Published in the Colorado Real Estate Journal
In an article published on August 19 in the Colorado Real Estate Journal, VF Law attorney Selina Baschiera examines how Colorado homeowners’ association boards can balance architectural standards with climate resilience, insurance requirements, and evolving state law. Her guidance is designed for HOA boards, community managers, and property owners navigating solar installations, EV charging, wildfire mitigation, and related infrastructure upgrades.
“Boards may have to adapt their guidelines to become more flexible in a shift from strict visual policing to establishing pre-approved “options” to preserve and encourage consistency in aesthetics without hindering an owner’s ability to upgrade and/or install protections on their property,” Baschiera explains.
HOA boards should also evaluate governing documents, reserve funding, electrical capacity, structural risks, and equitable cost allocation before implementing major community improvements. Proactive planning can help associations reduce insurance exposure, manage owner expectations, and align design guidelines with Colorado’s legal protections for solar devices and EV charging stations.
“Colorado HOA Boards that proactively update their governing documents, conduct detailed reserve studies, assess electrical/structural risks, and align with state policy direction may insulate their communities against both physical hazards and rising financial risks,” writes Baschiera. “These considerations ultimately serve to protect these communities by taking proactive steps towards reducing risk and adapting to changing needs.”
Read the story in full; click here (page 37, continued on page 45).