Condominiumizing Your Property

The Process of Condominiumization

Condominiumizing property is a form of subdividing property. Rather than dividing land into separate ownership, airspace within an existing building is divided into separate ownership and the land under the building is held in common by all condominium unit owners. See the Planning Department brochure on common condominium terms.

Condominiumizing property requires compliance with most of the same standards as subdivisions of land. The process requires hiring a registered land surveyor to prepare a condominium map, which is reviewed to ensure compliance with the subdivision standards in the Estes Valley Development Code, Section 10, as well as compliance with the adequate public facilities standards required in Estes Valley Development Code Section 7.12.

The process also involves hiring an attorney to prepare the articles of incorporation for the condominium association, bylaws, and a condominium declaration.

• The articles of incorporation are filed with the Secretary of State and create the non-profit corporation that will govern the condominium association.

• The bylaws describe how the daily business of the association is conducted, such as how many members are on the corporation's Board of Directors, when and how the directors are elected, the length of their terms, and their powers and duties.

• The declaration is a detailed document that addresses many issues regarding property ownership and maintenance. It is recorded in the Larimer County Clerk and Recorder's office, along with the condominium map. The two documents work together to define condominium units, limited common elements, and general common elements. The declaration describes who is responsible for maintenance of all portions of the property from landscaping and sidewalks to replacement of roofs or HVAC equipment. It also addresses how expenses are shared among unit owners, if and where building additions or alterations are permitted, and may include restrictive covenants describing the uses permitted on the property, such as whether a unit may be used for a home business or as a vacation rental.

Condominium applications are reviewed by the Estes Valley Planning Commission, with final approval by either the Board of County Commissioners (for property in unincorporated Larimer County) or the Estes Park Town Board of Trustees (for properties within Town limits).

If you live within the Estes Valley and are interested in condominiumizing your property, contact a Planner in the Community Development Department. If you decide to pursue the condominium process, you will need to schedule a formal pre-application conference prior to submitting your application. Click here to access the pre-application and development application forms, which must be completed to apply for condominiumization.

Questions? Contact us.