Q. What is the guideline for having a recreational vehicle at my home?
A. The short answer: 72 hours. The long answer: Recreational Vehicle Guideline - The SUPPLEMENTAL DECLARATION provides that no “recreational vehicles”, “campers”, camper on/off a vehicle, boats, mobile homes, horse trailers or other trailers, tractors, motor homes or trucks, (other than a pick up truck that is not oversized) may be stored in such a manner as to be visible from any other property for longer than 72 hours in a seven (7) day period. For the purpose of this guideline, all the referenced vehicles shall be considered recreation vehicles or “RVs”. The Architectural Committee shall review any other vehicle type not listed on a case by case basis. Periodic movement of the vehicle for the purpose of circumventing this standard shall not qualify the vehicle for an exception to this standard. The purpose of the 72 hour hours is to load and unload the RV, not to provide storage/parking for the unit.
Q. I just bought a new home; how long do I have to install my landscaping?
A. There is a 90-day requirement from the date of closing to have your landscaping completed. All bare ground must have appropriate cover in front, back and side yards.
All new home closings that occur after August 1 have an automatic landscape completion date of May 1 the following year. Please be advised that weed and erosion control must be maintained through the fall and winter months. Home owners are required to Submit Plans for approval of all exterior improvements to the Architectural Committee prior to installation.
Q. I know I won’t be able to complete my landscaping by the required 90 days. How do I get an extension?
A. You may request an extension by submitting a Landscape Extension Form to the Architectural Committee stating your reasons for your request. Also include the date you plan to complete. The Committee will review your request and you will receive their written decision.
Q. Do I need to submit my paint colors even if I am painting my home the exact same colors?
A. Yes, the Residential Improvement Guidelines and Site Restrictions (RIGs) require all paint colors to be submitted to the Architectural Committee, including existing colors. The HRCA has no record of what color your home is painted until it has been submitted. Once a home owner submits, the approved color is entered into our database for future reference, if needed. Submit Request
Q. If my property is found to have a noncompliance on it, why don’t you knock on my door and tell me in person instead of writing me a letter?
A. Telephone numbers are not included in our property information, and even if they were, many adults are not at home during the work day. We also find it to be a safer form of communication for the home owner and the surveyor. Often times noncompliance issues are not corrected on the first notice therefore it is necessary to document any communication to do proper follow-up and stay consistent with our process.
Q. Does the HRCA have a limitation on the number of cars someone can own or park on the street?
A. The HRCA does not regulate the number of vehicles that are parked at a residence as long as they are operable. However, the RIGs prohibit the parking of vehicles on landscaped areas. The sidewalks and the streets are a public right of way and owned and maintained by Douglas County Public Works, 303-660-7490. If a vehicle is parked in any way as to be a safety issue or is abandoned please contact Douglas County Sheriffs at their non-emergency number, 303-660-7505.
Q. Can I park my commercial truck in my driveway?
A. Commercial vehicles and trailers are not permitted in Highlands Ranch. The Architectural Committee may grant a Conditional Approval based upon but not limited to curb appeal, effect on safety and street traffic, size and type of vehicle, signage and attached appurtenances. They will also be required to be parked in the driveway as permission will not be given to park in the street. Submit Request
Q. Is it okay for me to access the open space to do improvements on my property?
A. The Metro Districts of Highlands Ranch owns and maintains the majority of open spaces, parks, green belts and parkways. Please contact Metro Districts prior to accessing any open space or removing any fences that abut the open space. www.highlandsranch.org, 303-791-0430.
Q. Does the HRCA limit the number of people that can live in one home?
A. The HRCA does not monitor the number of people or families in a home. If you have concerns about the number of people in a home or believe that a home has been redesigned to no longer be a “single family dwelling” please call the Douglas County Zoning Department at 303-660-7497.
Q. What can I do about a barking dog or a neighbor that does not clean up after their animals on regular basis?
A. If you are trying to solve problem with a barking dog or clean up after a pet, please start with communicating your concern to the pet owner or contact the following county authorities:
- Douglas County Animal Services, 303-660-7529 from 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Sheriff’s Department Dispatch, 303-660-7500 (After 6 p.m. if an animal problem requires immediate attention).
Q. When is it acceptable to put my garbage out for pickup by my trash removal provider?
A. Mondays and Thursdays are the designated trash pick-up days in Highlands Ranch. Trash may be put out the evening before pick-up and the cans need to be brought in the day of pick-up. Trash cans must be stored out of view of adjacent properties.
Q. Why can’t I keep my portable basketball hoop on the street when all the neighborhood kids like to play on it?
A. It is great to see unity throughout the community of Highlands Ranch. While we applaud your efforts at getting to know your neighbors, unfortunately, it is still necessary to store your portable basketball hoop in an approved location when not in use. We understand that these can be very heavy and difficult to move, but they can impede sidewalk and street traffic and do pose a safety issue.
Q. Can I receive immediate approval on my architectural submittal?
A. No, unfortunately you cannot. All submittals must go to the Architectural Committee for review. You will receive a written response with the Committee’s decision. The Architectural Committee meets twice a month, on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. It is suggested that home owners schedule time when planning projects in order to receive all necessary approvals before commencing work. Submittals are required to be turned into the Covenant Compliance and Assistance Office before Noon the Friday before the meeting in order to be considered. Any submittal plans received after Noon on Friday will not be reviewed until the Architectural Committee’s next meeting. Submit Request
Q. How do I contact the Covenant Compliance and Assistance Department?
A. Covenant Compliance & Assistance
HRCA Administration Office
9568 University Boulevard
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Phone: 303-471-8821 Fax: 303-791-6705
covenant@hrcaonline.org