Pagosa Lake News Winter 2022

PAGOSA LAKES NEWS

Winter 2022 • Volume L

This issue includes: Budget Approval Notice and Call

plpoa.com

1

BOARD BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DAN MAYER P A T R I C K D O N O V AN LARS SCHNEIDER DANIEL MUSGROVE

ADMINISTRATION ALLEN ROTH General Manager

MONTE WHITMAN STEVE SCHWARTZ CHRIS TANNER

COMMITTEES ECC COMMITTEE

Our Vision:

COMMITTEE CHAIRS AL JENAB KURT RAYMOND

Our Mission:

ROGER FLYNN

JOSH POTTER

SPECIAL OWNERS MEETING

SPECIAL OWNERS MEETING AGENDA:

WHEN: WHERE:

PUBLIC DISCLOSURES

plpoa.com

3

Time To Call Find Out How Much Your Home Is Worth, Or See Homes and Land For FREE! Local Market Update – January 2020 A Research Tool Provided by Colorado Real Estate Network

Pagosa Springs Archuleta County Single Family

January

Key Metrics

2019

Year to Date

2020

% Change

Thru 1-2019

New Listings

21

26

+ 23.8%

21

Pending Sales

22

26

+ 18.2%

22

Thru 1-2020

% Change

26

+ 23.8%

26

+ 18.2%

Closed Sales

16

22

+ 37.5%

16

22

+ 37.5%

Days on Market Until Sale

142

215

+ 51.4%

142

215

+ 51.4%

Median Sales Price*

$322,000

$315,000

- 2.2%

$322,000

$315,000

- 2.2%

Average Sales Price*

$459,242

$397,001

- 13.6%

$459,242

$397,001

- 13.6%

97.0%

96.3%

- 0.7%

97.0%

96.3%

- 0.7%

Inventory of Homes for Sale

187

174

- 7.0%

––

––

––

Months Supply of Inventory

6.1

5.3

- 13.1%

––

––

––

Percent of List Price Received*

Townhouse/Condo

January

Key Metrics

2019

Year to Date

2020

% Change

16

+ 433.3%

10

+ 400.0%

5

+ 150.0%

2

111

- 11.2%

125

$155,000

- 18.2%

$189,525

$155,000

- 18.2%

$189,525

$201,700

+ 6.4%

$189,525

$201,700

+ 6.4%

95.4%

95.7%

+ 0.3%

95.4%

95.7%

+ 0.3%

New Listings

3

Pending Sales

2

Closed Sales

2 125

Median Sales Price*

$189,525

Average Sales Price*

Days on Market Until Sale

Percent of List Price Received*

Thru 1-2019

Thru 1-2020

% Change

16

+ 433.3%

10

+ 400.0%

5

+ 150.0%

111

- 11.2%

3 2

Inventory of Homes for Sale

19

30

+ 57.9%

––

––

Months Supply of Inventory

2.5

4.0

+ 60.0%

––

––

–– ––

* Does not account for sale concessions and/or downpayment assistance. | Percent changes are calculated using rounded figures and can sometimes look extreme due to small sample size.

Median Sales Price - Single Family

Median Sales Price - Townhouse/Condo

Rolling 12-Month Calculation

CREN Pagosa Springs

$400,000

Rolling 12-Month Calculation

CREN Pagosa Springs

$400,000 $350,000

$350,000 $300,000 $300,000

$250,000 $200,000

$250,000

$150,000 $200,000 $100,000 $150,000

$50,000

1-2007

1-2009

1-2011

1-2013

1-2015

1-2017

1-2019

1-2007

1-2009

1-2011

1-2013

OUR AGENTS

1-2015

1-2017

1-2019

WE’RE EASY TO FIND:

A rolling 12-month calculation represents the current month and the 11 months prior in a single data point. If no activity occurred during a month, the line extends to the next available data point.

Current as of February 5, 2020. All data from Colorado Real Estate Network. Report © 2020 ShowingTime.

are market experts Up-to-the-minute knowledge of the local market is a MUST -we’ve got you covered. Call, visit our websites, or come in to find your next home.

CHRISTIE

JOHN

WEST

CAROL

EXPERIENCE COUNTS!

drop by any time!

(we’ve been here a while)

Our convenient office is located in the heart of downtown Pagosa Springs, with ample parking.

We’re never too busy to sit down and talk real estate with you.

DENISE

MARK

JIM

STEPHANIE DEBRA

www.jimsmithrealty.com

We’re the oldest real estate firm in town! Founded in 1987, our dedicated team is here to help you, every step of the way, year after year.

JON

www.pagosa.com

PAM

ANITA

HAROLD

GINA

www.pagosaspringsrealestate.com

Renting your house on a Short-Term Basis or interested in doing so?

If the answer to either is yes, you need to be aware of the new rules and requirements the Association has implemented regarding short-term rentals.

The PLPOA Board of Directors passed four Resolutions this past summer regarding Vacation Rentals; Resolution 2021-11 establishes a policy regarding Vacation Rentals. Resolution 2021-14 establishes a Vacation Rental fee for use of the Rec Center.

Resolution 2021-17 updates the Enforcement Policy to include Vacation Rentals and Resolution 2021-18 updates the Rules and Regulations to include specific rules for Vacation Rentals. All these resolutions are posted on the website at plpoa.com by clicking on the heading “Learning About PLPOA”, then click on “Governing Documents” and then Resolutions.

So, what do you need to know and do before renting your home for Vacation Rentals within PLPOA? Owner(s) applying to the County for a permit to use their home as a Vacation Rental must notify the Association in writing of the application within fifteen (15) days of submitting the application to the County. a. The PLPOA registration application is available on the website at plpoa.com. Click on the heading “Living in PLPOA” and then click on “Vacation Rentals”. You can also contact the office at 970-731-5635.

Beginning in 2022, on January 1st of each calendar year, each home within the Association which has previously been granted a permit for a Vacation Rental, shall be assessed at an annual rate of three times (3X) the rate assessed to single family residence lots within the Association. Dues Assessments are sent out each year in January and the deadline for payment is May 1.

A home granted a permit effective between January 1st and June 30, shall receive an additional assessment such that the total for the year is equal to three times (3X) the rate assessed to single family residence lots within the Association.

A home granted a permit effective on or after July 1st of the calendar year, shall, for that year only, be assessed at two times (2X) the rate assessed to single family residence lots within the Association.

Each home will be assessed at three times (3X) the rate in every year following the home having been initially issued a permit, unless the owner(s) cancel their permit with the County and provide a written statement of said cancellation from the County to the Association no later than January 15th. plpoa.com

As the owner of the property, you are responsible for your vacation rental guests. Your guests must follow the Rules and Regulations of PLPOA. In the Rules and Regulations document you will find a list of Abbreviated Rules and Regulations for Vacation Rentals. Although you must abide by all the Rules and Regulations, the Abbreviated Neighborhood Rules and Regulations for Vacation Rentals highlights those specific to Vacation Rentals and carries a higher penalty for not complying. You can find the Rules & Regulations on the website by clicking on “Learning About PLPOA”, then “Governing Documents”, and PLPOA Neighborhood Rules & Regulations.

Vacation Rental Guests are required to purchase a fishing or boating permit if they desire to fish or boat on any of the PLPOA lakes. Permits will be available by going on-line to plpoa.com, completing the information and paying with a credit/debit card. A permit will be sent to their email. The permit must be shown if asked by the Conservation Officer.

Any Vacation Rental Guest desiring to use the Rec Center must show proof of their rental location within PLPOA and pay the daily use fee.

Please keep in mind, PLPOA has different regulations, permits and fees than that of the County. Be sure to distinguish each organization’s regulations so that you are in compliance with both.

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FINANCE REVIEW

2022 BUDGET SUMMARY

BY GENERAL MANAGER ALLEN ROTH, CMCA®, AMS®, PCAM® As required by the Bylaws, the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association Board of Directors adopted the 2022 budget for the association at their regular meeting on December 9, 2021. The 2022 annual assessment will increase by about .83 cents a month increasing the dues by $10/ year to $275. The total operating budget is $2,444,308.

The General Reserve expenses are set at an additional $326,228 while the Trails Reserve expenses are at $12,000. The Capital Improvement expenses are set at $230,000. The total budget amount for the Operating, Reserves and Capital funds is $3,012,536. Property owners’ assessments account for $1,602,150, or 65.5% of the income.

Time-share owner dues account for 11.1% and Short-term rental owners dues account for 10.8% while a myriad number of other methods of income including funds generated from our recreation amenities, community events and service fees account for the remaining 12.6%.

This budget was adopted after 3 separate Board meetings and hours of work by the Staff, Directors, and Finance Committee members. The Finance Advisory Committee worked closely with Staff during the formation of the budget and they provided specific and sound recommendations to the Board.

The 2022 budget break-down is as follows: Capital Improvement and Reserve Funds (for improvements to and major repairs and replacement of existing capital assets, such as our buildings, recreation center, lake improvements/docks and parks and trails and new construction) = $568,228 Administration (overall administration and accounting, Insurance, human resources, legal, property owner records, market fund accounts, licenses & certifications, elections, computer tech and postage) = $733,330

Community Standards (administration of property owner applications for improvements/construction, covenant enforcement and community enhancement) = $458,100 Property & Environment (management and maintenance of buildings and grounds, including the lakes, parks and trails) = $649,650 Recreation Center (management, maintenance, utilities and programming for the recreation center campus) = $491,078 Lifestyle & Communications (recreation programs & events, clubhouse rental, clubs, website, newsletter, e-blasts, brochures, software programs, Board packets & Annual ballots) = $61,200 Utilities (electricity, natural gas, telephone, internet and waste collection for all property other than the recreation center) = $50,950

FINANCE REVIEW PLPOA is no different than any other organization in that it is subject to rising costs each year to maintain its operations. Inflation has had a big impact on our daily lives and all organizations trying to run their operations. Goods and service costs have increased dramatically, whether it be gas, food, lumber, housing, construction materials, or dining out and everything else we use is rising at an incredible rate. The challenge to this year’s budget is projecting the continued impact of inflation. The index has increased 5.3 percent over the last 12 months. The Social Security COLA is expected to rise over 6 percent to be one of the largest since 1983. COVID-19 is still having an impact and there is no sure way to predict to what extent it will have going forward. This budget reflects those inflationary costs across every line item.

The Association faces a number of other challenges besides inflation. These challenges will be on-going in the years to come. Lot consolidation is the first, which has reduced the number of lots paying dues by 23 lots. The Association has decreased by over 100 lots over the past three years. The second is the population increasing rapidly as over the past 5 years, PLPOA has averaged an increase of 80 new homes per year. This does not provide any additional dues, just additional use of amenities and services resulting in higher costs to the Association. The final impact is climate change which has provided us with much warmer summers and less rain causing high levels of algae in the lakes. This mandates DPE to treat the lakes more often using more expensive chemicals. Noxious weeds and irrigation are also increased due to the warmer weather.

In the budget, below the net operating income, you will see separate sections which identifies the reserve and capital projects budgeted for the 2022 fiscal year.

The Reserve Study recommends the replacement of 19 different items totaling $385,915 in the General Reserves. Currently, the 2022 budget includes 12 of those items with an additional item added for a total of $326,228. The additional item is the cost to renew the Reserve Study. Items not included in the budget which were identified in the Reserve Study were omitted because upon review and evaluation it was determined that the replacement was not an immediate need and could be pushed out a few years.

The Reserve Study only recommends one project in the Trails Reserve Fund. This project is included in the budget at $3,491 higher due to costs experienced in 2021 projects.

Reserve Fund projects preserve, protect and enhance the community’s assets. These projects are identified in the Reserve Study and are recommended for repair or replacement in 2022. The Reserve Study provides for more consistent budgeting, deterring or minimizing special assessments, reduces long-term costs of maintaining common property and increases curb appeal. This is why it is so important to continue to contribute funds to the Reserve Fund each year so when major components—like a roof, furnace or piece of maintenance equipment—will need to be replaced, the Association will have set aside each year to pay for the various components at the necessary time.

Total capital expenditures are $230,000. Only two projects are identified and the amounts are listed according to the capital improvement funding plan.

These capital projects are the continued improvements to mailbox sites and lake improvements with the construction of a restroom building replacing a porta-jon.

Also, on the expense side, the Association is increasing staff to return to levels prior to COVID having an impact. Some positions have been added to assist with the growing workload from the population increase, construction and STRs. The full-time Community Liaison position has been brought back after decreasing it to part-time during COVID. Summer maintenance positions which were not previously filled are back in the budget. A new part-time position of Recreation Coordinator has been added to assist both the Rec Center and Lifestyle with recreation activities and events. A Deputy Sheriff has been added as an animal enforcement officer who will also deal with civil matters and assist Community Standards with documenting STR violations. PLPOA will contribute half of the salary and the Sheriff’s Office will cover the other remaining half.

PLPOA continues to use the Strategic Plan as a guide and strive to meet its goals and objectives each year.

This budget is a result of that planning and every dollar has a purpose to meet the objectives and to secure the Association’s financial standing for the future. The Association makes every effort to be as efficient as possible when developing a budget yet continue planning efforts to grow and improve with the community.

In keeping with the Reserves and Capital Improvement Funding Plans, the transfer amount into these funds is according to these plans. Please keep in mind, the Capital budget includes three different funds. They are the Recreation Center Fund, Parks & Trails Fund and the Operating Capital Improvement Fund. The Reserve Budget includes two separate funds. They are the General Reserve Fund and the Trails Maintenance Fund. The budget is based on the Reserve Study Plan and the Capital Improvement Funding Plan.

We recognize that our community is very diverse in terms of types of properties and economic means.

Since Colorado law requires that owners must share the cost of operating the association, we are doing everything we can to keep the annual assessment as one of the lowest in the nation for an association of our size. You can review a copy of the 2022 Budget online at www.plpoa.com. Also, we will be doing a budget presentation during the owner meeting on January 15th.

plpoa.com

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LIFESTYLE & COMMUNICATIONS

D w

Signing into the Owner's Portal With assessment billing just around the corner now is a good time to get set up in the new owner's portal. You no longer need to sign in on the website to utilize all that is offered to you there. You will however, need to sign into the PLPOA OWNER’S PORTAL. Using the Owner/Resident Portal you will be able to: Make a payment Check the status of previous payments - including the date, amount and type of payment Review your full account statement including charges, payments and balance due Change your mailing address, phone numbers and other contact information Communicate with us anytime using our convenient online contact email feature View a history of relevant correspondence including various notices and documents.

You can access the portal through the links on our website or by going directly to www.ciranet.com. If we were not provided an email address through your closing documents, please consider signing in and adding email contact info to your ciranet account to receive the weekly news updates. In order to log on to the portal, you will need the following information: Community ID, Account Number and Check Digit. You can find this information at the top of your statement or they will be sent to you via email on Dec 6th from pagosa@ciramail.com or you can call or email jenp@plpoa.com - 970-731-5635 ext 210.

J –

I s t h t

FOCU Check your email. You will need to view the confirmation email for verification before you can return to the log in page and sign in.

Once your account has been created, please check your contact information, most importantly your mailing address. You are now ready to set up payment options. We highly suggest setting up your auto recurring ACH payment at this time. The reason being, we only bill once a year. If you want the auto payment to go through for the next assessment cycle you must have this established by January 2nd for a February 2nd withdraw. Please note: it will pay the assessment in its entirety on February 2nd.

PLPOA HAPPENINGS

8

JANUARY BOARD MEETING

JAN 13

EARTH DAY CLEAN UP

APRIL 23

RATIFY THE BUDGET MEETING

JAN 15

E-RECYCLING

APRIL 23

FEBRUARY BOARD MEETING

FEB 10

BLOCK PARTY PROMO

APRIL 23

MARCH BOARD MEETING

MARCH 10

MAY BOARD MEETING

MAY 12

SPRING COMMUNITY DANCE

MARCH 18

SPRING FLEA MARKET

MAY 14

APRIL BOARD MEETING

APRIL 14

SUMMER COMMUNITY DANCE

JUNE 24

PLPOA EASTER EGG HUNT

APRIL 16

ANNUAL MEETING/OWNER APPRECIATION BBQ

JULY 30

EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE, CHECK OUR CALENDAR ON THE WEBSITE FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION plpoa.com

I r

L a s J

L i i a

D u

D a p t

During this holiday season, we would like to recognize all of you who have made our progress possible and say, simply but sincerely,

Thank you

Jann C. Pitcher Real Estate is Pagosa at its best!

– Steve & Brenda Jennings Ivy and the entire team at JCPRE were supportive, professional, and dedicated throughout the entire process of selling our home. We could not have chosen a better team to work with. – David & Stewart Bellina

Blue is 100% focused on you and your family versus just getting deals closed asap. Blue has a depth of knowledge and connections in Pagosa Springs that made a huge difference in this hot housing market.

– Thomas & Ellen Kirkpatrick

Lee Riley did a fabulous job! All I can say is “thank you” for making the process of selling my mother’s lot stress free. – Virginia Bullard

a listing price for my property. And when I needed the sale to happen most, her strategy to attract buyers worked like magic!

– Robert Bloomquist

in Pagosa Springs. – Charles & Sarah Riehm Our house was sold in a short time and with little effort from us. Kalei is relaxed, not pushy, and great to work with.

- John & Lucy Morrison

Lee Riley is the hardest working broker in Pagosa Springs! – Larry & Connie Glover

O C U S I N G O N Y O UBlueR wasNspotEonEwithDhelping S meW ITH O Rit funKto N OsellW LEDG determine Kalei U makes buy and real estate Ivy is professional, personal, available, respectful, and authentic. – Zoe Bell Lauren was wonderful to work with. She answered every question thoroughly and if she didn’t know the answer, she got it asap. – Jana Stotler Lauren is a great communicator and responds immediately. Her positivity, friendliness and incredible work ethic make her an amazing asset. – Alex Mathisen David understands pricing and value in this unique environment. – Carl Bigler David & Mary Helen Cammack have once again helped guide us through the difficult process of real estate transactions. They are the people to trust during trying times.

– Barry & DeEtte England

Lauren DeRoche, David Cammack, Blue Pitcher Lindner, Lee Riley, Ivy King, & Kalei Pitcher.

plpoa.com

JANNCPITCHER.COM 970-731-4065

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Winter Update DEPARTMENT OF PROPERTY AND ENVIRONMENT

By Larry Lynch

Lakes and Fisheries

Winter Ice Fishing Tournament

This past year presented quite a few challenges with regards to the lakes. Persistent drought conditions and warmer than normal temperatures led to some depleted lake levels and issues with some blue-green algae blooms mid to late summer. Things improved as we went into the fall when temperatures dropped and a little water coming in from the Dutton diversion helped to stabilize levels. The fishing was outstanding for several weeks in late September through most of November, the lakes were stocked in early October with 12– 16-inch rainbows and we actually brought in a late load of some smaller 8 inch fish in early November, about 750 pounds each into Lake Pagosa and Village Lake. The smaller fish are a good bargain since we pay by the pound and we get twice the numbers of fish. They should grow well by next spring and summer and turn into nice catchable sized trout.

The Association is planning on holding a winter ice fishing tournament sometime in late January or early February. This is always a fun event with cash prizes for winners in several categories.

There will also be a separate competition for kids 16 and under where we will have some neat fishing related prizes for every kid that attends. Our last event in 2019 was well attended with over 60 entries. We did not hold the tournament in 2020 due to health concerns but are planning to do it this year, keep an eye out for announcements on the website and in our weekly e-news as we move into January.

We are going to be meeting with the water district over the winter to discuss possible ways we can improve the lakes next year. The biggest challenge has been warming temperatures and drought leading to some concerning algae blooms. I recently attended a North American Lake Management Society Annual Symposium meeting (virtually this year). The main focus of the 3 day symposium was harmful algal blooms, HAB's. As climate change has affected us all HAB's have increased in number and severity nationwide. This trend has been most apparent beginning around 2019 where many reservoirs and lakes in the country began seeing these algae issues often times where they haven't been seen in the past. What can be done to help this? This was the focus of several of the seminar sessions. Unfortunately, solutions can be complex. The best strategy is to address HAB's at the root of the problem and that is a problem of nutrients, temperature and sunlight that drive the algae. Phosphorous seems to be the key driver, a nutrient that can come from external point source locations (like grazing cattle in the watershed, construction and development runoff, human waste, dog waste etc.) and internal loading (lake bottom organic and inorganic sediment-based nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous that can be viscously cycled by wind action and biological uptake).

What is currently being done? Several strategies have been implemented to control algae issues in the Pagosa Lakes. A series of expensive floating, solar powered lake circulators were installed in the lakes that mix the epilimnion (the upper layers of the lake column).

This mixing action can control algae and reduce it. Algae blooms are also treated when they reach a certain level of concern typically with a chelated liquid copper application done by PLPOA and PAWSD as needed. Additionally, a fairly extensive watershed study was completed several years ago where a number of watershed issues were addressed including new storm-water regulations for commercial and multi-family developments were created and implemented by the county; several lake inlet locations were mitigated to reduce erosion and storm-water models for the basin identified several areas of concern and strategies to mitigate (Stollstiemer Creek Watershed Master Plan available on the PLPOA website). What can be done moving forward? Stay tuned as we look for ways to work together to help the lakes. Some of these solutions would require the help of everyone in the watershed. If you live within a mile of any of the lakes there's a good chance that anything you do on your property like over fertilizing, dog waste left on the ground, pesticides applied, could end up in the lakes. In many circumstances the road ditch that runs in front of your street may connect runoff eventually to one of the lakes before it leaves the watershed eventually flowing into the Piedra River via Stevens Draw and Stollsteimer Creek. We're also hoping for a little help from mother nature and some relief from this extended drought.

Perhaps we'll see that this winter with some much-needed snow pack that approaches historical averages.

Projects Update The Department of Property and Environment was involved in a number of capital improvement projects in 2021 and most of those went fairly smoothly. New parking was constructed up at Hatcher Lake in June on the east side of the lake where most of the boat launching traffic is occurring, additionally, a new 20 by 20 covered picnic pavilion was constructed near the dam that came out looking great and we anticipate that it will be well used in the coming years.

We currently have plans to replace one or two of the portable toilets at the lakes next year with permanent vaulted toilet buildings that will definitely enhance the appearance of the lakes and amenities.

The North Pagosa trail connection project was planned to be completed in 2021. This project involved working with the county to construct a trail connection across the dam and spillway on North Pagosa Blvd. A major component of that project was completed in November which was the construction of a 1000-foot segment of 5foot-wide concrete sidewalk across the crest of the dam. The second aspect of that project included the installation of a pedestrian footbridge across the spillway and a short southerly connector to Lakeside Drive. Unfortunately, this aspect of the project is behind schedule. We anticipate that the concrete abutments should be completed in December and if the weather cooperates, we may be able to set the bridge into place this winter. If for some reason this cannot happen it will be early Spring when the footbridge is installed.

Introducing Ryan

DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND AMENITIES MANAGER Ryan Graham joins us from Fraser, Colorado. Ryan will be replacing 3 year Rec Manager Robert Buck as of Dec 6th. Ryan will be a fresh and energetic addition to the team. Ryan's experience and education will support the goals and vision of the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association and Recreation Center. We look forward to working with Ryan.

plpoa.com

11

Pagosa Springs Medical Center Giving

You The Care You Deserve, In The Mountains You Love.

PRIMARY CARE | ORTHOPEDIC & GENERAL SURGERY | BEHAVIORAL HEALTH | LAB EAR, NOSE, & THROAT | PRENATAL | WOMEN’S HEALTH | GASTROENTEROLOGY CANCER CARE & INFUSION THERAPY | RADIOLOGY | NEUROLOGY | CARDIOLOGY TELEMEDICINE | INPATIENT | 24/7 EMERGENCY ROOM | EMS/AMBULANCE SERVICE

Primary Care Appts Mon-Fri | Urgent Walk-Ins Mon-Sat 970.731.3700 | 95 S. Pagosa Blvd | pagosaspringsmedicalcenter.org |

12

plpoa.com

Department of Community standards Keith Cramer – Manager, Department of Community Standards

WELCOME TO NEW OWNERS AND REMINDERS FOR EXISTING OWNERS With COVID-19, these past two years have been a challenge to how businesses operate. The Pagosa Lakes Property Owner’s Association is no exception. Prior to 2020, the PLPOA held quarterly “New Owners Orientations” so that owners new to the Association (or Property Owner’s Associations) could familiarize themselves to what consists and is expected from living within an association. There is an informative video covering this information available on our website at: https://www.plpoa.com/page/22408~1066193/new-owners-orientation-video along with a Welcome Letter and a New Owner Packet available under the “Welcome” tab at the top of our website.

What are POA rules and regulations?

What are POA rules and regulations?

Benefits of POA Rules

For many people, community associations have become synonymous with rules. While it's true that part of association membership requires abiding by community guidelines, PLPOA life is about far more than following a long list of rules. Community guidelines and rules can help lay the foundation for a successful neighborhood, and as your governing community association, we're here to help answer the who, what, and why of PLPOA rules.

When you purchase a home that’s part of a community association, you automatically become a member of the association and become responsible for following all its rules and regulations. Your title company had you sign a form stating you understand this and accept the responsibilities of ownership within the PLPOA. The primary purpose of having community rules and standards is to protect your investment as a homeowner and provide a common framework for neighbors

At first glance, having rules for a neighborhood or community may seem restrictive. However, there are many benefits to having a robust set of guidelines, including:

plpoa.com

Preserving the aesthetics of an area Protecting and enhancing home values Enforcing the community’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) & Bylaws Maintaining the property of the association and its owners

13

Examples of Common PLPOA Rules Every community or sub-division is unique. You’ll need to check with the Board of Directors and the governing documents for details for the rules of your specific sub-division (there are 27 sub-divisions within the PLPOA). However, there are some guidelines that are generally standard in most communities, including: Architectural controls Lawn maintenance & yard art Home maintenance standards Noise complaint policies Home occupancy limits Parking rules and guidelines Pet Rules Short-term rental restrictions Trash and storage rules

What are Bylaws?

While the CC&Rs tend to focus more on the property and ownership rights of the association, the Bylaws outline the logistics of how the community and the PLPOA should function.

They often include

How do I find the PLPOA's rules?

election guidelines and

The PLPOA rules are set by our governing documents and all

members, along with

applicable local, state, and federal laws. You can view the PLPOA

details on meetings and

governing documents and Neighborhood Rules & regulations on our

budgets for the

website to learn more. This collection of documents will include

community.

information about your sub-division’s specific rules, restrictions,

term limits for board

and other guidelines. Governing documents include CC&Rs, Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, and other rules and regulations made by the community

What are the Articles of Incorporation?

In the United States and Canada, a corporation must file Articles of Incorporation to operate. As a non-profit organization, the PLPOA

Additional PLPOA Rules and Regulations

had to register within our jurisdiction and include that filing within

The PLPOA can pass

our governing documents.

additional regulations to help enforce and clarify

What are CC&Rs?

the rules outlined within

Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions, sometimes called the declaration or master deed is a legal document which outlines the rights and responsibilities of the association, board members, and homeowners. It details the ownership rights of the homeowners vs. the association and will spell out architectural standards for the community. The rules contained in the PLPOA's CC&Rs are binding and permanent.

14

plpoa.com

our CC&Rs. These rules are adopted by the board with no homeowner vote required if they aren’t more restrictive than existing guidelines.

Who makes the rules for the PLPOA? The source for almost all the PLPOA's rules will be our governing documents. These documents were created during the formation of the association in 1972. Once the developer turns over control of the community, the PLPOA is run by an elected board of directors. This board has the power to implement additional rules. Additionally, local, state, and federal government bodies also pass new laws that may create or alter regulations that are set by our association.

Can the PLPOA board change or add rules?

In most cases, our community’s rules aren't set in stone (but, the Master Declarations are). The board often has the authority to adopt new rules for the community. However, a rule cannot conflict with the governing documents. In order to change the governing documents, then a vote by the members of the association (with 2/3rds majority of our 6600+ owners approving or denying required) is typically required. In general, homeowners have a lot of influence on how their community operates. If you aren't happy with a particular rule, then use the proper channels to communicate to the Board of Directors.

Attending your board meetings and working with your board is the best way to monitor the rules in your community.

Can the police enforce PLPOA rules?

While the rules and regulations of the PLPOA are legally binding for association members, they generally aren’t enforceable by law enforcement. Instead, violations of association guidelines are considered a civil matter between the PLPOA and the offending member. As such, any dispute that can't be resolved at the community level will need to be handled by mediation or in civil court. The exception to this is when the PLPOA's rules overlap other laws. These laws

Do I have to follow the PLPOA's rules?

include parking violations for public streets or county light or noise restrictions that may mirror PLPOA rules.

It’s always in your best interest to adhere to the rules and regulations of your community. When neighbors work together to enhance their association, everyone sees the benefits—from increased property values to a greater sense of community and belonging.

How does the PLPOA enforce rules?

Not following PLPOA rules can carry legal and financial consequences. Enforcement policies may include warnings, fines, and more. If penalties aren't paid, the PLPOA may act by placing a lien on your home. However, most violations get corrected with a friendly reminder by phone, mail, or email. plpoa.com

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