Thinking about repainting your exterior, adding a deck, or planning a bigger project in Lone Tree? You are not alone if you feel unsure about who approves what. Between your HOA’s design rules, metro district operations, and City permits, the process can feel layered. This guide breaks down how these reviews work, where they overlap, and the steps to keep your plans on track. Let’s dive in.
Who does what in Lone Tree
City of Lone Tree review
The City’s Planning team enforces zoning, building codes, Site Improvement Plans, and the City’s Design Guidelines and Standards. If your project needs a permit, changes site drainage or right-of-way, or is part of a larger site plan, the City reviews it for compliance. The City outlines its development review sequence and timing on its Development Review Process page.
Metro districts explained
Metro districts are Colorado Title 32 special districts that finance and often operate local infrastructure like streets, parks, and drainage. They levy taxes and may own improvements until they are conveyed to the City. Learn more in the state’s overview of special districts under Title 32.
HOA and design committees
Your HOA enforces private covenants and architectural standards for your lot. Many Lone Tree neighborhoods use a Design Review Committee for exterior changes like paint, fences, windows, additions, and landscaping. Heritage Hills is a local example of an HOA with an active DRC process, described on the association’s overview page. HOA approval is separate from City permits. You may need both.
When projects need approvals
Routine exterior changes
- HOA: Submit an architectural request with drawings, samples, or specs as required by your HOA. Skipping this can lead to fines or required corrections, as noted by local HOAs such as Heritage Hills.
- City: Structural work, additions, window changes, or grading often need permits. The City uses a presubmittal step for larger projects and performs a 7-day completeness check once you apply, per the City’s review process.
- Metro district: If your work affects district-owned parks, medians, trails, or shared drainage, coordinate with the district before you start. Metro districts outline roles and assets in their public materials.
New builds and major work
Large projects coordinate across all three. The City handles entitlements and public improvements, metro districts handle financing and some infrastructure, and HOAs apply private design standards. Lone Tree updated its Design Guidelines and Standards in 2022, which clarified procedures and principles used in review.
Work near parks and streets
Ownership can change over time. In RidgeGate, park and open space tracts have been transferred to the City. That shift can change who maintains facilities and how standards are enforced. The City describes a significant recent transfer on its parks and open space acquisition page.
Colorado rules that matter
CCIOA and your HOA rights
Colorado’s Common Interest Ownership Act sets rules for HOA records, meetings, and procedures. The state’s HOA Office provides guidance for owners and associations. Review DORA’s resources on managing your HOA and owner rights.
Title 32 and property taxes
Metro districts can levy property taxes to fund infrastructure and long-term debt. Before buying, confirm the district’s mill levy and any bonded debt that could affect your tax bill. The state’s primer on Title 32 special districts is a good starting point.
City timelines to expect
For formal submittals, Lone Tree aims to complete the initial completeness review within seven days after receipt. Many larger projects require a presubmittal meeting. See the City’s process overview.
Buyer and seller checklists
Buyer steps before you offer
- Request the HOA’s governing documents, architectural standards, and any recent DRC decisions or violation history. DORA’s HOA FAQs explain your rights to records.
- Ask your title company to confirm all metro districts, current mill levies, and any bonded debt that will appear on property tax bills. Use the state’s guide to Title 32 districts as context.
- If you plan changes after closing, confirm what needs HOA approval and what needs City permits. Review your neighborhood’s DRC requirements and timelines, like those noted by Heritage Hills.
Seller steps before listing
- Order the HOA resale or estoppel package early and confirm fees and timing with the management company. DORA’s HOA FAQs outline common record and disclosure practices.
- Resolve or disclose any known violations. Ask your HOA to provide the status and cure options in writing.
- Share HOA and metro district contact details with the buyer and title company to keep closing on track.
Home improvement steps
- Start your HOA submittal early. Some committees meet monthly and have firm deadlines.
- Confirm City permit needs before you sign with a contractor. For larger work, expect a presubmittal step and staged reviews per the City’s process.
- Watch for state-law updates that may change HOA procedures and notices. DORA posts legislative updates.
Pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Assuming City permits replace HOA approval. They are separate and you may need both.
- Starting work without DRC approval. This can lead to fines or required changes, which can also delay resale.
- Overlooking metro district taxes and debt. Confirm mill levies and bonds before you budget.
- Waiting on resale documents. Order early to avoid closing delays.
Local example: RidgeGate lessons
RidgeGate shows how the City, metro districts, and private covenants work together over time. Metro districts financed and operated public assets as the area grew, and some parks and open spaces were later conveyed to the City. That kind of transition can shift who maintains facilities and how standards are applied. The City highlights this evolution in its open space acquisition update.
Next steps
Planning a project or a move in Lone Tree is simpler when you know which approvals to secure and when to secure them. City approvals focus on permits and code. HOA approvals focus on aesthetics. Metro districts affect taxes and shared infrastructure. If you want a single point of contact to coordinate timelines, documents, and strategy across buying, selling, leasing, or property management, reach out to Corken + Company. Our team helps you move forward with clarity.
FAQs
Do I need HOA and City approvals for the same project?
- Yes, often both. HOA approval covers private design standards and the City handles permits, zoning, and inspections. Ask each entity before you start.
Who decides paint colors and visible exterior features in Lone Tree?
- Your HOA’s DRC typically sets lot-level aesthetic standards. The City’s design guidelines apply to public-facing development and formal site plans.
What is a metro district and how does it affect my taxes?
- It is a Title 32 special district that funds infrastructure and can levy property taxes. Confirm mill levies and any bonded debt before you buy.
How long is the City’s initial review once I apply?
- Lone Tree targets a seven-day completeness check for formal applications. Larger projects often require a presubmittal meeting.
Where can I learn my rights if an HOA refuses records?
- Colorado’s HOA Office at DORA explains record access, meetings, and owner protections. Review their guidance and FAQs for next steps.
