There are approximately 1,975 private homes and 230 vacant lots that comprise the 2,200 member units of Highland Lakes. The Club is governed by an elected, 17-member Voting Board. The Club’s members are further governed by By-Laws and Rules and Regulations. The General Manager is supported by year-round administrative, maintenance, and security staff. The employee roster grows significantly during the summer months as lifeguards and recreational aides join the staff.
INITIATION FEES AND TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP
All new owners of property in Highland Lakes, at the time title to the property is acquired, are obligated to pay a $2,000.00 Initiation Fee to the Club. CONTACT the Club Office before changing the ownership of the property to confirm whether an Initiation Fee will become due.
Some examples of a change of ownership are:
- Typical Real Estate transaction with a buyer and seller.
- Adding a person to a deed (i.e spouse, child, or relative).
- Transferring from a Trust to an individual or vise versa.
Rules & Regulations
The Rules and Regulations document is one of the official governing documents of Highland Lakes Country Club and Community Association (the Club). It is intended to establish common standards of conduct, promote harmony and guard against discord, annoyance, disorder, interloping, disturbance, trespass, and infringement upon the peaceful enjoyment of the community by members and residents. The Rules and Regulations apply to all members, residents, and their guests and invitees.
Renting Your Property
If you intend to rent your Highland Lakes home to others at any time, please note that the Club and Vernon Township have adopted certain rules and ordinances applicable to both long and short-term rentals. The Club’s Rental Policy is available for viewing or download on the Member’s Portal or by calling the Club Office. For questions concerning Vernon Township rental ordinances, please call 973-764-4055.
Annual Dues
2024 Annual Dues: $1,410.00
2024 Annual Dues Lot Owners: $946.00
Members are obligated to the Club for the payment of the annual dues and assessments that are charged for every house and vacant lot in Highland Lakes. For those who own a home, payment of the annual dues and assessments entitles members to all of the privileges of membership, including membership badges and boating, docking, and parking permits for owners and those residing in their household. There is an additional charge for membership badges and permits for lot owners. Daily wristbands are available for purchase by members for their guests to use the Club’s beaches and recreational facilities.
The annual dues also provide for the maintenance and snow plowing of the Club’s 32-mile network of private roads, lake monitoring and maintenance, insurance, real estate taxes, maintenance of Club facilities, Club utilities, security patrol, dam management, lifeguards and swim lessons, fish stocking, and more.
Vacant Lots
Certain vacant lots are situated on “paper” or “unimproved” private roads in the Highland Lakes community. Development of these properties is subject to the Club’s Road Design and Construction Standards that require owners of properties located on any unimproved road to, at the time any dwelling is constructed on the property, cause such road to be improved according to those Standards so as to give the dwelling access to an existing improved road. Before entering into any contract to purchase a vacant lot, CONTACT the Club Office to determine whether the development of the vacant lot is subject to the Road Standards.
In addition to the Club’s standards, the development of a vacant lot is subject to ordinances of Vernon Township, well and septic requirements of the Sussex County Department of Health, and certain regulations of the State of New Jersey, all of which should be consulted before purchasing.
Ordering Status Reports
Submit Your Request: Complete the form below.
Status Report fee: $75 - 7 Business Days/$100 - Expedited 2 Business Days
Paid To: HLCC via Check or Money Order
Mailed To: Highland Lakes Country Club and Community Association, PO Box 578, Highland Lakes, NJ 07422
Prospective purchasers are strongly advised to request a Status Report to determine if there are any outstanding dues and assessments. The Status Report can be obtained from the Club by an attorney or title company. Purchasers are not entitled to any of the privileges of membership if the sellers are delinquent in their dues and assessments, and the unpaid charges constitute a continuing lien on the property.