About Your Association...
When and where are Homeowner Board Meetings held?
What do my quarterly dues pay for?
How do I get a copy of the DRE covenants?
About This Website and Neighborhood Communication...
How do I sign up for the community website?
How do I receive the printed directory and newsletters?
Around Your House...
When is trash and recycle pickup, and what should I know about it?
What do I need to know about playsets and trampolines?
I'd like to change my landscaping - what do I need to do?
I'm thinking about painting my house or adding on - what should I do?
About Our Recreational Facilities...
What are the requirements for use of the swimming pool and sport courts?
What is the swimming pool season?
How do I gain access to the pool / sport court - it appears to require a key?
What's the status of our clubhouse?
About Our Streets...
Why don’t we have speed bumps or more stop signs to slow traffic?
Who's responsible for plowing the streets when it snows?
Who do I contact to report the location of potholes?
Who should I contact if I notice a burned out street light?
Why don’t we have sidewalks?
Why can't we have a gated community and privatize our roads?
About the Town and Local Ordinances...
What should I do when a solicitor shows up at my home?
What is the Town’s policy on pets/animals?
Who do I call regarding excessive noise?
Who is our Town Council Representative?
Miscellaneous Information...
What kind of wildlife resides in DRE that I should be aware of?
When and where are Homeowner Board Meetings held?
Homeowner Association meetings are held the third Monday of the month starting at 7:00 PM at the
community clubhouse. Residents are invited to attend. If a resident wishes to participate, a request
must be made to our Property Manager at MSI at 303-751-6564 asking to be placed on the Open Forum Agenda.
The annual homeowners meeting is held in January of each year. Notice of the meeting is distributed
approximately three weeks prior to the meeting.
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What do my quarterly dues pay for?
Quarterly dues are used for the overall operation of the community. The budget is prepared for community
approval at the Annual meeting each January. The volunteer Board of Directors uses the approved budget as
a guideline for its annual spending. Your dues cover such items as maintenance and improvements to
landscaping, spring clean up, fence repair, pool and sport court operations, clubhouse maintenance,
trash pick up, the front entry water feature, additional snow plowing at mailboxes, taxes, insurance,
utilities and community social activities such as the Adult Pool Social, Family BBQ, Adult Holiday Party
and Movie Nights, to name a few.
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How do I get a copy of the DRE covenants?
Almost every Homeowners Association document, including our “Declaration of Covenants”, is available on the
HOA Documents page of this website.
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How do I sign up for the community website?
This question deserves a little background information first, because the answer kind of depends... There
are actually two websites that serve the needs of DRE: 1) the one you’re on now
(www.diamondridge.org), which is maintained by
the homeowners association, and 2) an area within our management company’s website
(www.msihoa.com) that’s dedicated to DRE. We’re
obviously a bit biased, but believe this site is the better of the two – it’s more up-to-date and contains
more useful information for DRE residents. The only things you’ll find on MSI’s site that aren’t on this
site are the HOA’s financials, and the form to sign up for Automatic Withdrawal (ACH) payment of dues.
To sign up for access to MSI’s site, go to
www.msihoa.com, choose “Homeowner Services” from the
top menu, and then choose “New Homeowner? Sign Up Here”. After you’ve followed their site’s instructions
to register, you can find the association’s financials in the “Resource Center”.
As far as our website (the one you’re on), there are two things that require special access: 1) the
Homeowners Email List, and 2) the online Residents Directory. For complete information on accessing
either or both of these, please refer to appropriate section of the
Contact page.
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How do I receive the printed directory and newsletters?
There are actually two versions of the neighborhood directory: 1) an annual printed version that’s mailed
to everyone early in the calendar year, and 2) an online directory that’s updated throughout the year and
available from the
Contact page of this website. If you’re new to DRE, or see something that
needs to be corrected in one of the directories, please contact Michelle Herring
(Michelle@herring.ws) who updates the printed version and Kevin Raasch
(Raasch@msn.com) who updates the online one. Both the printed directory
and hardcopy newsletters are automatically mailed to each address in the neighborhood.
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When is trash and recycle pickup, and what should I know about it?
Trash and recycle service is included in your HOA dues and provided by Haulaway Solid Waste (303-683-8887)
located in Castle Rock. Haulaway provides curbside trash pickup on Mondays each week and recycle pickup
every other week (
 2013 Recycle Calendar
). Trash should be at the end of your driveway no later than 7:00am with trash on one side
of your driveway and recyclables on the other. In the event Monday is a holiday (New Years Day, Memorial
Day, 4th of July, Labor Day or Christmas Day), trash pickup will occur on Tuesday instead. For additional
information, please refer to
Trash and Recycle Info.
Please contact Haulaway directy for replacement trash containers, or for specifics on what they will or will not pickup.
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What do I need to know about playsets and trampolines?
Features such as playsets, trampolines and other recreational equipment are allowed, but a plan must be
submitted and approved prior to installation on the lot. Such features must be located in a position that
does not create a significant negative impact on views of neighboring properties and the street by use of
trees, boulders, shrubs, berms or other approved means.
Colors:
The features such as a playset or trampoline should be of natural wood or earth tome colors (brown or green).
These features will not be allowed if they cannot be extensively and effectively screened from neighbors and
the street.
Positioning:
All structures should be situated behind the rear plane of the home and situated from the side and rear
property boundary by at least 25 feet or the space needed to adequately buffer the structure.
Substantial Buffering:
The covenants state that substantial buffering means that the view of the feature or equipment must be
substantially blocked once the plantings reach 75% of their mature breath. Trees and bushes or other items
used to buffer the feature must be at least the height of the feature. We strongly recommend the use of
evergreens plantings for an effective year round buffer.
For the Design Review Request Form and complete information on the approval process, please refer to the
Landscape Design page of this website.
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I'd like to change my landscaping - what do I need to do?
The landscaping around your home must conform to the neighborhood's design standards and covenants, and
there is a specific process to follow when doing any landscaping work. In general, the Design Review Request
Form (available on this website) must be completed and sent to our management company (MSI), who will forward
it to the Landscaping Committee for review. The Committee will either approve of the change or provide feedback
to the homeowner as to changes needed to conform to the intent of the Diamond Ridge covenants. For the Design
Review Request Form and complete information on the process, please refer to the
Landscape Design page of this website.
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I'm thinking about painting my house or adding on - what should I do?
There is a specific process to follow when doing things like painting your home (or part of it) or adding on
(like the addition of a garage). The process begins by submitting a Design Review Request Form (available on
this website) to our management company, MSI. Your request will then go to the Diamond Ridge Architectural
Design Board who will review it and either approve the request or provide feedback as to what changes would be
needed to conform to the covenants of Diamond Ridge so approval can be granted. For the Design
Review Request Form and complete information on the process, please refer to the
Landscape Design page of this website (the same form is used for both
architectural and landscaping design requests).
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What are the Requirements for use of the swimming pool and sport courts?
The pool and sport courts are for the exclusive use of Diamond Ridge Estates residents and their invited
guests. A resident must accompany their guests at all times while using the facilities. Posted rules must
be adhered to while using the pool, spa and sport courts as these are unguarded facilities.
Also, beginning in 2009, residents must be current with their homeowner dues. All fines assessed to a resident’s
account must be paid in full. Residents with an unpaid balance will be denied access to the facilities.
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What is the swimming pool season?
The pool is open from Memorial Day weekend (beginning Saturday) through Labor Day weekend (ending Monday)
each year. Do not use the pool prior to opening day as chemical levels are intentionally high in advance
of opening.
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How do I gain access to the pool / sport court - it appears to require a key?
The pool and sport courts are secured with electronic locks that require a card key to access. If you are
new to the neighborhood, and haven't been issued one, please contact the
Recreation Committee who will see that you get a key (one per
residence).
A resident's account with the HOA must be current --homeowners dues and/or fines-- to use the pool or sport
courts. Residents with an unpaid balance will be denied access to the facilities (your card key will be
deactivated).
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What's the status of our clubhouse?
The clubhouse (formerly the sales office) was turned over to the Homeowners Association by the
neighborhood's developer in late 2008. This means we now have responsibility for maintaining
the building and paying all its associated costs. It also means we have the entire building available
for use by the HOA and residents of Diamond Ridge. In 2010, the HOA Board and a committee of
residents examined how the clubhouse could be leveraged to bring more value to the neighborhood; and
as a result, the building was renovated in 2011 to make it more functional as a clubhouse. At present
the clubhouse has only simple furniture for the HOA's monthly meetings, and houses the restrooms
for the swimming pool. For more information on the facility, or to request a copy of the rental
agreement, please contact our community manager with MSI.
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Why don’t we have speed bumps or more stop signs to slow traffic?
Both speed bumps and stop signs are perceived as easy solutions to speeding, but the Town believes there’s
no real evidence they decrease the overall speed of traffic. In fact, they say, impatient drivers view the
additional delay caused by unwarranted stop signs or speed bumps as "lost time" to be made up by driving
at higher speeds between these devices. Given the Town’s stance, and our steadfast concern over speeding
and safety along our streets, we petitioned the Town for inclusion in their Traffic Calming Program. For
the latest information on our status in this program, please refer to the article on page 3 of the
Summer 2008 Newsletter.
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Who's responsible for plowing the streets when it snows?
The Town of Castle Rock is responsible for plowing the streets in our neighborhood. Please refer to the
Snow Route Information in the
Roads / Public Works area of the
Town's website or call 720-733-2462 for more information. In general however, major roadways like Founders
Parkway and Crowfoot Valley Road are the Town's first priority. Diamond Ridge Parkway is categorized as a
"Priority 2" road, which means it will be plowed once the snow depth reaches 6". Diamond Ridge Circle is
a "Priority 3" road, which means it will be plowed once the snow depth reaches 8". All other side streets
and cul-de-sacs in our neighborhood are either "Priority 4 or 5", which come with no guarantee of being
plowed; although historically, the Town gets to them eventually when there's enough to warrant plowing.
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Who do I contact to report the location of potholes?
As a result of harsh winter conditions, each spring we see the development of new potholes and cracks in
our roads. To report a pothole that needs repaired, call the Town's Public Works Department at 720-733-2477.
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Who should I contact if I notice a burned out street light?
Please call IREA (Intermountain Rural Electric Association)
at 303-688-3100 to report burned out street lights.
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Why don't we have sidewalks?
The developer of Diamond Ridge Estates (DRE) wanted to create a rural, large lot estate feel for the
neighborhood, which is why paved sidewalks were not constructed. The Town approved that development concept
as part of the original Planned Development in 1995. What would it take to have paved sidewalks? The
homeowners of DRE would have to fund the project, which is estimated to be in the millions of dollars.
Considering the cost, assessments and possibly a property tax impact, the general opinion of the
neighborhood has been to leave the design as is, without sidewalks.
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Why can't we have a gated community and privatize our roads?
When the neighborhood was first designed and approved by the Town of Castle Rock, the Town accepted control and
ownership of all of the roads in Diamond Ridge. Consequently, the Town is responsible for the road maintenance,
including snow removal (according to their snow removal priority plan) and road deterioration mitigation. On
many occasions over the past ten years, members of the Diamond Ridge Board of Directors have inquired with the
Town as to the opportunity for the Association to take ownership of the roads, in an effort to control traffic
and improve the safety and security of our homeowners. In every instance, the issue was quickly dismissed
because the Town does not want Diamond Ridge “gated” for several reasons, not the least of which is that
Diamond Ridge Parkway acts as a feeder road for other communities already built or planned.
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What should I do when a solicitor shows up at my home?
In an attempt to prevent solicitors from freely canvassing neighborhoods, the Town has implemented a “No Knock
List”. A policy has also been designed to require solicitors to register with the Town and to adhere to the No
Knock policy which states they cannot solicit at addresses on the list. If you have registered your residence
on the list, it is unlawful for solicitors to enter your property. If this occurs, contact the Castle Rock
Police Department at 303-663-6100. To register your name or to review the requirements established by the Town,
log onto www.CRgov.com.
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What is the Town’s policy on pets/animals?
Our community is governed by Title 6 of the Castle Rock Municipal Code, which governs animals within Town limits.
All dogs and cats over six months of age within the Town limits are required to be licensed and to be vaccinated
for rabies. Licenses are issued for one, two or three-year periods depending on the date your animal received its
rabies vaccination. No animal owner shall permit any animal to cause an annoyance for more than five minutes at
any time of the day or night by repeated barking or other like sounds that can be heard beyond the boundary lines
of the owner’s property. Persons cannot keep more than three dogs or five cats for a total of six animals within
Town limits. Dogs must be on a leash when off the owner’s property. The leash cannot be greater than 8 feet in
length and controlled by a person physically competent to control the animal. It is illegal to own, possess, keep,
maintain, harbor, transport or sell any pit bull within Town limits. To obtain a license, report a lost or
barking dog, contact Animal Control at 303-663-6100.
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Who do I call regarding excessive noise?
In an attempt to create a better atmosphere and relationship between homebuilders and existing homeowners, in
July of 2006 the Town approved new restrictions for construction noise. All construction, lawnmowers, trash
haulers, etc., are prohibited from operating between 10PM and 7AM. Weekend construction cannot begin until 8AM.
Sound from stereos, radios, televisions and other sources must not disturb anyone 100 feet away. Anyone wishing
to report a code violation should contact Development Services at 720-733-2223. If immediate help is needed,
contact Castle Rock Police Department at 303-663-6100.
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Who is our Town Council Representative?
Diamond Ridge Estates is located within District 2 of the Town of Castle Rock. Our current Town Council
Representative is Mark P. Heath and his contact information is available on the Town's website at:
Mark P. Heath.
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What kind of wildlife resides in DRE that I should be aware of?
In Diamond Ridge, we have a variety of wildlife, including red tailed hawks, eagles, mule deer, porcupines,
turkeys, rabbits, coyotes, fox, black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, rattle and other species of snakes,
prairie dogs, and pocket gophers. Prior to the community’s rapid growth in the late 1990s, there were also
many elk that traveled through the neighborhood. Care should be taken when walking in the open space, as your
awareness of the wildlife, as their awareness of you, will prevent most of the unpleasant encounters. Please
do not feed the wildlife and do not leave pet food outside or other food items within easy reach, as this may
create a situation where any animals that become a nuisance may be exterminated.
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