How do I set up trash service in HP3A?
Highland Park 3 contracts with Waste Management of Colorado Springs for regular trash service.  This includes one 96-gallon tote.  It does not include additional totes or recycling.  These must be obtained and paid for separately by the homeowner.  Trash days are on Thursdays and HP3A maintains a Trash Policy which you should review.

 

The contract provides exceptionally low pricing for regular trash service, well below what customers pay if they sign up on their own.  If you are new to the community - recently purchased your home or recently occupied your home following construction - getting registered with Waste Management is a piece of cake.  Once signed up, Waste Management will bill HP3A for your trash, and HP3A will bill you for the same amount.  At the start of the next year (January),  your trash fees will be billed as part of your annual dues.  This means your trash service becomes a one-time payment starting in January.

 

Steps:

1. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to obtain the HOA Customer ID (for security reasons, we will only provide this to owners and not publish it on the website)
2. Call Waste Management Customer Service at 800-288-9666. (M-F, 7am-6pm mountain time)
3. Provide your information/address and contact information to Customer Service
4. Identify the HOA Customer Name:  HIGHLAND PARKS 3 (note the "S" in PARKS)
5. Provide the HOA Customer ID number

Waste Management will assign you a customer ID number specific to your address and list it on HP3A's master invoice.  This ensures we properly bill you for trash services each year.

 

What Internet Service Providers are available in HP3A?

While homeowners have many options for internet service, HP3A lots are connected to high-speed fiber optic via CenturyLink.  To set up a new account go to www.centurylink.com.  Homeowners are not required to use CenturyLink, but it may provide the most expedient option.

 

How do I set up utilities?

HP3A is serviced by Mountain View Electric Association (MVEA): https://www.mvea.coop/, and Black Hills Energy (gas/electric): https://www.blackhillsenergy.com/.  

 

How often do I have to mow my lot?

HP3A has a mowing policy (click to follow the link).  Homeowners can generally keep their lots looking maintained by mowing about once each month during the summer months (June through September).  HP3A coordinates mowing with a local contractor for homeowners who want to sign up and be billed for the service.  Many homeowners own lawn tractors and mow their own lots.  The choice is yours - do it yourself or contract out for it.  However, the Association takes mowing seriously because of the potential wildfire danger created by overgrown lots.

 

Do I really need Architectural Control Committee approval before I can make any modifications to my lot?  It's my property after all!  

Yes, it is your land.  When you bought the property in Highland Park 3 you were automatically enrolled as a member of the Highland Park 3 Homeowners Association.  The HOA maintains a reasonable set of covenants that all homeowners agree to as part of their membership in the HOA.  While the ACC does not seek to ruin your plans for your dream home, there are community standards that must be met for architectural design to maintain property values and ensure the peaceful enjoyment of the community by all homeowners.  Don't drill a well, construct a building of any kind, install a driveway or landscaping, or dig septic - among other things - without first obtaining ACC approval.  This includes changing the color of your house or roof and landscaping projects.  The ACC is empowered to order a halt to construction activities if a homeowner fails to get approval first.  Not sure what's in the covenants?  Read them.  They're not too onerous, but they do protect you and other homeowners.

 

Importantly, do not send last-second plans to the ACC expecting a fast turnaround.  The ACC, per the covenants, is given a reasonable amount of time to review your plans.  The ACC wants to do a thorough job both for you and for your neighbors, and will not rush a decision just because your builder already ordered materials or scheduled construction to begin before approval was received.  Rushed decisions rarely result in good decisions.  

 

Can I put in a swimming pool or water feature?
Nope.  All HP3A lots are subject to a water augmentation plan (a court order) which restricts everyone from installing a swimming pool or landscape water feature.  This is also explicitly stated in the covenants.

 

I have never had well water before, what are some things I should know?

Many owners in HP3 are joining the community from neighborhoods that were on City water and have never had a well.  While not meant to be exhaustive, here are some things to consider:

1. Wells in the neighborhood are as deep as 600-800+ feet to reach the Denver or Dawson aquifers. It is in your best interests to get competitive bids to avoid being over-charged.
2. What goes down, must come up.  Whatever you and your neighbors sprinkle on your land eventually makes its way down into the groundwater.  Pet waste, insecticides, oil, and so forth.  The County recommends having your well water tested about once per year for contaminants.  The County also offers water testing services.  It is possible your builder or well company only tested for biological agents like e-coli in order to get your well permit.  There are other things you may want to test for like water hardness and the presence of metals.  Well water is not regulated like City water is...so it's on you to make sure it is good to drink and use.
3. Should I get a filter?  Whether or not you get water filtration is up to you.  Some owners just have sediment filters or water softeners, and may only have filters for their drinking/cooking water.  Others have full reverse-osmosis systems which purify the water for the whole house.  There are many vendors in the area who do water testing and recommend filtration based on what is actually in your water.  Prices vary but tend to be less expensive for point-of-service filters like you would attach to your kitchen sink and more expensive for point-of-entry systems which filter well water when it comes into your house.  Water filtration needs are influenced by personal preference and the nature of your well, so we do not recommend any particular type or brand.  Do your homework.  Testing your water periodically will help you know if you need a filter or if the filter you have needs to be modified.
4. Water filters need to be changed periodically just like furnace filters.  If you have water filtration, consult your owner's manual or the vendor for more information on how/when to do this.
5. When you first drill your well, expect a LOT of sediment.  The well may need to be left running for many hours (or even a day or two) to flush this sediment out of the well.  This is called "developing" a well.  If your well is brand new, it can be a little surprising how cloudy the water is.  But, after running the water for a day or two, it should clear up.  Along with having the water tested, this may change your impression as to how much or little water filtration you actually need.  It's a good idea to develop the well before running the water through your faucets, water heater, and appliances so all that grit and sediment isn't scratching things.  Your builder should be able to help you with this.
6. Your well pump runs on electricity.  If the power goes out, so does your water pump.  Consider having a backup power supply whether it's a generator, battery, solar, or another type of system.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the Association?

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Members of the Board of Directors all monitor this account.  The Board holds regular public meetings, usually online, and distributes information to all members primarily via email.  Individual members are required to maintain current contact information with the HOA so that we can contact you about events, meetings, emergencies, and general community announcements like water meter readings and Lot mowing opportunities.