Las Colinas Welcome Book

Page 1


WELCOME TO LAS COLINAS!

Ideally located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Las Colinas attracts forward-thinking people and companies from around the world.

But beyond our well-deserved reputation as a dynamic business hub, Las Colinas is home to unexpected greenspaces, world-class entertainment, exceptional dining, family-friendly festivals and much more.

We invite you to get the bigger picture, and discover everything that makes Las Colinas so special to residents, employers and visitors alike.

In 1973, founder Ben H. Carpenter began transforming his family ranch, El Ranchito de Las Colinas, into a premier master-planned community guided by a Master Declaration. Within the first seven years of developing the land, more than 130 firms would move to the community, Las Colinas. Carpenter’s attention to detail in building Las Colinas can be seen in the Urban Center’s granite curbs, the quality of the patina on the surface of The Mustangs of Las Colinas and the parks throughout the community. Even though time has brought troubling world events, unstable economies, war, real estate crashes and booms, Las Colinas has continued to maintain a community of lasting value and presence.

A NOTE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

On behalf of all the Las Colinas Association, we’re glad you’re here. For over 50 years, the Las Colinas Association has supported and enhanced the community’s infrastructure and has drawn on the strength and commitment of its membership to create an excellent quality of life.

Comprising 12,000 acres, Las Colinas is a unique combination of commercial, residential, educational, recreational and retail land use developed in harmony with the environment.

Today, we work to create and maintain harmony between skyscrapers and neighborhoods, land and architecture, aesthetics and function to create what is, in every sense of the word, a community.

Sincerely, Board of Directors

Las Colinas Association is the Master Association of the Las Colinas community and is separate from any other property owner or homeowners association. All homeowners are under Las Colinas Association deed restrictions and most homeowners are members of a neighborhood HOA.

LAS COLINAS ASSOCIATION NEIGHBORHOODS MASTER ASSOCIATION

Alto Vista

Avalon Square

Bridges of Las Colinas

Brownstones of Las Colinas

Cottonwood Hill Estates

Cottonwood Valley

Country Club Place

Enclave at Riverside Village

Enclave at Windsor Ridge

Encore of Las Colinas

Emerald Valley

Estates of Escena

Fairway Vista

Fox Glen

Grand Treviso

Hackberry Creek

Hunter Valley

Hunters Ridge

Irving Emerald Valley

Lakes of Las Colinas

Las Colinas Station Townhomes

La Villita

La Villita Condos

La Villita Townhomes

Mandalay Place at Las Colinas

Millswood Square

North Hills Estates

Positano Condominiums

Promenade at Las Colinas

Quail Run Condominiums

Riverside Village

The Residences in Las Colinas

The Terraces at Las Colinas

Townhomes at Lake Carolyn

University Hills

University Park Estates

Villas at Emerald Park

Villas of Escena

Villas at Las Colinas

Villas at Mustang Park

Villas at the Studios

Vue Las Colinas

Waterside Las Colinas

“Remember that generations of others who will make Las Colinas their home, both business and personal, will follow us. Let them look back and reflect on the fine effort made by those who were its custodians during the development stage.”

The Master Declaration of Las Colinas established the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) and with it, the covenants, conditions and deed restrictions that are the secret to this community’s success. The three-member ACC oversees the activities of its sub-committees, the Residential Review Committee and the Commercial Review Committee. The five-member sub-committees are charged with the responsibility of approving or disapproving a submission based upon the consideration of harmony with its surroundings, conformity to existing structures and design, as well as the overall aesthetics of the proposal.

PLAN REVIEW STAFF

The Association’s Plan Review staff reviews over 1,000 submissions annually. The staff members evaluate each submission for compliance with deed restrictions, standards and previously approved plans, advising the property owner of any non-compliance that would require changes before the submission is brought before the ACC. Staff members attend each sub-committee meeting, providing information regarding plans and specifications, materials used in the surrounding area and a history of submissions for any given property to the committee members.

PLAN REVIEW PROCESS

Architectural Control and Plan Review provide for the review and approval of plans prior to construction of or improvements to any home, commercial building or other structure built on deed-restricted property.

1506 SUBMISSIONS REVIEWED IN 2023

1210 SUBMISSIONS APPROVED*

38 AVERAGE NUMBER OF SUBMISSIONS VIEWED AT EACH ACC MEETING IN 2023

*Averaged annually over the past 10 years

SUBMISSION

EXAMPLES

All new construction, improvements or repairs which involve changes to the previously approved plans must be approved by the ACC. These items include, but are not limited to:

• Structures such as decks, patios, arbors, room additions

• Changing the color of any exterior paint or stain

• Exterior lighting

• Fencing and landscaping

• Pools and spas

• Antennas or satellite dishes

• Roof replacement

• Changing material of a retaining wall or driveway

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Send a review application and appropriate fee to the Association before work is started on any new, remodeling or refurbishing project.

If interested in serving on one of the Architectural Control sub-committees, contact the Association.

For more information, contact the Architectural Control Department at plans@lascolinas.org

ALARM

MONITORING SERVICES

Since 1983, the Las Colinas Association (LCA) has been monitoring alarm systems for its members as an assessment benefit. This service is offered through LCA’s Underwriters Laboratory (UL)-listed alarm monitoring center. Any member who installs an alarm system per LCA’s technical specifications (https://lascolinas.org/technical-specifications/) may request monitoring.

How do I take advantage of alarm monitoring?

Complete the Information Form allowing us to set up a Contact/Call list for use with monitoring and Patrol.

Contact LCA’s Security Department at 972-541-2345 or at safety@lascolinas.org to discuss monitoring options available for burglary and fire systems.

What if I purchased a property with a pre-existing system that LCA monitored?

Contact us, as we may be able to assist with alarm system history and explain how to re-activate the system.

Whether it is a new property with or without an alarm system, LCA’s Security Department is here to provide monitoring and contacts for local state-licensed alarm companies working in your area.

Do I need a phone line for monitoring?

No. LCA has several monitoring options whether your alarm system is wireless or connected to your landline.

Everything you need to know:

Anyone using a burglary alarm system within the City of Irving must comply with the City’s alarm ordinance and file for a permit. LCA requires members to provide a valid City permit number for monitoring.

Learn more at: www.cityofirving.org

Designated fire alarm systems must be installed/maintained by a licensed fire company and comply with local/state fire codes. LCA must have a completed Information Form with at least two (2) contact numbers for monitoring.

To manually test or activate any alarm system, LCA’s Dispatch must be contacted. Systems will not be considered active without required testing.

All residential burglary alarm systems must test a minimum of monthly to be considered active. Commercial properties with burglary systems should test a minimum of weekly. Fire code requires designated Fire systems to test daily.

LCA does not sell, install or maintain systems; we specialize in member alarm system monitoring.

4,000+ ALARM ACCOUNTS MONITORED BY LCA

5

PATROL’S AVERAGE RESPONSE TIME (MINUTES) IN 2023

558,000

PATROL’S TOTAL MILES DRIVEN IN 2023

26,943 TOTAL ALARMS PROCESSED BY LCA SECURITY IN 2023

PATROL SERVICES

Our Patrol Services provide general area patrol and alarm response to various alarm signals throughout the development. Security Services are an added benefit meant to assist, but not replace, law enforcement. Security Patrol personnel are on duty 24 hours a day and are supported by LCA’s UL-listed Alarm Monitoring Center. Five Patrol Officers and one Security Supervisor provide patrol, observation and response for assigned areas of the development. In 2020 the Las Colinas Urban Center bike and foot patrol was implemented in an effort to provide better coverage to the Urban Center. The patrol monitors paths that vehicles cannot reach including canals, waterways and other walkable paths.

For general questions regarding the Security Department, please email safety@lascolinas.org

For 24-hour dispatch and time-sensitive questions, please call 972.541.1312

COMMON PROPERTY

Manicured landscapes and vibrant flowers are hallmarks of Las Colinas. The Association’s Common Property Department provides for the installation and maintenance of more than 190 acres of parks, street medians, greenbelts and common areas in Las Colinas. While the City of Irving owns 126 acres, which includes 86 miles of medians, the Association maintains it. The Association also maintains thousands of trees and color beds which hold over 150,000 units of seasonal color throughout the development.

18,000 POUNDS OF UN-BAGGED TRASH LITTER CONTROL COLLECTS

16

BAGS

OF TRASH PER DAY

YEARLY TRASH COLLECTION OF

3,840 BAGS

57,000 POUNDS OF TRASH IN BAGS

LITTER CONTROL

Efforts to ensure attractive and clean surroundings also include the Association’s litter removal program. Five staff members patrol more than 100 miles of street rights-of-way and common areas in Las Colinas five days per week.

FIELD MOWING PROGRAM

This department also administers a development-wide mowing program of unimproved deed-restricted properties to ensure these properties are mowed a minimum of eight times each growing season. The result is a uniform appearance throughout the development.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

This department also helps implement the Las Colinas holiday lights program with over half a million holiday lights and 80 lighted reindeer on display throughout Las Colinas.

Las Colinas is home to various pristine parks, perfect for families to spend beautiful Texas afternoons. Provided in each park are pet pickup stations which include bags for disposal while walking your furry friends.

E.O. PERRY FLOWER CLOCK

This heavily photographed showpiece is flanked by 12 mature live oak trees and consists of over 900 manicured dwarf hollies and more than 4,000 units of color which are rotated four times per year.

FOUNDER’S PARK

Located on the westbound side of Highway 114 at Riverside Drive, the park is home to the Carpenter Monument which honors Ben H. Carpenter — the visionary founder of Las Colinas. The larger-than-life sculpture was created by wildlife artist Robert Glen, who also sculpted the Mustangs of Las Colinas, the largest equestrian sculpture in the world. The park features live oak trees planted in dedication to former members of the Association’s Board of Directors and marble statues of cattle which were donated by the Trammell Crow Company in 1999.

PAWS COLINAS DOG PARK

Pup paradise can be found just a short walk away from the Las Colinas Urban Center. The 8-acre Paws Colinas dog park is located right on the Campion Trail at the intersection of California Crossing and Riverside Dr. The park is outfitted with two expansive play areas, one for larger breeds and another for smaller breeds, shaded seating, water facilities and public parking. Paws Colinas can be enjoyed by pups and their owners year-round from sun up to sun down.

UNIVERSITY HILLS PARKS

Rochelle, Old Rochelle, Flag Pole Hill, Rosita and Wingren Parks can all be found in University Hills. In addition to several flags, Flag Pole Hill is enriched with impressive statues named Autumn, Origin, Twist of Fate, Catching a Wave, and New Beginnings. Each sculpture is as unique as the artists that created them.

For more information, visit lascolinas.org/parks

Our Property Compliance Representatives drive marked vehicles routinely through the community to oversee and maintain the architectural uniqueness and quality that Las Colinas is known for.

Commercial and residential properties are sold regularly. An Estoppel Certificate (for commercial properties) or a Resale Certificate (for residential properties) includes a review of the property for compliance with the Las Colinas Declaration (see below for more information on Estoppel Certificates and Resale Certificates). While there is a fee for the preparation of these documents, Property Compliance Representatives will be glad to do a complimentary review in advance of the property sale to give you an idea of any potential issues that may need to be addressed prior to formally requesting the “official” document.

Protect your investment

• Be aware of covenants, conditions and restrictions which apply to your property

• Ensuring that your property is in compliance

• Please report your concerns to Property Compliance

• Request a free courtesy review at any time to determine possible compliance issues

For more information, contact Property Compliance at compliance@lascolinas.org

It is important to remember that before any exterior modifications are made to your property, a plan/review application must be submitted to LCA (see page 4). Our Property Compliance Representatives are an excellent resource for understanding the Las Colinas Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that apply to your property

LCA does not issue fines. When matters cannot be resolved through the efforts of our Property Compliance staff and management, they are either referred to the Association’s attorney or cured through self-help by LCA. However, we work very hard to avoid legal action, and you have certain rights to be heard by the Board of Directors prior to the filing of any lawsuit.

By keeping your property routinely maintained and submitting plans for exterior modifications ahead of time, you are doing your part to ensure that Las Colinas ages gracefully and property values are maintained and enhanced. Ultimately, our team strives to work with members to achieve their goals and to help them improve their properties. We are happy to meet with members at any time!

LCA’s Community Relations & Marketing Department serves as liaison between LCA, its membership, and various community, civic, cultural and municipal entities. Our team strives to stay in the know about new offerings such as restaurants, retailers, events and community news. The department also produces several exciting community events throughout the year and partners with local key entities to enhance the overall experience for LCA members.

STAYING CONNECTED

Spirit of Las Colinas

Spirit of Las Colinas, the Association’s quarterly newsletter, is mailed out at the beginning of every other month and can also be found online. You can expect to see information on Las Colinas events, business news, LCA updates and community news. To check out the latest newsletter visit lascolinas.org.

Las Colinas E-Newsletter

From community and business updates to the latest restaurant openings and events, LCA’s e-newsletter is your guide to staying in the know on Las Colinas’ latest and greatest. Please email liaisons@lascolinas.org to sign up.

Restaurants of Las Colinas

The Las Colinas restaurant scene is one of the most diverse in the metroplex. Our yearly restaurant guide is a great resource to discover a new dish or dining experience. This guide is sent out once a year and can also be found at lascolinas.org/restaurant-guide.

Social Media

Keep in touch with what’s happening in Las Colinas through blog posts, news articles, photos and video all shared through LCA’s social media channels. Be sure to follow us @LasColinasTex!

LCA Community Events

2024 events include:

• Mandalay Canal Light Club 215 Mandalay Canal October 16 & 17 | 6-10 p.m. November 12 & 13 | 6-10 p.m. December 11 & 12 | 6-10 p.m.

• Las Colinas Day of the Dead Canalside Celebration 211 Mandalay Canal November 2 | 2-10 p.m.

• Canalside Holiday 215 Mandalay Canal December 7 | 4-10 p.m.

For information, newsletter and restaurant guide requests, contact Community Relations & Marketing at liaisons@lascolinas.org

to Las Colinas

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

EDUCATION

In addition to many private and parochial schools, there are three school districts that serve the children of Las Colinas.

School Districts

Irving Independent School District

Carrollton-Farmers Branch

Independent School District

Coppell Independent School District

North Lake College

University of Dallas Colleges & Universities

Private Schools

Berean Christian

Cistercian Preparatory School

Faustina Academy

Great Hearts Primary Academy

The Highlands School

Holy Family Catholic Academy

Islamic School of Irving Manara Academy

North Hills Primary/Preparatory

The Sloan School

Winfree Academy

Early Learning / Pre-school / After-School Care

Kinwest Montessori Academy

Miss Bloomingdale’s Academy

Montessori School of Las Colinas

Redeemer Montessori School

The Sloan School

Wonderland Montessori Academy

Administrative Services provides support services for the general operations of the Association and responds to vendor inquiries, assessed value questions, assessment billing issues, lien inquiries and the issuance of Statements of Account, Resale and Estoppel Certificates.

Assessments

The Association’s Declaration provides for an assessment to be paid by each property owner in the Association. The assessment calculation uses the appraised value of the property based on the preceding year’s certified roll by Dallas County Appraisal District. The current assessment rate for LCA is $0.115 (eleven and a half cents) per $100 of that appraised value. LCA Annual Assessments are due on July 1st of each year. The assessments cover expenses for the calendar year: January – December.

The assessment applies uniformly to all property owners, including, but not limited to, offices, retail, single family, multifamily, warehouses and unimproved land. Property owners in the residential communities may also pay an additional assessment to their independent homeowners or condominium association to support the various services within their private neighborhoods.

Statement of Account / Estoppel

Certificates / Resale Certificate

LCA is required to provide Resale Certificates for residential properties and Estoppel Certificates for property owners when the property is sold, if requested. Resale Certificate and Estoppel Certificate packages include 1) a review of the property, 2) financial information or the Association if any, 3) the current assessment rate including amount billed/due, and 4) a disc of LCA governing documents, bylaws and deed restrictions.

In order to ensure that property is true to Las Colinas standards, LCA Property Compliance performs a detailed review which can include an analysis of existing plans.

When are LCA Annual Assessments due?

LCA Annual Assessments are due on July 1st of each year. The assessments cover expenses for the calendar year: January – December.

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