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Homeowner Guidance

Practical information for living in Burland Ranchettes — from septic maintenance to road issues, fire safety, and community programs.

Emergency Contacts

Emergency: 911
Park County Sheriff: (719) 836-2494
Road & Bridge: (719) 836-4255
Xcel Energy: 1-800-895-1999

Well Water Use

Household Use Only wells in Burland Ranchettes

Most properties in Burland Ranchettes rely on private water wells designated as Household Use Only by the Colorado Division of Water Resources. These wells support indoor residential needs but come with strict limits to protect our shared groundwater supply.

Household Use Only means:

Water may be used inside the home only — drinking, cooking, bathing, laundry, and sanitation.
Outdoor use is not allowed, including lawn watering, vehicle washing, garden irrigation, or filling hot tubs.
Commercial, agricultural, and landscaping uses are prohibited under these permits.
Short-term rental guests must follow the same restrictions as homeowners.

Guidance for STR hosts & new residents:

Inform guests that well water is limited and does not function like a municipal system.
Encourage mindful use, including shorter showers and full laundry loads.
Posting a simple reminder inside the home helps prevent accidental overuse.
Excessive use can temporarily deplete a well and may affect neighboring properties.

Why this matters:

Our community depends on a finite groundwater source shared across many households.
High-elevation aquifers recharge slowly.
Following permit rules protects water availability and reduces the risk of well or pump issues.

Residents with questions about well permits or allowable uses may contact the Colorado Division of Water Resources or the HOA for additional guidance.

Septic Systems

Mountain septic care is different from city service

Pump your septic tank every 3–5 years depending on household size and usage.
Never flush wipes (even "flushable" ones), feminine products, or grease down drains.
Keep vehicles and heavy equipment off your leach field to prevent soil compaction.
Know the location of your tank and leach field — this information should be on your permit with Park County.
Septic system repairs and modifications require Park County Environmental Health permits.
Signs of a failing system include slow drains, odors near the leach field, or wet spots in the yard — address these promptly.

Fire Bans & Burn Restrictions

Always check current fire restrictions before burning

Fire restrictions in Park County change frequently based on conditions. Always check current status before any outdoor burning.
Stage 1 restrictions typically prohibit open fires except in established fire rings or grills. Stage 2 prohibits all open flames outdoors.
Slash burning (burning cut wood and brush) requires a separate permit from Park County even when restrictions are not in effect.
Never leave a fire unattended. Fully extinguish with water — coals should be cool to the touch.

Check Current Park County Fire Restrictions

Short-Term Rentals

Airbnb, VRBO, and other vacation rentals

If you rent your property short-term (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.), you are required by Park County to obtain and maintain a Short-Term Rental license. Operating without a license is a Park County code violation.

Register with Park County before renting — licenses must be renewed annually.
Post your STR license number in all listings (this is required by law).
Guests must follow the same community standards as full-time residents — noise, trash, fire restrictions.
You are responsible for the conduct of your guests. Neighbor complaints about STR guests may affect your license.

Park County STR Licensing

Pets, Noise & Firearms

Community living expectations in Burland Ranchettes

Dogs:Must be under control at all times. Running loose dogs can be a danger to wildlife and other pets. Park County has leash and licensing requirements.

Barking:Persistent barking that disturbs neighbors can be reported to the Park County Sheriff. Try to speak with your neighbor first.

Noise:Mountain communities carry sound farther than urban areas. Be considerate of neighbors, especially after 10 PM.

Firearms:Colorado law and Park County regulations govern discharge of firearms. Always be aware of neighbors and structures in all directions. Discharge of firearms near occupied structures may be prohibited.

Road Grading & Maintenance

Who maintains which roads in Burland Ranchettes

County-maintained roads are graded and plowed by Park County Road & Bridge. Report issues to (719) 836-4255.
Private roads are the responsibility of adjacent property owners or private road maintenance agreements.
If you are unsure whether your road is county-maintained, check with Park County or contact the board.
Culverts and drainage on your property are your responsibility — blocked culverts can cause significant road damage.
Heavy vehicles (large RVs, construction equipment) can damage unpaved mountain roads — use caution, especially in spring when roads are soft.

Mailbox Reimbursement Program

HOA assistance for approved security mailboxes

The Burland HOA offers a reimbursement program to help members upgrade to approved locking/security mailboxes. Mail theft is a concern in rural areas, and secure mailboxes protect our community.

How to apply:

Contact the board to confirm current reimbursement amount and approved mailbox types before purchasing.
Purchase and install an approved security mailbox that meets USPS requirements.
Submit your receipt and proof of installation to the board via the Contact page.
The board will review and process your reimbursement at the next board meeting.

Reimbursement is available to active HOA members only. Amounts and eligible models may change — always confirm with the board first.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Homeowner Guidance