 We've compiled a list of some Frequently Asked Questions below. If you can't find the question/answer you are looking for on this page, select Search - we'll search the entire site for you. If you'd like to ask your own question, click Ask A Question and we'll get back to you with an answer.
Q: What is a homeowner's association?
A: It is a non-profit corporation registered with the State and managed by a duly elected Board of Directors. Its purpose is to maintain all common areas and to govern the community in accordance with the provision of the legal documents: CC&Rs and Bylaws. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online within the Resource Center page of this site. The corporation is financially supported by all members of the homeowners association. Membership is both automatic and mandatory.
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Q: What are the CC&Rs?
A: The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) are the governing legal documents that set up the guidelines for the operation of the planned community as a non-profit corporation. The CC&Rs were recorded by the County recorder's office of the County in which the property is located and are included in the title to your property. Failure to abide by the CC&Rs may result in a fine to a homeowner by the Association. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online within the Resource Center page of this site.
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Q: What are the Bylaws?
A: The Bylaws are the guidelines for the operation of the non-profit corporation. The Bylaws define the duties of the various offices of the Board of Directors, the terms of the Directors, the membership's voting rights, required meetings and notices of meetings, and the principal office of the Association, as well as other specific items that are necessary to run the Association as a business. The Bylaws for the association may be viewed online within the Resource Center page of this site.
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Q: What is the Board of Directors?
A: The Homeowner's Association again is a corporation and therefore a governing body that is required to oversee its business. The Board of Directors is elected by the homeowners, or as otherwise specified in the bylaws. The limitations and restrictions of the powers of the Board of Directors is outlined in the Association governing documents found within the Resource Center page of this site.
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Q: Are there any other rules?
A: Most associations have developed Rules and Regulations as provided for in the CC&Rs and adopted by the Board of Directors. Rules are established to provide direction to the homeowners for common courtesies with regard to parking, vehicles, pets and pool use hours, etc. In addition, your Association will adopt Architectural Guidelines with procedures for submitting requests to make exterior changes to your home. Such changes may include patio covers, decks, landscaping, exterior color changes or extensive interior changes and additions. These rules and guidelines are set up to maintain the aesthetic value and integrity of the community on behalf of all owners, and hopefully protect the market value of your investment as well. Violations of these rules may result in action by the Board of Directors and a fine. In addition, if you proceed with an exterior improvement or change, without written approval of the Board of Directors, or Architectural/Site Committee, as applicable, you will be required to remove or correct the alteration and/or be fined for the violation. For more information about this topic visit the Resource Center page of this site.
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Q: If I am having a problem with a neighbor for a violation of the Policies and Guidelines, what can I do?
A: If residents cannot resolve a situation between themselves, then turn to your Association. Should you have a situation that does not appear to be resolved through neighborly means, and you are willing to actively participate in the enforcement provided by the Policies and Guidelines, you may complete a Covenant Violation form online. The Violation form may be found within the Management Office page on this site. If the situation is deemed in violation of the Policies and Guidelines, the Board of Directors will institute the enforcement policy. Your continued assistance may be required.
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Q: Are Board Meetings open to all residents? If so, where and when are they held?
A: Yes. Notice of the time and place of any regular board meeting will be noted in the community newsletter, or accessed online on the Calendar page.
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Q: If I want to serve on a committee, how do I find out what committees are active and how I can get involved?
A: The Contact Us page of this website will inform you of the status of current committees organized and committee contact information. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the committee chair or fill out the online Volunteering as a Crystal Park HOA Committee Chair and/or Members Candidate Bio form found on the Management Office page of this site.
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Q: What is my assessment?
A:The assessment is the periodic amount due from each homeowner to cover the operating expenses of the common area and provide for reserve funds for replacement of common facilities in future years. Your assessments are due on the first of the month. Statements will be sent for assessments as a reminder of the amount due.
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Q: How is the amount of my assessment determined?
A:The Department of Real Estate typically requires an initial budget from the developer for each community that a developer proposes to build. This budget is set upon specific guidelines for utilities, landscaping, administration, etc. Reserve funds are monies set aside for future expenses due to the life expectancy of certain items: lighting, street resurfacing, pool equipment, etc. These amounts are then divided by the number of units built in a given phase of the development. Subsequent budgets are developed by the Board of Directors and adjusted periodically to meet anticipated expenses.
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Q: Will my assessment go up?
A:There is no concrete answer to this. Typically the Civil Code provides for annual increases, but not to exceed 20 percent per year without the vote of the membership. The Board of Directors may approve an increased budget, increasing your assessment up to this percentage in order to cover increased costs of operating and maintaining the common area and sufficient reserve funds.
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Q: What happens if I don't pay my assessment?
A:The maintenance and management services incurred by the Association are dependent upon timely receipt of the assessments due from each homeowner. Late payments will result in a late charge as assessments are due on the first of the month. In addition, the CC&Rs allows the Association to charge late charges and interest and proceed with a lien on your property, or foreclosure proceeding for nonpayment of assessments.
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Q: What school district does Crystal Park fall into?
A: Manitou Springs District 14 or Cheyenne Mountain District 12 depending where you live in Crystal Park.
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Q: Who maintains the roadways in Crystal Park?
A: All roads are private and maintained by the Association.
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Q: Is the property deeded?
A: Developed properties are platted by the member and deeded when permits are issued when the member meets all building requirements. Undeveloped property is part of the community's common property and deeds are only issued when the above requirements are met. Crystal Park has a master site map showing developed and proposed properties. Viewing of that map is possible by making an appointment with the manager. (685-9729)
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Q: Have sites been determined to be buildable?
A: No. Crystal Park does not guarantee that building sites reserved by a membership can physically accommodate a structure, access, the availability of water, soil composition or required percolation for a septic system. It is the members' responsibility to demonstrate to the appropriate committee(s) that the chosen site and building plans meets all necessary requirements.
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Q: Are there membership transfer requirements?
A: Yes. When a membership is sold, whether it is a developed property or an undeveloped site, it is necessary to complete all transfer forms, pay all outstanding fees, fines, or liens. All fees and paperwork must be completed and submitted one week prior to the Board of Directors meeting to be considered for that period.
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Q: Is it necessary to have an all-wheel-drive vehicle?
A: Due to road grades and shaded conditions that exist in the community all members are strongly encouraged to have an all-wheel-drive vehicle. Unchained two-wheel drive vehicles have a tendency to loose traction during inclement weather. During these periods roads are maintained with the consideration that they will be used by vehicles with increased traction capabilities. Crystal Park may restrict guests, trades, and deliveries when weather conditions if it is warranted.
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Q: How is Crystal Park Access controlled?
A: Access into the community is controlled during normal business hours 6 days a week by paid employees. After hours, members enter through the gate by using an opener. Openers can be purchased by members and their relatives at the gatehouse building. Members should inform the gate personnel when they are expecting guests. The Gate personnel maintains a list for anytime guests. As unannounced guest are not permitted to enter. Guests can access the park by using the keypad system which will telephone the member who can allow access to the guest if they so choose. Members that would like to have their number put into in the keypad system need to contact the gatehouse at 685-5130.
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Q: Are there access requirements for Real Estate Agents?
A: Yes. The gate personnel should be notified by the member or listing agent when showing property. Nonlisting agents will not be given access if this rule is not followed. Unescorted individuals will not be allowed access.
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Q: Are For Sale signs allowed?
A: No. In accordance with the by-laws of the association, signs are prohibited.
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Q: Are there rules regarding house pets?
A: Yes. House pets in common areas must be leashed. Pet noise must be controlled. Fencing is allowed to control pets and must be approved by the Architectural/Site Committee and the Board of Directors.
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Q: Are there building covenants?
A: Yes. Minimum 1,000 square foot living is required. All plans are approved by the Board of Directors. Colors, elevations, minimum of 100 foot separation between wells, structures, materials, and outdoor lighting are part of the approval process. No temporary housing, camping or mobile homes. Crystal Park's goal is that all structures blend into the mountain.
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Q: How is Trash Removal handled?
A: Household trash is disposed of in the community's trash compactor. Recycling is encouraged and can be accomplished in the same area. Large items and construction trash is the member's responsibility to dispose of off-site. Burying of trash is prohibited.
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Q: How do I get my mail?
A: Members are assigned a mailbox in the community's mailroom. UPS, FedEx, and other deliveries of this nature are made to the gatehouse building and are not delivered to the residences. These items should be picked up daily as storage space is at minimum.
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Q: Rules and Information
A: Crystal Park is a forested mountain side community. Elevations start at 6,500 feet and go to 9,000 feet. There are approximately 26 miles of roadway. Roads are gravel, steep, with very few guard rails, and can be difficult to negotiate. Speeds on the main road must not exceed 20 miles per hour. The secondary road speed limit is 10 miles per hour. Although the uphill traffic has the right of way that does not mean that when traveling uphill you should not be willing to slow down and stop in the narrow areas. Crystal Park maintains the roads with large pieces of heavy equipment. In many cases this equipment encompasses the entire driving surface and on occasion needs to work against the traveling direction. Do not pass this equipment until the operator reaches a safe area and waves you through. Slower moving traffic is asked to allow those who wish to pass to do so if you are in a safe area. Always be alert for falling rock. Crystal Park is blessed with an extensive array of wildlife. Following is a list of reported wildlife sightings starting with the most frequently spotted. Deer, all types of birds including birds of pray, fox, raccoon, turkey, black bear, mountain lion, and on great occasion big horn sheep. Many of the animals have a tendency to dart out and cross the road. Be cautious.
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