NEWSLETTER ITEMS September 2005
Area Street Lights:
Periodically a question is asked about how to get inoperable streetlights repaired. The Board has called for a number of repairs as have Homeowners. The number to call at EXCEL Energy for such repairs is 1-800-895-4999.
Trash Removal Services:
As information, BFI Waste Services has changed its name to that of its parent company, Allied Waste Services. Over a period of time, their trucks will be changed to reflect their new name.
As an update reminder, the current Association policy about trash placed out for pickup, it is not to be placed out near the curb any earlier than 7:00 p.m. the night before removal (covered where possible). Emptied trash containers must then be removed from the curb and placed out of sight before 10:00 p.m. on the day of trash removal. Your help with this will mitigate empty containers being scattered by the wind.
A related concern is we are recently seeing more trash containers, trash bags, residual construction materials, etc. being placed in front of picket fences at many homes days before trash pickup. To maintain reasonable appearance in the area, these should be stored in the garage or, as a minimum, behind the fence out of sight of passers-by. This used to be a hot button item with prior Boards and ACC?’s and may again without improvement.
Senate Bill 05-100:
This new law (referred to as SB 100) is applicable to all mandatory associations in Colorado. It affects certain aspects of the governance and operation of associations. While most of the bill will take effect on January 1, 2006, the following provisions are some that became effective upon signing:
- The right to xeriscape property. The provision notes it does not mean letting all the grass die and covering it with rocks. Design Review Request approval is required for xeriscaping in Charterwood.
- The right to fly the American flag.
- Restricts an association?’s ability to prohibit the parking of emergency vehicles in their
community under certain circumstances
- Allowing the replacement of roofing like shake shingles with other nonflammable materials.
This is part of a fire prevention provision to primarily address homes in mountain associations. Charterwood has addressed approved replacement roofs over the past three years.
- The right to display political signs during elections. Notwithstanding the Covenants, the Association has not recently disallowed political signs but has not encouraged them. For the forthcoming elections, the following are the Charterwood recommended guidelines:
Political signs are allowed in the front yard, window or wall of Charterwood homes. None should be posted/attached to a shared common area fence. One sign is allowed per Lot for each political office, recall of a public official and/or ballot issue. In general, they can be set out 45 days prior to the election date.
Per Lakewood?’s Municipal Code, Title 17, Zoning Ordinance, Article 10, signs shall not be more than 42 inches high, shall not extend outside property lines and shall not be in any public right-of-way. Such signs shall be limited to walls, windows and freestanding signs not to exceed 8 square feet and shall not be paper or cloth banners. They should be removed 5 days after the day of election. SB 100 says 7 days.
Indications are that the Bill was rather hastily completed and processed through the State Legislature. As a result, it is anticipated that there may be revisions/corrections made to it in the near future.
You may view and download a copy of SB 100 on the Internet at:
http://www.ortenhindman.com/SB100_Resources.htm