in speakers for events open to all Mirrormont residents. We have a program for Junior Gardeners to teach about the magic of seeds and the process of growing food.

In 2009, we received a $10,000 Small Grant from Community Partnerships & Grants (CPG). Only previous partners were eligible, and the MCA qualified based on the success of the CPG-funded Mirrormont Park. With partnership grants, funds must be matched with sweat equity and other donations. Our contributions made possible a project that wouldn’t be feasible with the grant money alone. The P-Patch Trust in Seattle generally budgets $15,000 to start a typical pea patch. Mirrormont volunteers worked over 2340 hours (worth $35,100) through 2010 to create the garden. In addition, professionals donated 43 hours (worth $6450), and we received $9172-worth of in-kind donations, such as Cedar Grove Vegetable Garden Mix, shingles for the shed, a workbench, and burlap bags for sheet-mulching. All in all, we matched over five times the amount of the grant, which demonstrates that the King County’s partnership-grant strategy effectively stretches the buying-power of taxpayer money.

There is an annual fee to cover water and basic maintenance. Proceeds of our Annual Plant Sale go toward garden projects and joint purchases. Seattle’s program charges an annual application fee of $23, plus $11 for each 100 sq ft gardened ($34 for 100 sq ft). See the posted Application Form for the current fee structure for Mirrormont.

The Pea Patch Committee has Garden Rules for maintaining the garden. One rule is that each gardener is required to contribute 8 hours annually to maintaining the common space (aside from their plot).