In an effort to educate residents about the use of motorized scooters, go-peds, dirt bikes, and all-terrain vehicles, Deputy Sheriff Cocha Heyden recently spent some time providing us with the lowdown on the issue.

First of all, ALL motorized vehicles are prohibited from all of the trails within Castle Pines North. Trails are for pedestrians and bicyclists only.

Next, all unregistered, or “toy” vehicles are prohibited from all public roadways and sidewalks. Motorized scooters, go-peds, dirt bikes, and all-terrain vehicles—regardless of the motor size—are considered “toys” and can only be used on private property with the permission of the owners.

Can your “toy” vehicle be registered? No, as there are requirements such as seats and turn signals, for example, which must be met.

Where can the machines be ridden? Unfortunately for those who may have received a shiny new motorized toy for Christmas, there are not many alternatives outside of a privately-owned area with the owner’s permission. Public roadways are defined as any street maintained by Douglas County. And just because the County didn’t plow your cul-de-sac this year doesn’t mean your road is private! The county is still responsible for maintenance, such as repairing potholes, on just about every street in Castle Pines North.

A specific concern in Castle Pines North was raised recently when these vehicles were being used on the Xcel property under the power lines. Xcel has since filed a “no trespass” letter with the Sheriff’s Office, in which the company specifies no motorized vehicles, but does allow foot traffic. In addition, the Company placed signs in the area.

With such a letter on file, any resident can now call the Sheriff’s Office to report violators. (In cases where there is no letter on file, only the property owner can legitimately register a trespassing complaint.) Violators could be issued a trespassing ticket with the appropriate fine.

It is hoped that residents will not need to rely on the Sheriff’s Office for enforcement of the County Ordinances related to this issue, but instead will be able to enjoy their neighbors’ consideration and respect whenever any loud or motorized devices are used.

Motorized Vehicle Use

Solicitation/Solicitors

Overnight Street Parking

Responsible Pet Ownership

All solicitors in Douglas County must apply for either a personal or business license at a cost of about $4.00. (This does not apply to Scouts or school fundraisers.) The solicitor license must be clearly visible.

Can we put a “No solicitors” sign at the entrance to the neighborhood? Unfortunately, no. Because Castle Pines Parkway is a County right-of-way, there can be no signs other than those placed by the county. These usually are traffic-related.

Private property within CPN can have signs, as long as the signs follow CPN covenants. And you can try putting a “No solicitors” sign at the entrance of your home, in the hopes that salespeople will not come where they are not welcome.

Please remember that Castle Pines North covenants prohibit parking or storing any vehicle on any road (Section 9.4). This rule exists for a number of reasons, including:

• Children’s safety: running out from behind parked vehicles poses a danger.
• Aesthetics: streets filled with vehicles and roads stained with oil are unattractive.
• Access: whether for our letter carriers, firefighters, trash pick-up services, or other service providers, access is limited when cards are parked in violation of the Covenants.

It’s time once again for our annual reminder to all owners about the responsibilities that come with owning a pet.

First of all, all dogs must be on leashes at all times. Everyone living in Castle Pines falls under the jurisdiction of Douglas County, and this is a County ordinance. This ordinance was later amended to confirm that voice command is not leash command. So, by following the County ordinance, no one should allow their dog of any size, at any time, no matter how well-behaved, to be outside the yard without a leash.

(FYI: A Douglas County animal control officer does have the right to impound any dog found running at large. The dog will be held for no less than five days, and the owner will be charged an impoundment fee of $15.00, in addition to any boarding fees.)

Off-leash parks do exist—such as the one on the west side of Quebec, north of McArthur Ranch Road—they just don’t exist in our community. If you are interested in working towards an off-leash park in our community, contact the Parks Authority.

Secondly, dealing with excrement is one of the inconveniences of owning a pet. But the inconvenience should not be passed along to the person who happens to live by, walk, jog, or ride the same path as the dog who has performed his natural function. Owners must pick up after their dogs wherever and whenever it occurs.

Shockingly, the areas around the schools have been hard-hit with the problem of dog poop. If you are among those who allow your dog to poop in the areas around the schools without cleaning it up, try to imagine being the teacher or parent who has to clean off a child’s shoes!

There has been talk of providing plastic bags in our open spaces for the convenience of dog-owners. Perhaps you would like to work to make that happen. In the meantime, while walking your dog, please bring a means to clean up after him or her.

Also, please do not allow your dog to urinate on other people’s property. This is not healthy for your neighbor’s landscaping, which they have spent time and money maintaining, and which adds to the value of our neighborhood. Please ensure that your dog urinates in an appropriate place. Thank you.

Barking. It is an offense for an owner to fail to prevent his or her dog from disturbing the peace of another person by loud, habitual, or persistent barking, howling, yelping, or whining.

To report a barking dog, call D.C. Animal Control at 660-7529, ext. 4. Further complaints, which must be in writing, will result in a charge, with penalties to the owner of not less than $50, with an additional $25 for each repeat offense.

Legalese aside, owners should try to be aware of when their dog is barking outside, and bring him in to avoid bothering their neighbors. Also, owners should try and make arrangements when they are away to prevent their dogs from being lonely!

Cats, rabbits, etc. Although the behavior of these animals does not fall under any county ordinances, they can be nuisances as well. Some neighbors have had luck using Grant’s Cat and Dog repellant, available at Home Depot, to keep cats out of landscaping, sand boxes, playground gravel, etc.

If anyone has suggestions for keeping rabbits and deer from nibbling flowers and vegetation, please share it with your neighbors.

Thank you for your consideration and adherence to these rules for being a good neighbor. Have a great summer!

Castle Pines North Homeowners Association
Copyright © 1999-2003 Castle Pines North Homeowners Association
All rights reserved.

Telephone and Fax:
303-482-3078

Address:
CPN Association, Inc.
7402 Yorkshire Drive
Castle Rock, Colorado 80104

Contact the Castle Pines North Homeowners Association (CPNHOA) by e-mail.