SILVER SPURS RANCH

PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE (ARC)

BUILDING GUIDELINES

2026 Revision

At the creation of our great community, a committee of residents and non-residents developed these guidelines for the Board of Directors. Everyone recognized that rigid, one-size-fits-all rules cannot apply to every lot and every owner in the Silver Spurs Property Owners Association (POA).  Building sites are often dictated by topography, and house styles and colors reflect individual taste. Past owners have suffered significant financial loss by neglecting to follow these guidelines. They reflect mandatory covenant requirements and the real-world experience of ranch residents who have lived through their own building projects and want to share practical thoughts and ideas.

COVENANT-DICTATED REQUIREMENTS (MANDATORY)

•  Setbacks Front: 100 feet Sides: 50 feet A site map showing compliance must be submitted with any application.

•  Minimum Structure Size 1,000 square feet of living area (for any primary residence). A complete set of building plans must be submitted to the POA.

•  Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Approval of must be obtained from the POA before applying for Huerfano County building permits. Submit completed application form and full set of plans to the POA. Online E-ARC is submission is recommended.

PRACTICAL GUIDELINES (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)

Driveways

1.  Locate driveways at least 100 feet from any intersection (safety requirement).

2.  Driveways must be perpendicular to the road to allow safe right and left turns.

3.  Culvert diameter must be sized for the volume of water to be drained; 15-inch diameter or larger is recommended. Consult the Roads Committee Chair for assistance. Proper slope and location are critical.

4.  Culvert length should be a minimum of 30–40 feet so delivery trucks can turn in without crushing the ends. Driveway width is at the owner’s preference.

5.  Avoid steep slopes and drop-offs. Ice in winter and mud in spring make steep driveways dangerous. Gravel can wash away on downhill grades.\

Location

•  Place the home below the ridge-line whenever possible. Building above the ridge-line creates a skyline interruption and exposes the structure to significantly stronger winds.

•  Note: Windy season runs March 1 through February 28.

•  Avoid steep slopes. They create construction and drainage problems and make driveways hazardous.

Height

Moderate- to low-pitched roofs with strong horizontal lines blend best with the landscape. Roofs must have adequate pitch to shed snow. Avoid roof slopes that direct snow onto doorways, steps, or garage entrances. A gable or similar feature helps divert snow slides.

Consider wind exposure, construction cost, and visual harmony with the surroundings.

Color

Choose earth-tone colors that blend with the natural surroundings: tans, browns, grays, and some greens.

Reminder: Lighter colors advance visually in the landscape; darker colors recede.

Exterior Lighting (Caution!)

Permanent night lights or pole lamps that remain on all night destroy nighttime views and create glare that affects neighbors.

Use motion-sensor lights that stay on only a few minutes, put lights on timers, and prefer concealed or recessed lighting on porches.

Fencing

The POA maintains a cattle grazing lease on the entire ranch. This agricultural classification keeps property taxes very low.

If you choose to fence your lot:

•  One-strand electric fencing is effective at keeping cattle out of your immediate yard.

•  Split-rail and vinyl fencing are attractive options.

•  Wire fencing across the front of the lot is generally not recommended, as it can detract from the appearance of your home. Important: Fencing your property may remove the lot from the grazing lease and cause the county tax assessor to reclassify it as urban residential, greatly increasing your taxes.

Catastrophic Event

If a home or structure is destroyed or severely damaged, it must be rebuilt or the lot cleared and restored in a timely manner. Any new construction requires ARC approval.

Unfinished Structures\

Huerfano County and the POA Board expect all construction to be completed within the approved time frame. Abandoned projects are subject to legal action.

E-ARC (PREFERRED)

Owners are encouraged to submit ARC requests electronically as it has proven to be convenient and efficient way to submit requests. E-ARC Form.

Questions or Concerns

Any questions, problems or concerns?  Contact us.

Good Luck on your project!