Design Guidelines

Floral Park Bylaws and Design Guidelines
   (Block 17, Weihofen's Resubdivision, Floral Park)

The original eight families created a set of bylaws or "working rules" that each household agreed to honor. These rules, often referred to as a "gentlemen's agreement" focused primarily on block governance and Commons maintenance and protocol. The founding spirit embodied in this original agreement continues to this day. Adherence to these bylaws - by all current and future residents - will continue to ensure the preservation of this unique block and the legacy it represents.

  FLORAL PARK BYLAWS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES

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(1) Block Character:
All property owners unanimously agree to the importance of maintaining and preserving the character and original intent of this community of properties. Inasmuch as Floral Park was carefully planned as a unit, it is understood that no change in plan or alterations of any kind will be made within the Commons without first presenting such plans to the Trustee and to the entire group of homeowners. A variety of legally binding covenants, coupled with the block's status as a local historic landmark, further ensure that the integrity of the original plan is preserved. Any exterior changes to individual properties must be consistent with the Floral Park Design Guidelines, City of Boulder Design Guidelines for Historic Districts, and be approved by the city's Preservation Department. The block's historic designation mandates that the exterior of each house (white-painted brick and wood, tile roofs, shutters, etc) not be altered.

(2) Fencing:
Fencing of any kind is not permitted within any portion of the Commons. Back and side-yard fences in individual yards, mainly used as pet enclosures, are allowed, although, these should be modest in height (maximum post height of 50 inches above grade; top rail being no more than 45 inches above grade; posts use wooden 4x4's and horizontal rails wooden 2x6's; gate design should utilize the same post/rail materials). Overall, the entire completed fence should have an open and transparent feel. Wire mesh can be used to further enhance security. Generous landscaping that masks the fence is strongly encouraged. Fences, especially those abutting the Commons, should not function as "privacy" fences or screens; maintaining a transparency. NOTE: Proposals for all fencing projects should first be brought to the attention of the Trustee (see Bylaw 8), and if necessary, a block meeting scheduled to discuss the scope and impact of the proposed project.

(3) Meetings:
Two block meetings are held each year. Meetings are generally held in November and March, and whenever possible, are scheduled on the second Sunday afternoon of the month. For voting purposes, each household has one vote. All motions brought forward require a simple majority to pass, with the exception of proposals pertaining to physical alterations to the Commons, which require unanimous agreement among all eight households. It is each homeowner's responsibility to be in attendance at these meetings, but with advance notice, proxy votes will be allowed. Meetings are hosted by each household on a rotation basis. The Minutes should be distributed by the Secretary within two weeks following a meeting. The Moderator/Meeting Coordinator (more under item #8) collects agenda items in advance of each meeting and serves as Chair. Refreshments and occasional entertainment provided by the hosts are a high point.

(4) Landscaping:
Preserving the character of the block's mature landscape is a priority. To that end, each homeowner is expected to maintain the landscape on their individual property, including the landscape that abuts the Commons. Any significant landscaping redesign in individual yards, especially work that potentially impacts adjacent households, should first be presented to neighbors for comment. Landscaping decisions and all costs associated with the flowerbeds on the north and south sides of the garage (Lot 9) are largely left to the discretion of the two households that face the garage. Landscaping along the west side of the garage is decided upon, funded, and maintained collectively. An annual review (walking tour/assessment) of the general landscape within the Commons should be undertaken and an inventory of trees maintained. A report, including recommendations for action, should be presented by the Landscape/Tree Committee at one of the regularly scheduled block meetings. Upon consensus, households agree to share in the cost for replacement, removal and maintenance of mature trees and sizeable shrubs in the Commons and in Lot 9.

(5) LOT 9:
This is a the track of land where the community garage, two walkways, and community garden are located. Lot 9 encompasses the east seventy-one and twenty-five hundredths feet of the Commons tract. The rights and responsibilities related to Lot 9 are "vested to all eight households." The two households adjacent to the garage (Geck House and Thompson House) are responsible for the general maintenance and landscape of the area facing their two houses - along the north and south facing walls of the garage. These two households also supply water to the community garden beds and provide electricity to the eight-car garage. The two walkways adjacent to the garages leading to 16th Street should never be blocked by cars, recreational vehicles, storage units, or any other personal items. By election, one homeowner from the block is designated as the Trustee of Lot 9. The Trustee's primary responsibilities include: monitoring the condition of the garages and handling the management of taxes and insurance for Lot 9. The Trustee has the authority to cancel or restrict the use of Lot 9 to any owner in default.

(6) Commons and Shelter House:
The land known as the Commons is reserved for the exclusive use and enjoyment of the homeowners, their families, and guests. This tract of land, which extends 45 feet on either side of the mid-point of the Commons runs east and west through the center of the block. The Commons is protected by an irrevocable covenant duly signed by the original residents that continues to be binding on all subsequent owners. ["Said tract of land shall now and hereafter be reserved for the common use and enjoyment of all persons who may now or hereafter be the owners of any residential lots in said Block 17. No person shall erect any structure upon or make any type of use of said tract or any part thereof except as may be approved by all the parties hereto, their heirs or assigns."] Each homeowner is responsible for the care and upkeep of the portion of the Commons that abuts their property. No owner or resident may plant trees, shrubs, create or extend rock walls, or do landscaping of any kind in the Commons without first consulting the other homeowners. As a courtesy, individual homeowners planning to use the Commons or the Shelter House for an event should contact each homeowner in advance, ensuring exclusive use of that area on the appointed date/time. It is expected that the Commons and Shelter House will be left in a clean and orderly condition and that evening events will conclude at a reasonable hour. Utility and lawn-care access to the Commons (along 15th Street) should never be obstructed. Homeowners may not use any portion of the Commons for long-term personal use, including extended use of tents, storage, ornamental art, or other structures, etc. Motor vehicles are not allowed on the Commons.

(7) Community Garage, Parking and Access:
The eight-car community garage (437 16th St.) is a unique feature of the block. Each homeowner has one assigned interior parking space. The Lot 9 Trustee looks out for the general repair and maintenance of the garage structure and, in collaboration with the Treasurer, negotiates fire, property and liability coverage for both Lot 9 and the garage. Each homeowner is responsible for one eighth of the insurance premiums and taxes and for repairs to the garage voted on and approved by the entire group. Residents should be mindful of how items stored in their garage space impacts others, ensuring that there is adequate room for people to enter and exit vehicles parked in adjacent stalls. Each homeowner shall assume responsibility for any damage they cause to other cars parked in or in front of the garage. Parking one additional vehicle in front of one's assigned garage space is allowed, but residents should be aware of how their parked car impacts others also parked in front of garage spaces. Multiple vehicles, parked side-by-side, should never be parked in front of a single garage space. Vehicles should never block the sidewalk on 16th Street. Hazardous materials should never be stored in the garage.

(8) Treasurer, Meeting Coordinator, Secretary, and Trustee:
A Treasurer, Meeting Coordinator, and Secretary are periodically elected by the homeowners. The Treasurer is responsible for paying all bills, taxes and assessments authorized by the group, and preparing, presenting and distributing a Treasurer's Report at each regular meeting. The Meeting Coordinator runs each regular meeting, compiles agendas in advance of meetings, and sets meeting dates and times. Ideally, agenda items should be solicited and distributed by the Meeting Coordinator at least two weeks in advance of each meeting; this is to ensure people have sufficient time to review items slated for discussion. The Secretary takes and distributes the Minutes for each regular meeting. Minutes should be sent out to each homeowner no later than two weeks following a regular meeting. The Trustee holds the Title to Lot 9 and facilitates the harmonious "use and benefit" of Lot 9 on behalf of all eight households. The Trustee is responsible for monitoring the condition of the garages - proposing maintenance as needed and, in collaboration with the Treasurer, manage and negotiate Lot 9 taxes and insurance. The Trustee also serves as the initial point of contact for homeowners wanting to undertake projects that might have the potential for impacting the Commons, a homeowner's Commons view or Commons access. Proposed projects that abut the Commons, must first be presented to the Trustee for feedback. The Trustee will then inform all homeowners of project details. This procedure is meant to further guarantee the "harmonious use and benefit" of the Commons for all households.

(9) Tax Credits, Grants, and Assesments:
Homeowners are eligible for state tax credits and preservation grants. Applications for state tax credits (20%-25%) are available through the History Colorado office in Denver or through the City of Boulder Historic Preservation Office. Applications for home improvement grants are available through Historic Boulder, Inc. Assessments, covering insurance premiums and other agreed upon Commons-related expenses, are determined at the block's regular meetings by a majority vote of the homeowners.

(10) Pets:
Homeowners are responsible for cleaning-up and monitoring their pets when in the Commons.

(11) Sale of Properties:
It is the duty of any resident considering selling their home to notify the other residents in advance. In this way, a fully-informed buyer might be identified. Prospective buyers should also be aware of the regulations under which the block has operated from the beginning: each homeowner is expected to assume and discharge certain duties, attend all meetings, and host meetings at stated intervals. It is also the responsibility of every homeowner to inform realtors and potential buyers about the historic preservation status of Floral Park. A referral to this website is strongly suggested.

(12) Renters:
Renters are expected to honor all Bylaws, including upkeep of their portion of the Commons and of the exterior appearance of their residence and its landscape. Renters are encouraged to enjoy the Commons, attend and participate in block meetings; but they do not have a vote.

(13) Community Garden:
The raised organic garden beds adjacent to and west of the Community Garage (Lot 9) provide interested homeowners with an opportunity to grow their own vegtables and flowers. Currently, there are a number of individual and community garden beds in use. Improvements and additions to the garden area are decided on by the entire block.

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