If your home is part of a homeowners’ association (HOA) in Colorado, you’re probably familiar with the specific rules and guidelines these associations set for landscaping. However, you may not be sure what you can and cannot do in your yard under these regulations. The bylaws are often confusing and there can be some substantial differences between your interpretation and the HOA board’s preferences.
Confusing rules don’t have to prevent you from making your yard a place you want to spend time, though. Here’s what you should know about your legal rights to maintain your yard in Colorado and the do’s and don’ts of landscaping when you live in an HOA.
Do: Know Your Rights
Whenever you face legal regulations regarding your property, you should make sure you understand your rights. Before making any changes to your landscaping, review your HOA’s covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). These documents outline what is and isn’t allowed in your community.
Additionally, Colorado has specific laws that protect homeowners’ rights in HOA communities. For instance, the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (CCIOA) provides a framework for managing shared living communities, including landscaping policies. Familiarize yourself with these laws to understand your rights and obligations.
Do: Collaborating with Professional Landscapers
A professional landscaper can help design an outdoor living space that meets both your aesthetic desires and your HOA’s guidelines. They are often familiar with local HOA rules and can create a plan that is both beautiful and compliant. Landscapers may also assist in navigating the paperwork required by HOAs for landscaping approval.
Landscapers with local experience will have extensive knowledge about native plants that thrive in Colorado’s climate. Using native plants can ensure a sustainable and low-maintenance garden that aligns with environmental guidelines.
Don’t: Ignore Rules Without Research
Failing to comply with HOA landscaping rules can lead to fines or required changes. However, you may have the legal right to disregard certain rules.
For example, in response to environmental concerns, Colorado law often supports landscaping that promotes water conservation. This might include the use of drought-tolerant plants or xeriscaping. Even if your association bars these practices, your municipality may have laws that allow you to xeriscape anyway.
Don’t: Forget Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your landscape in compliance and looking its best. No matter what type of landscaping you choose, your neighbors want it to look nice and well-maintained. Failing to keep your yard in check can also lead to find. A skilled landscaper can help you design an HOA-compliant yard that takes less time to maintain, making this easier to accomplish.
Personalize Your Yard Despite Your HOA
Making your yard beautiful and sustainable in a Colorado HOA community requires a careful balance of understanding your rights, adhering to community standards, and the help of skilled professionals. If you’re looking to improve your outdoor space but you’re not sure how to comply with your homeowners’ association, the skilled designers at Hall Landscape Contractors can help. Get in touch to discuss designs for your yard that will fit your HOA’s requirements.