HB 24-1267

House Bill 24-1267, also known as the Metropolitan District Covenant Enforcement Policy, aims to set clear rules for how metropolitan districts handle disputes with residents and enforce community covenants. The bill requires these districts to have written policies on fines and dispute resolution, and it bans them from restricting certain activities like displaying flags or signs, using renewable energy devices, or making property modifications for disabilities. Additionally, the bill stops metropolitan districts from foreclosing on residents' properties over unpaid fees. This law will take effect on August 7, 2024, after being signed by the governor. It primarily affects residents living in areas governed by metropolitan districts that enforce community covenants.

Official Summary

A metropolitan district is a type of special district that provides at least 2 types of services and may perform covenant enforcement similar to the role of a homeowners' association. The act requires a metropolitan district engaging in covenant enforcement and design review services to comply with certain procedural requirements, including: Adopting a written policy governing the imposition and collection of fines; Adopting a written policy governing how disputes between the metropolitan district and a resident are addressed; and Refraining from prohibiting residents from engaging in certain activities regarding the use of their property, including displaying flags and signs; parking a motor vehicle in a driveway; removing certain vegetation to create a defensible space for fire mitigation purposes; performing reasonable property modifications to accommodate disabilities; using xeriscape, nonvegetative turf grass, or drought-tolerant landscaping; using a rain barrel; operating a family child care home; using renewable energy generation devices; and installing or using an energy efficiency measure. Additionally, a metropolitan district is prohibited from requiring residents to use cedar shakes or other flammable roofing materials. The act prohibits a metropolitan district from foreclosing on any lien based on a resident's delinquent fees or other charges owed to the metropolitan district. The act also imposes certain procedural requirements regarding court actions filed by or against a metropolitan district based on an alleged violation of the metropolitan district's declaration, rules and regulations, or other instrument. A metropolitan district that engages in design review services, but does not engage in covenant enforcement or form a homeowners' association, cannot pursue other remedies against residents to enforce its design review requirements and need not adopt the written policies required under the act. APPROVED by Governor April 19, 2024 EFFECTIVE August 7, 2024(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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