Resident Resources
This area is the central repository for all official HOA documents, guidelines, and helpful information for new and existing residents. Click on any of the sections below to expand the content and find what you need.
The full legal document for all filings can be downloaded below. For a quick summary of the rules specific to your filing, please see the expandable sections.
- Land Use: Lots are for single-family residential purposes only.
- Allowed Buildings: One detached home (max 2.5 stories) and a private garage for up to 2 cars are permitted. Other structures require committee approval.
- Architectural Control: All construction plans, specifications, and building locations must be approved in writing by the Architectural Control Committee.
- Dwelling Size: Minimum ground floor area of 1,400 square feet, excluding porches and garages.
- Lot Size: Minimum lot area of 90,000 square feet and a width of at least 200 feet at the building setback line.
- Building Setbacks: Buildings must be at least 25 feet from front/rear lot lines and 15 feet from side lot lines.
- Animals: Household pets (dogs, cats, horses) are allowed if not kept for commercial purposes. No other livestock or poultry.
- Temporary Structures: No trailers, basements, tents, shacks, or other outbuildings may be used as a residence at any time.
- Nuisances: No noxious or offensive activities are permitted.
- Signage: Limited to one small professional sign (1 sq ft) or one for-sale/rent sign (5 sq ft).
- Waste Management: Lots cannot be used as a dumping ground. Trash must be kept in sanitary containers.
- Mining/Drilling: All oil drilling, mining, or quarrying operations are strictly prohibited.
- Tree Removal: Written approval is required to remove trees over 3 inches in diameter or 10 feet in height.
- Fences & Hedges: Fencing and shrubs on corner lots must not obstruct sight lines for roadways.
- Sewage: Individual sewage systems must be approved by the El Paso County Health Authority.
- Land Use: Lots are for single-family residential purposes only.
- Allowed Buildings: One detached home (max 2.5 stories) and a private garage for up to 3 cars are permitted.
- Architectural Control: All construction plans for buildings and fences must be approved in writing by the committee.
- Dwelling Size: Minimum living area of 1,450 square feet. For 1-acre lots, the minimum is 1,200 sq ft for a multi-story home.
- Lot Size: Minimum lot area of 35,000 square feet.
- Building Setbacks: Buildings must be at least 25 feet from front/rear lot lines and 15 feet from side lot lines.
- Animals: Household pets (dogs, cats, horses) are allowed. Stables for horses are explicitly permitted with committee approval.
- Easements: Easements are reserved for utilities and bridle paths.
- Water Wells: Not permitted without written committee approval.
- Temporary Structures: No trailers, basements, tents, or other outbuildings may be used as a residence.
- Nuisances: No noxious or offensive activities are permitted.
- Signage: Limited to one small professional sign or one for-sale/rent sign.
- Waste Management: Lots cannot be used for dumping. Trash must be kept in sanitary containers.
- Mining/Drilling: All oil drilling, mining, or quarrying operations are strictly prohibited.
- Tree Removal: Written approval is required to remove trees over 3 inches in diameter or 10 feet in height.
- Land Use: Lots are for single-family residential purposes only.
- Allowed Buildings: One detached home (max 2.5 stories) and a private garage for up to 3 cars are permitted.
- Architectural Control: All construction plans for buildings and fences must be approved in writing by the committee.
- Dwelling Size: Minimum ground floor area of 1,250 square feet for a multi-story home.
- Lot Size: Minimum lot area of 35,000 square feet.
- Building Setbacks: Buildings must be at least 25 feet from front/rear lot lines and 15 feet from side lot lines.
- Animals: Household pets (dogs, cats, horses) are allowed. Stables for horses are explicitly permitted with committee approval.
- Easements: Easements are reserved for utilities and bridle paths.
- Water Wells: Not permitted without written committee approval.
- Temporary Structures: No trailers, basements, tents, or other outbuildings may be used as a residence.
- Nuisances: No noxious or offensive activities are permitted.
- Signage: Limited to one small professional sign or one for-sale/rent sign.
- Waste Management: Lots cannot be used for dumping. Trash must be kept in sanitary containers.
- Mining/Drilling: All oil drilling, mining, or quarrying operations are strictly prohibited.
- Tree Removal: Written approval is required to remove trees over 3 inches in diameter or 10 feet in height.
Click the image below to open the interactive City of Colorado Springs map in a new tab.
Review the minutes from past board meetings.
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Information about the neighborhood trash and recycling service.
- Service: Trash service is provided through a neighborhood coalition, not individually.
- Contact: To start or stop service, or for any issues, email Tom Hartig at tomhartig@aol.com or call 719-321-3559.
- Dumpster Pickup: Dumpster pickup is every Tuesday.
- Trash Pickup Day: Regular trash pickup is every Wednesday.
- Recycling: Recycling is picked up every other Wednesday.
- Yard Waste: A separate yard waste bin is available for an additional monthly fee.
Welcome to the Neighborhood!
Here's a quick checklist to get you started. For more details, check the sections below.
- Approval Required: All new construction, additions, and exterior alterations must be approved by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) before work begins.
- What Needs Approval: This includes new homes, garages, sheds, fences, decks, patios, and significant changes to house color.
- Submission: Submit your plans to the ARC for review. You can find the committee members on the "About Us" page.
- County Permits: In addition to ARC approval, you must also obtain all necessary permits from El Paso County.
- Goal: The review process is intended to maintain the quality and character of the neighborhood, not to be difficult. Early communication is encouraged.
- What They Are: Fun, informal social groups for residents to connect and build community.
- ROMEOs: Stands for "Retired Old Men Eating Out." This is a group for the men of the neighborhood.
- JULIETs: Stands for "Just Us Ladies Eating Together." This is a group for the women of the neighborhood.
- When They Meet: Both groups typically meet for lunch once a month.
- How to Join: New residents are automatically added to the email list. If you are not receiving invitations, please use the main contact form to get in touch.
Q: Is membership in the Rustic Hills Improvement Association (RHIA) mandatory?
A: No, membership is voluntary. However, only paid members can vote at the Annual Meeting.
Q: How much are the annual dues for the RHIA?
A: The annual dues are $50 per household.
Q: When is the deadline to pay annual dues?
A: Dues expire on April 30th of each year. The new fiscal year begins on May 1st.
Q: How can I pay my RHIA dues?
A: You can mail a check for $50.00, payable to RHIA, to: RHIA, PO Box 75074, Colorado Springs, CO 80970. Or pay at the annual picnic, or pay at any board meeting.
Q: What happens if I don't pay my RHIA dues?
A: The RHIA does not file liens for unpaid dues. However, you will not be able to vote at the Annual Meeting.
Q: Are the Protective Covenants legally binding?
A: Yes, each of the 205 lots in Rustic Hills Acres is subject to legally binding Protective Covenants that "run with the land."
Q: Do I need approval from the RHIA before building on my property?
A: Yes, you must receive RHIA approval before building.
Q: What are some of the key restrictions outlined in the Covenants?
A: Key restrictions include: residential land use only, no inexpensive or tiny dwellings, minimum setbacks from property lines, no lot subdivision, and no noxious or offensive activity.
Q: Are there any rules about cutting down trees?
A: Yes, you must obtain RHIA approval before cutting down trees.
Q: Who do I contact for issues related to City Code violations?
A: For issues that are not Covenant-related but violate Colorado Springs City Code, you can contact Code Enforcement at (719) 444-7891 or by email.
Q: What are some of the social events organized by the RHIA?
A: The RHIA organizes a summer picnic/car show, a Halloween Hayride, and has monthly social outings for men (ROMEO) and women (JULIET), as well as a Bunko group.
Q: What are the ROMEO and JULIET groups?
A: ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) meets for breakfast on the second Wednesday of the month. JULIET (Just Us Ladies Into Eating Together) meets monthly for a meal.
Q: Is there a neighborhood garage sale?
A: Yes, there is an annual Garage Sale Day, typically held in August.
Q: How can I get involved with the Hospitality Committee?
A: You can contact any of the committee members listed on the "About Us" page of the website for information on how to get involved.
Q: Where can I find information about upcoming neighborhood events?
A: Upcoming events are listed on the "Community Hub" page of the website.
Q: Is there a neighborhood trash service?
A: Yes, the Rustic Hills Acres Trash Coalition (RHATC) provides a cost-effective trash service for the neighborhood through Waste Connections.
Q: Is the Trash Coalition part of the RHIA?
A: The Trash Coalition is a separate entity from the RHIA.
Q: What is the trash and recycling pickup schedule?
A: Dumpster pickup is every Tuesday, and trash tote pickup is every Wednesday. Recycling pickup is every other Wednesday.
Q: What is the speed limit within the neighborhood?
A: The speed limit on all streets within Rustic Hills Acres is 25 miles per hour. On Constitution Avenue, the speed limit is 35 miles per hour.
Q: Are there trails in the neighborhood?
A: The Rock Island Trail borders the neighborhood on the south, and there are bridle paths with easements on the one-acre lots in Filing 2.
Q: When is the RHIA Annual Meeting?
A: The Annual Meeting is held in May.
Q: Who is on the RHIA Board of Directors?
A: The Board includes four at-large officers and six representatives (three from Filing 1 and three from Filing 2). The current members are listed on the "About Us" page of the website.
Q: How are Board members selected?
A: Board members are elected at the Annual Meeting.
Q: How often are Board meetings held?
A: Board meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month.
Q: How can I contact the RHIA Board?
A: You can contact the board by email at board@rustichillsacres.com or by mail at RHIA, P.O. Box 75074, Colorado Springs, CO 80970.