June 2008

Open windows during the warmer months of the year allow you to experience the fresh, Colorado air.  But sometimes that air is not so fresh.  Secondhand tobacco smoke can make its way into your home, causing irritation and potential harm.  Community associations may have a role, and an obligation, in minimizing the impact of second-hand tobacco smoke in your home.

The Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act took effect nearly two years ago, on July 1, 2006. The Clean Indoor Air Act applies to community associations and prohibits smoking in restrooms, hallways, lobbies and other common areas in any public or private buildings, including condominium buildings, and within a fifteen foot radius of building entryways.  The law does not prevent owners from smoking in their residences, and does not clearly restrict smoking on private patios or balconies, although some associations impose more stringent smoking restrictions through their recorded covenants or rules.  Colorado community associations, and individuals, in violation of the Clean Indoor Air Act may face fines.  The law establishes a fine schedule of $200 for the first violation, $300 for the second, and $500 for the third and subsequent violations.Continue Reading Clearing the Air: Dealing with Secondhand Smoke

Sometimes we get inquires from owners and managers unfamiliar with Colorado law addressing homeowners associations. This article is intended as an introduction to the field of community association law in Colorado. Feel free to contact one of our attorneys if you have any questions regarding the application of CCIOA to your community.    

Homeowners Associations in Colorado

Homeowners associations are entities organized to govern the operation of common interest communities in Colorado. They are generally created by the developer (also called the declarant) of a new community and organized before the first unit is conveyed to a purchaser. Most commonly they are organized as nonprofit corporations, although they may also be organized as for-profit corporations or LLCs.

The Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (“CCIOA”), C.R.S. 38-33.3-101 et seq.,  was enacted in 1991 with the purpose of establishing a clear, comprehensive, and uniform framework for the creation and operation of common interest communities (including homeowners associations) in Colorado. A common interest community is defined in CCIOA as a community in which ownership of real property within the community obligates an owner to pay for the real estate taxes, insurance premiums, maintenance, or improvements of other real property (typically the common elements) within the community. Common interest communities are classified by CCIOA into three categories, (1) condominium communities, (2) cooperatives and (3) planned communities. Planned communities are typically single family home communities that
Continue Reading Community Association 101

Our legislature continues to tinker with the responsible governance policies made mandatory several years ago. This year Governor Ritter signed H.B. 1135 which amends Section 209.5 of the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (CCIOA). Section 209.5 first became law in 2005 by what has commonly been referred to as S.B. 100 which required every association to adopt a responsible governance policy concerning enforcement of covenants and rules, including notice and hearing procedures and a schedule of fines. Prior to adoption of S.B. 100, CCIOA permitted an association to levy reasonable fines for violations of the declaration, bylaws and rules and regulations, but only after notice to the offending owner and an opportunity for a hearing.
Continue Reading Hearing Due Process – Now What?