While the sun is shining and the temps are warm - think ahead to this winter now.

Car and Driver: How to Drive in Snow Safely
   https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a25350719/how-to-drive-in-winter-snow-safely/

Travel Channel: 10 Tips for Traveling During the Holidays
   https://www.travelchannel.com/interests/travel-tips/photos/tips-for-traveling-during-the-holidays

Forbes Home: How To Winterize A House
   https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/plumbing/how-to-winterize-a-house/

Under the City rules, residents that use sprinklers and other irrigation systems to water lawns and gardens may only do so three times a week. From May 1 to Oct. 15, landscape watering must take place before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

​Learn more and see the The Integrated Water Resource Plan at www.csu.org/Pages/waterwiserules.aspx

You may want to check out Section 2.10 in the PCVA Guidelines (https://www.pcva.org/uploads/7/8/8/7/78875826/pcv_guidelines_revised_10.2022.pdf​)

2.10 SIGNS  C.R.S. 38-33.3-106.5. allows HOAs to restrict signs and flags bearing a commercial message, and to establish reasonable, content-neutral sign and flag regulations based upon the number, placement, size or other objective factors.
2.10.1 PERMITTED SIGN TYPES  There are no restrictions on the content of non-commercial signs per C.R.S. 38-33.3-106.5; however, commercial signs are restricted and mostly not permitted (see below).
All signs and symbols must be maintained in good condition and must be replaced as necessary when
damaged, worn, or faded.
2.10.2 COMMERCIAL SIGNS
For Sale/For Rent/Open House Signs

• One professionally lettered ‘For Sale’ sign or one professionally lettered ‘For Rent’ sign may be displayed on the property offered for sale or for rent.
• A sign may not be more than five square feet (5 sq ft).
• ‘For Sale’ and ‘For Rent’ signs must be removed not later than 10 days from the date of closing or from when the property is leased.
• One professionally lettered ‘Open House’ sign not to exceed five square feet (5 sq ft) may be displayed on the property on the day of the open house and must be removed at the end of the day.
• Signs on common areas that are pointing to homes for sale/rent are not permitted at any time and can be removed without notifying the sign owner.

Security Signs

• One professionally lettered security sign not to exceed two square feet (2 sq ft) in size may be displayed on the property, and a reasonable number of professional security decals not larger than eight inches by eight inches (8” x 8”) may be displayed within windows in a residence.
• With the exception of the permitted commercial signs noted above, all other trade, marketing, or commercial signs, including but not limited to, landscaping, painting, remodeling, business advertising, or in any way pertaining to the exchange or buying and selling of commodities and/or intending to make a profit are prohibited.

2.10.3 PLACEMENT AND NUMBER OF SIGNS

• All signs must be placed within the boundaries of the Unit. Signs may be no larger than 18” by 24” in size.
• Any sign located on the common area may be removed and disposed of without notice.
• A maximum of one non-commercial sign is permitted to be displayed within the Owner’s property at a time.
• A sign may be displayed within a window inside the residence facing the front of the residence or in the front yard.
• Front yard signs must be located behind the street sidewalk, if any, and within the closest 1/3 of the property to the front entry of the residence measured from the property boundary.
• Yard signs in the property of the Owner may not be permanently affixed to the property fencing, if any. Yard signs may not be affixed to any community sign, fence, village wall, residence, or mailbox kiosk. This includes but is not limited to signs about fencing companies who have installed the fencing, as well as ‘Beware of Dog’ signs.
• Any sign located on the common area may be removed and disposed of without notice. This includes but is not limited to MISSING DOG, GARAGE SALE, YARD SALE, and HOME FOR SALE signs.

Yard Waste and Fall Leaves
Did you know grass clippings and leaves blown into the street during yard maintenance end up in storm drains and waterways? This causes problems in the city’s stormwater drainage system and can lead to flooding. It's also a violation of City Code and can result in fines.  

Instead of blowing leaves yard waste into the street try:
- Composting: Researchers found that mulching leaves in the fall resulted in a greener lawn and up to 80% less dandelions the following springs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers it a form of recycling that prevents filling our landfills, helps prevent pollution, enriches soils and reduces the production of methane gas.  

- Mulching: Using a mower to shred leaves speeds up their decomposition. The shredded leaves make excellent mulch and can be used in flower or vegetable gardens as a natural fertilizer and soil conditioner. 

For more info, check out the Think Outside the Lawn: Managing Yard Waste & Landscape Debris brochure (pdf)

Other Ways to Think Outside the Lawn
- Stop erosion by covering bare ground with grass, gravel or mulch
- Direct runoff by installing swales or berms to slow waster down. Direct gutters and downspouts into green areas.
- Consider water gardens. The benefits include pollution control, flooding protection, habitat creation and water conservation
- Prevent blowing dust by covering gravel and dirt piles
- Consider a rain barrel. They divert water from our drainage systems and the water can be used to grow healthy and lush plants.

​Blocked Street Drains Can Cause FloodingUnswept debris has the potential to flow into vital drainage systems, creating blockages that could cause flooding during the next rain or snow storm. Please remember that the drains on our streets are there for a very functional and important reason, and avoid letting yard debris (branches, clipping, leaves, etc.) move into the street and possibly down the gutter and into the drain.


​To report a blocked drain, please call the City’s Stormwater Division at 719-385-ROAD (7623) or via the City’s free GoCoSprings App  (available at  https://www.coloradosprings.gov/gocosprings)

EFFECTIVE NOON (MDT), FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2024 CITY OF COLORADO SPRINGS BURN RESTRICTION ORDER 2024-R1 

Colorado Springs Fire Department Fire Marshal Brett Lacey has ordered Burn Restrictions to go into effect for The City of Colorado Springs.

Due to an increase in dry fuels and unfavorable weather, burn restrictions are necessary to ensure the safety of the city and residents from potential fire activity.
The following is a list of what is prohibited during burn restrictions:

• Any type of fire, whether open or contained, on any UNDEVELOPED WILDLAND AREAS, brushy areas or grassy areas
• Recreational fires
• Bonfires
• Open or prescribed burns
• Outdoor smoking in ALL CITY PARKS AND OPEN SPACES
• Small internal combustion engines operated without a properly installed, maintained and functioning spark arrestor
• Recreational fireworks/devices requiring ignition such as sparklers, snakes, aerials, comets, flares, flyers, fountains, missiles, mortars, spinners, punks, rockets, shells, etc. (PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES)
• Trash/rubbish burning (PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES)

Residents should also sign up for emergency alerts at peakalerts.org to ensure they're getting important messages regarding fires and evacuations if the event presents itself.

Burn Restriction Order 2024-R1

​Burn Restriction Guide