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Common Residential Projects
Please see the building permit page for more information.
The following handouts have been provided by SAFEbuilt on common residential projects:
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Fence Regulations - Residential Properties
Front Building Corner of a Principal Structure means each of the two (2) corners of the widest portion of the foundation of the principal structure that face and are parallel to the right-of-way line which defines the front yard.
Front Yard means the horizontal space between the nearest foundation of a building to the right-of-way line and that right-of-way line, extending to the side lines of the lot, and measured as the shortest distance from that foundation to the right-of-way line. The front yard of a corner lot shall be that yard which contains the front lot line marking the boundary between the lot and the shorter of the two (2) abutting street segments, except as otherwise specified by deed restrictions, and usually, but not always, that portion of the yard which is situated in front of the building elevation that contains the building address (see illustration).
Visibility at Intersections means no substantial impediment to visibility between the height of three (3) and eight (8) feet shall be created or maintained at street intersections within a triangular area described as follows: beginning at the point of intersection of the edges of the driving surface, then to points forty (40) feet along both intersecting edges and then along a transverse line connecting these points (see illustration).
Fence Regulations - Residential Properties
Any fence constructed in the Town of Windsor shall conform to the applicable regulations of the district in which it is located, except as specifically provided in the Windsor Municipal Code.
- Unless specifically authorized by the Windsor Municipal Code, no fence, wall or other architectural screening device shall exceed six (6) feet in height.
- No solid fences, walls or other such architectural screening devices, including but not limited to solid wooden or vinyl fences, solid and continuous hedgerows and other natural or artificial barriers in excess of four (4) feet in height shall be permitted in the front yard of properties.
- Screening devices may be erected and extend from each of the front building corners of the principal structure into the front yard for a maximum distance of eight (8) feet. From that point forward, not such screening devices shall exceed four (4) feet in height.
- Chain-link fences shall not be permitted in the front yard of properties.
- Where applicable, all fences, walls and other architectural screening devices shall conform to all setback, offset and height requirements of the zoning district wherein such devices are located.
- All permitted screening devices of whatever kind or nature shall conform to the visibility requirements of Section 16-10-10 of the Windsor Municipal Code (see below).
- It shall be unlawful to erect or maintain any fence, wall or architectural screening devices equipped with or having an electric charge sufficient to cause shock.
HELPFUL DEFINITIONS:
Front Building Corner of a Principal Structure means each of the two (2) corners of the widest portion of the foundation of the principal structure that face and are parallel to the right-of-way line which defines the front yard.
Front Yard means the horizontal space between the nearest foundation of a building to the right-of-way line and that right-of-way line, extending to the side lines of the lot, and measured as the shortest distance from that foundation to the right-of-way line. The front yard of a corner lot shall be that yard which contains the front lot line marking the boundary between the lot and the shorter of the two (2) abutting street segments, except as otherwise specified by deed restrictions, and usually, but not always, that portion of the yard which is situated in front of the building elevation that contains the building address (see illustration).
Visibility at Intersections means no substantial impediment to visibility between the height of three (3) and eight (8) feet shall be created or maintained at street intersections within a triangular area described as follows: beginning at the point of intersection of the edges of the driving surface, then to points forty (40) feet along both intersecting edges and then along a transverse line connecting these points (see illustration).
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What is a Little Free Library?
A Little Free Library is a “take a book, return a book” free book exchange. They come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common version is a small wooden box of books. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share.
What do I need to know before installing a little free library?
Given that Little Free Libraries are small by design (thus, the name “Little”) and are similar to other ornamental lawn décor and fencing, they generally do not require a building permit. However, please check with Planning if you have questions. Careful thought should be given to the placement of a Little Free Library and they should comply with the following:
- Please check with your Home Owners Association (HOA) for any HOA restrictions, covenants, or other requirements
- Locate your property line to ensure placement within your property boundaries
- Call for utility locations (dial 811 or visit http://colorado811.org) to ensure there are no conflicts with gas, electric, or other utilities
- Location outside of easements is recommended as improvements within easements may require future removal to allow access to the easement
- The design and location of your Little Free Library should not block drainage patterns
- Installation shall not occur within or overhang any public right-of-way (streets, sidewalks, etc.) or interfere with Post Office boxes
- Ensure installation does not obstruct vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic, either physically, or by a person utilizing the Little Free Library
- Do not obstruct access aisles or paths utilized by persons in wheelchairs or for ADA accessibility
- Enclosures should be small in size and arranged such that no person or child is able to enter
- Libraries should be anchored to the ground or otherwise securely attached to something having a permanent location on the ground
- The property owner is responsible for the upkeep of the library. Books should be contained within the library and not overflow around the structure.
- Please contact Windsor Planning with any questions at (970) 674-2400
What is an HOA?
A homeowners association (HOA) is an organization of homeowners of a particular subdivision, condominium, or planned unit development. The HOA is typically established by the Developer and is a mechanism for preserving maintaining, and enhancing the development’s homes and properties. HOAs are subject to Colorado state statutes and must be registered with the Secretary of State and the Colorado Division of Real Estate.
What does an HOA Regulate?
Each HOA generally has a set of governing documents, including covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). Covenants are typically recorded with the county clerk and recorder and are referenced on a deed and have the legal effect of a binding contract. Covenants can control a variety of things, including the examples below:
• Animals – restrictions on number, type, breed, etc.
• Architectural control - paint color, roofing materials, or house style
• Decorations – limitations or timing of holiday displays
• Fencing – material, color, and style
• Outdoor structures - storage sheds, swing sets, etc.
• Vehicles – storage of RVs or Boats
HOA covenants do not replace Town regulations (they cannot be less restrictive than Town regulations) although they can be stricter than Town requirements. The HOA board may also adopt rules, which are less permanent than covenants. Rules might include things like prohibiting glass in pool areas, storage of trash containers, etc.
• Animals – restrictions on number, type, breed, etc.
• Architectural control - paint color, roofing materials, or house style
• Decorations – limitations or timing of holiday displays
• Fencing – material, color, and style
• Outdoor structures - storage sheds, swing sets, etc.
• Vehicles – storage of RVs or Boats
HOA covenants do not replace Town regulations (they cannot be less restrictive than Town regulations) although they can be stricter than Town requirements. The HOA board may also adopt rules, which are less permanent than covenants. Rules might include things like prohibiting glass in pool areas, storage of trash containers, etc.
Can Covenants or Rules be Amended?
Covenants can be amended but typically require a vote of 67% of all property owners. Rules can be changed through a vote of the HOA Board.
What is Common Space?
Common space in a development is typically property owned in common by all the homeowners (rather than an individual homeowner). The most common type of common space is “general” common space. A developer may create general common spaces such as parks, open space, or a clubhouse as an amenity for residents. Other types of common space are “limited” or “exclusive”, which restrict use in some manger and should be defined in the governing documents.
Can a Homeowner or HOA Build in Common Space?
An HOA can build in some areas designated as common space but there are restrictions. Common space that has been designated as Open Space cannot be built upon and must be kept as open space, as defined in the Municipal Code. Check with the Town to determine if such a restriction exists and if a building permit is required.
Homeowners are typically not allowed to build in common open space and would need to seek special permission from the HOA to do so. Decks and other improvements are occasionally inadvertently built over a lot line into common space. HOAs need to carefully consider the ramifications of allowing private use of common areas, such as liability, conflicts with governing documents, maintenance, etc.
Homeowners are typically not allowed to build in common open space and would need to seek special permission from the HOA to do so. Decks and other improvements are occasionally inadvertently built over a lot line into common space. HOAs need to carefully consider the ramifications of allowing private use of common areas, such as liability, conflicts with governing documents, maintenance, etc.
What Responsibilities does an HOA have?
An HOA can build in some areas designated as common space but there are restrictions. Common space that has been designated as Open Space cannot be built upon and must be kept as open space, as defined in the Municipal Code. Check with the Town to determine if such a restriction exists and if a building permit is required.
Homeowners are typically not allowed to build in common open space and would need to seek special permission from the HOA to do so. Decks and other improvements are occasionally inadvertently built over a lot line into common space. HOAs need to carefully consider the ramifications of allowing private use of common areas, such as liability, conflicts with governing documents, maintenance, etc.
Homeowners are typically not allowed to build in common open space and would need to seek special permission from the HOA to do so. Decks and other improvements are occasionally inadvertently built over a lot line into common space. HOAs need to carefully consider the ramifications of allowing private use of common areas, such as liability, conflicts with governing documents, maintenance, etc.
What Responsibilities does a Homeowner have?
When an HOA exists within a given development, membership is typically mandatory so a homeowner is obligated to pay membership dues and abide by all associated covenants and rules.