News April 2019
Spring is Here – Time for Home Improvements! As the days get longer and thoughts turn to spring cleaning, many homeowners start making plans for home improvements. Remember that HRCA is here to help! Homeowners are required to submit plans for approval to the Community Improvement Services Department for all exterior improvements prior to any work beginning. This includes, but is not limited to, fence staining, house painting, installing air-conditioning equipment or putting in a deck. Twice a month, the Architectural Committee (ARC) meets to review improvement application plans submitted by homeowners. Enhancing property values is the mission of the HRCA. As outlined in the Community Declaration, all properties are to be properly maintained to the standards set forth in the architectural guidelines. Our staff routinely inspect the condition and exteriors of all properties, including landscaping and fences. Over the years, numerous complaints were received concerning the condition of fencing within the community. In addressing those concerns, HRCA collaborated with the Metro District and residents alike in establishing a uniform fence stain color for the community and a requirement for all street facing fencing to be stained. In July of 2018, HRCA adopted a resolution that required all street facing fencing to be stained with “Highlands Ranch Fence Brown” as the sole approved stain color. (A sub-association may be more restive and require their residents to utilize another stain color; however, no fences are allowed to be left unstained.) Staff are working with residents as they conform to the new guideline. To date, this guideline has been well-received by residents as the vast majority have stained upon receiving their first courtesy notice. The HRCA is here to help with this change. For more information, go online to www.HRCAonline.org/Covenants, call the Community Improvement Services Department at 303-471-8821, or email covenant@HRCAonline.org prior to beginning any work.
Easter Egg Hunt Join us for some Easter fun! Over 30,000 eggs will be available at Northridge Park on Saturday, April 20. The hunt starts at 10:00 a.m. sharp! Come early as parking is limited. Hunts are held simultaneously and separated by age group. Don’t forget your Easter basket and a camera! The Easter Bunny will be available for photos. Hunt will be held rain, snow, or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather. Don't be late! Saturday, April 20 • 10:00 a.m. SHARP! • Northridge Park, 8800 Broadway, Highlands Ranch • Free
What is a Small Cell/5G? The HRCA has recently received applications from various providers to provide 5G coverage in Highlands Ranch. In order for this to happen, a multitude of small cell tower sites will need to be erected. These are called small cell or 5G facilities. There are antennas and accessory equipment that provide wireless cellular and data coverage. These new towers are in addition to existing large cell tower sites in already in the Ranch, mostly on top of existing streetlights, and a few on buildings. They are intended to provide fill-in coverage for high-use or poor coverage areas. 5G capability requires a very large number of small cell sites, which has prompted a high level of interest from cities and towns because of the sheer number and placement that will be proposed by the wireless carriers. The Development Review Committee and Board of Directors have strong concerns about the proposed residential locations and the number of cell sites that are being proposed. The safety of HRCA residents and protection of their property values is paramount to HRCA officials. In September 2018, the FCC passed an order that provides a set of procedures that public entities must continued on page 4