By Marlene Brown
The Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO) held its regular bi-monthly meeting May 11 at the Woodmoor Community Center (The Barn) located at the Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA), 1691 Woodmoor Dr.
The meeting was called to order at 10 a.m. by board President Mike Aspenson, who introduced the board. Vice President Bob Swedenburg reported that the NEPCO board has vacancies for treasurer, secretary, and land use/transportation chair. Swedenburg, who has been with NEPCO for over 20 years as a founding member of the board, reiterated the board would be available for training and guidance, helping new board members to feel comfortable and fit in with their position. For more information, email vicepresident@nepco.org.
Aspenson gave the treasurer report and Larry Oliver, membership chair, reported that NEPCO represents over 50 member HOAs in northern El Paso County. Swedenburg gave the land use/transportation report. Some of the projects at the El Paso County Planning Commission that pertain to the northern Tri-Lakes area are:
- Monument Ridge East—361 residences
- Neighborhood public meeting—June 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Woodmoor Community Center (The Barn)
- Settlers Ranch Filing No. 3—24 lots
- New Breed Ranch Filing No. 3—seven lots
For information regarding these county projects and others, go to epcdevplanreview.com. The Electronic Development Application Review Program (EDARP) is for unincorporated areas. You can submit, review, and search development applications online. The Monument Planning Commission currently has development projects that include infrastructure, residential, commercial, and parks.
The Wildfire Committee highlighted wildfire preparedness regarding mitigation and insurance guides published by the Colorado State Forest Service. Note that the term/program “Firewise” is evolving into a “Fire-Adapted” approach. HOAs are encouraged to reach out to Fire Adapted Colorado (FACO) for more guidance and research: fireadaptedco.org.
Outreach Communications Chair Dave Betzler said the July 13 NEPCO meeting would feature executives from the Trails & Open Space Coalition, Monument Parks and Recreation, and El Paso County Community Services.
Recent legislative impact on HOAs
Steven King, Monument mayor pro tem, said that in general, new legislation impacts local control and property rights, and in Monument, especially, since it is a home-rule community. King was joined by Bryce Meighan, Orton Cavanaugh Holmes & Hart LLC.
Signed legislation with yet-to-be determined impacts:
- HB 1007 occupancy limits
- HB 1152 ADU/accessory dwelling units
- HB 1304 Metro District Parking/ unknown status regarding ADA
- SB 005 Restricts installation of artificial turf
- HB 1091 Requires fire-hardened property/building materials
- HB 1098 Cause required eviction of residential tenants
- SB 021 Exempt small communities, such as HOAs, requirement cap annual assessments
- HB 1233 HOA delinquency enforcement
- SB 1267 Metro districts covenant enforcement
- HB 1313 Housing in transit corridors – affordable housing, applicable to home-rule towns
- SB21 1110 Incorporation of federal ADA requirements
- SB 058 Landowner Liability—requires posting of warning signs, limits landowner actions
Passed, not signed:
- HB 106 Construction defect procedures
- HB 1051 Towing carrier regulation
- HB 1108 Insurance commissioner mandated study of property and casualty insurance costs
- HB 1337 Real property owner unit association of attorney fees, assessments, collections, and enforcement fees.
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NEPCO meets every other month on the second Saturday. The next regular general membership meeting will be held July 13 from 10 a.m. to noon at The Barn. For more information, go to nepco.org.
Marlene Brown can be reached at marlenebrown@ocn.me.
Other HOA articles
- Gleneagle Civic Association Board of Directors, Sept. 30 – Board defends use of companies for duties (10/30/2025)
- Gleneagle Civic Association Town Hall Meeting, Oct. 15 – Town Hall covers ballot measures (10/30/2025)
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, Oct. 24 – Board urges safety, announces holiday light contest (10/30/2025)
- Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations, Sept. 13 – County officials give updates (10/2/2025)
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, Sept. 24 – Prairie dogs remain; winter is coming (10/2/2025)
- Gleneagle Civic Association, Aug. 12 – GCA holds Town Hall to review rewritten covenants (9/4/2025)
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, Aug. 27 – Board hears short-term rental concerns (9/4/2025)
- Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO) – Developer reduces home sites, HOA affected state laws (7/31/2025)
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, Jul. 23 – Board recognizes Eagle Scout project, clarifies parking near open spaces (7/31/2025)
- Woodmoor Improvement Association, May 28 – Board announces fire education (6/7/2025)