Camping

Camping in the park is dysfunctional in many ways. Much of this dysfunction is the result of the language in the governing documents. I have provided the language from the governing documents below. To-wit:

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DECLARATION OF COVENANTS, CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS FOR FORBES PARK, COSTILLA COUNTY, COLORADO

THIS DECLARATION, made and executed this 11th day of March, 1976, by Sangre de Cristo Ranches Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Colorado, hereinafter referred to as Declarant

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Note that the restrictions were set up almost half a century ago. Perhaps things have changed. Perhaps the language they provided was dysfunctional from the get go. Next, from:

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ARTICLE VII ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL COMMITTEE

Section 11. Committee Control of Camping. The Committee shall have the power to grant camping privileges on a Lot to an Owner or Dependent for nonconsecutive periods of time of up to three (3) weeks in length, provided the Owner or Dependent applies to the Committee either in writing or in person and satisfies the Committee that the Lot to be so used will not be left littered with trash or waste and that such camping will not create a fire hazard to such Lot or to Forbes Park as a whole.

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Why three weeks? Having owned my property for over ten years, it is my opinion that this restriction should be lifted and done so by amendment. Next, from:

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ARTICLE VIII PROTECTIVE COVENANTS

(g) A structure of a temporary or mobile nature, motorhome, mobile home, camper truck, travel trailer, camping trailer, other vehicle used or designed for camping. or tent shall not be placed on a Lot for more than three (3) consecutive nights and days more than once each ca1endar month except that the Committee may grant a permit (1) for any of the above to be placed on a Lot and used for longer periods of time during construction of a dwelling. diligently pursued, or, (2) for vacation camping under the conditions and procedures provided in Article VII hereof. Subject to the prior written approval of Declarant with respect to the real property described in Exhibit C, the Board may designate a part of the Common Area as a storage area for all vehicles that are prohibited from being placed on a Lot.

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Notice that the language states that the "Committee may grant a permit." My personal experience in having permits granted has not been pleasant. I have had to wait for permits in the past. There is always this question about whether an authoritarian may or may not issue a permit. The language is far too arbitrary.

One solution is to set up an automated permit system where a landowner can go online and submit a request for the camping permit for a small fee. The permit is issued automatically if there are no sanctions against the landowner.

The camping restrictions should be developed by surveys with landowners. Once the surveys show a broad consensus, then the amendmants should be developed accordingly.