As an Kinston resident, you’re an important stakeholder in the vision, character, and values of our neighborhood. That’s why the Kinston Community Association, or KCA, has specific community standards on the books to help homeowners maintain Kinston’s high-quality look and feel.
So what does it mean to be a resident in “good standing?” What happens if you get a notice of noncompliance?
If just the thought of this is anxiety-inducing, don’t fret. We’ve broken down the good, the groan, and the sigh of relief when it comes to community standards, and we’ve also rounded up a few helpful links for some common compliance items.
The good
The community standards are in place to keep our community (and your property values) desirable now and into the future.
If you’ve paid your monthly assessment dues on time and you’ve followed the community standards, congratulations! You’re a resident in “good standing.”
So you’re not left in the dark. There are plenty of online resources to help you understand the community standards. From Design Review to Kinston’s Covenant Enforcement Policy, you can reference these 24/7 right here on the resident website.
And if you’re ever unsure about what’s allowed or not allowed, or you have any questions, you may email your Kinston Community Life Team. They are a wealth of information and are happy to help.
The groan
To maintain the community standards, the Kinston Community Life Team regularly tours the community and if there is a noncompliance item found, you’ll receive an initial courtesy notice and an opportunity to correct the issue.
If not addressed, the noncompliance issue can escalate and lead to a monetary fine and declined access to Kinston’s amenities, like the Gathering Room.
Check out Kinston’s Covenant Enforcement Policy for all the nuts and bolts.
The sigh of relief
The KCA is on your side. They’re here to work with you, not against you, and they want to help you remedy any community standards concerns.
You’ll get several notifications before you receive a monetary fine or lose access to amenities. It doesn’t happen overnight.
If you feel like you received a noncompliance letter in error, let them know. If you have a Design Review question, if you’re not sure about what is and is not allowed in the community, let them know. If you notice a community standards violation somewhere in the neighborhood, submit a Community Concern form, which is available 24/7.
Communication is key, and they’re here to help.
5 common community standards
Landscape Timeframe
All lots must be fully landscaped by the end of the first planting season following the date of owner Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). Owners shall maintain all visible landscape areas in a clean, neat and weed-free condition. Trees, shrubs, or plantings cannot overhang or encroach upon any public right-of-way including sidewalks and paths. All landscaping modifications requires prior written approval from the Design Review Committee.
Source: Kinston CC&Rs (Article 8) and Residential Modification and Design Guidelines (Section 2.17.1)
Landscape modifications
All exterior changes (including landscape) require prior written approval from the Kinston Design Review Committee. Before breaking ground, submit your design plans for review.
Source: Kinston Design Guidelines (coming soon)
Open Fencing
Open fencing enhances the views to and from amenity areas such as lakes and open spaces while still containing pets and children. A few important reminders regarding open fencing:
- Open fences shall be rough-sawn cedar. Dimensional and pressure-treated lumber is strictly prohibited.
- All cedar open fences shall be left in their natural color. Staining, clear coating, or sealing is not permitted.
- Mesh is permitted, but it must be wire mesh (either 2” x 2” or 2” x 4”) and it must be installed on the inside of the rails (house side).
- Fencing must be constructed in compliance with local regulations, including those of Larimer County and the city of Loveland, and receive prior approval from the Design Review Committee.
Source: Kinston Design Guidelines (coming soon)
Vehicle Parking
Vehicles, including horse, camping, boat, hauling, snowmobile, jet ski, boat trailers and commercial vehicles, must be parked entirely within a garage.
Source: Kinston Design Guidelines (coming soon)
Animals
All household pets must be controlled by their owner. This means owners must leash and accompany their pets at all times outside their own property. And it should go without saying that all pet owners are responsible for the immediate removal and proper disposal of animal waste in common areas, and for any property damage.
Source: Kinston Design Guidelines (coming soon) and Larimer County Land Use Code (Chapter 6, Animals, Section 6-78 (1))