Disclaimer:  this edition was retyped from the original edition that is filed in the records of El Paso County, Colorado, to assist the members wishing to conduct word searches.  Despite the best efforts there are differences between the recorded original (which is also on this website) and the following document.  In the case of any discrepancies, the original edition governs, so anyone using this document must compare the provision(s) they review with the recorded original.  RELY ONLY ON THE RECORDED ORIGINAL.

Declaration of Protective Covenants

BENT TREE

III

State of Colorado)

County of El Paso)

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:

That whereas the Declarant, Arrowwood Development Corporation, hereinafter called Declarant, is the owner of Tracts One Hundred Twenty-five (125) through One Hundred Ninety-six (196), BENT TREE, Filing 3, (hereinafter BENT TREE), situated in the County of El Paso and State of Colorado.  ("Tracts" may be referred to as "lots" in these covenants and on the plat, and if so, these terms are interchangeable.)

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the acceptance hereof by the several purchasers and grantees (his, her, their or its heirs, executors, administrators, personal representatives, successors and assignees, and all persons or concerns claiming by, through or under such grantees) of deeds to lots in said tracts of land, said Declarant hereby declares to and agrees with each and every person who shall be or shall become owner of any of said lots, in addition to the ordinances of the County of El Paso, Colorado, that they shall be and are hereby bound by the covenants set forth in these presents and that the property described in these restrictions shall be held and enjoyed subject to and with the benefit and advantage of the following restrictions, limitations, conditions and agreements, to wit:

1.  INTENT:  The intent of these covenants is to preserve BENT TREE as an exclusive, high quality residential area of lasting value, and the covenants have been designed to that end.  Property owners in BENT TREE should be people who value quality, who will respect, uphold and observe the letter, spirit and intent of these covenants, and who will insist upon their strict enforcement.

2.  BUILDING TYPE AND USE:  All tracts shall be known and described as residential tracts and shall be used only for custom-built residential homes and country estates.  No structure shall be erected, altered, converted, placed or permitted to remain on any tract other than one single-family dwelling not to exceed two and one-half (2 1/2) stories in height, a private garage, and guest house or servants quarters, all in keeping with the architecture, style, trim details and construction materials of the principal residence, provided that such are not used for any commercial purpose, and subject to approval by the Architectural Control Committee, hereinafter referred to as ACC, and the appropriate governmental building department.  No structure may be erected prior to construction of the main dwelling.  BENT TREE is intended only for custom-built homes of harmonious design to complement the natural terrain and other homes constructed in the subdivision.

No mobile homes, premanufactured homes with appearance of mobile homes or "doublewides", or domes shall be approved.

3.  DWELLING SIZE:  The minimum size of the dwellings is not the only criteria used in the decision to approve or disapprove plans.  Plans which meet the minimum size requirement may be disapproved based on other criteria. The size of the dwelling is established primarily to reflect the Declarant's intent regarding the quality of the BENT TREE development.  Recognizing that size is not necessarily indicative of the quality the ACC may grant reasonable requests for variances to size criteria or give credit for special construction amenities when, in its opinion, such variances and credits enhance the quality and compatibility of the structure and the BENT TREE development.

The finished enclosed living area of any dwelling structure exclusive of garages and porches shall not be less than twenty-five hundred (2500) square feet, including one story dwellings.  The ground floor finished enclosed living area for a dwelling of more than one story shall be not less than sixteen hundred (1600) square feet nor less than two thousand (2000) square feet on the upper two of three levels of a tri-level.  Homes with basement windows above ground level and houses with garden/terrace/basement entrances on one side will normally be considered as one-story homes for the purposes of this covenant.  In its sole discretion, the ACC may treat a bi-level as a single or multi-story building depending upon its appearance, size, location and amount of finished interior space.  Attached garages are required for all houses, shall be of size to accommodate not less than three full-sized cars, and doors shall be kept closed.  All garage doors shall be equipped with automatic remote control openers.  No carport or other open, unenclosed structure intended as a storage or parking for vehicles shall be constructed or used on any tract.  Garages shall be required to open either to the side or rear of a house.  Automobiles and small boats will not habitually be parked overnight outside of garages.

4.  BUILDING LOCATION:  When the house plans are submitted, there shall be submitted to the ACC a separate plot plan showing the planned location of all improvements contemplated upon the lot, and the ACC may alter the site location or deny construction if, in the opinion of the ACC, the proposed site location would unduly interfere with adjoining lots as to view, proximity of construction, the natural growth of terrain, or cause other potential interference with existing or proposed construction on adjoining lots.  Buildings should be located on lots in such a way as to minimize damage to existing foliage and natural growth.  No trees may be removed other than under the provisions of Paragraph 10 hereof, and the lots shall be maintained in their natural state as nearly as possible, except that a reasonably sized lawn and garden, not to exceed two thousand (2000) square feet may be planted around the house.

A.  Setbacks:  No building shall be erected, placed or altered on any lot nearer than ninety (90) feet to any lot line fronting a road, nor nearer than thirty-five (35) feet to any other lot line.  Fences, if any, along any lot line fronting a road shall be set back a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from said lot line.  Exceptions to the setback requirements are sometimes logical and may be made by the ACC in cases where extenuating circumstances exist, provided however, that any such exceptions must be requested in writing and granted by the ACC in writing.  For the purposes of this covenant, eaves, steps and open porches shall be considered as part of the building.  (See Notes and Setbacks on recorded plat.)  Declarant and/or Architectural Control Committee may designate additional setbacks and/or designate no build areas on lots to protect views of the mountains for adjacent tracts, which views in their sole discretion they deem reasonable; however, the do not have the obligation to do so.

5.  TEMPORARY RESIDENCES:  No structure of temporary character, trailer, basement, tent or accessory building shall be used on any lot as a residence, temporarily or permanently.

6.  TIME OF CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDERS COMPLIANCE FEE:  No construction shall be permitted upon any lot until Declarant has been paid in full for said lot (see also the provisions in Declarant's Deed of Trust).

Once construction shall have been initiated on any structure, including walls, fences, residences, ancillary buildings or any other structure which has been previously approved by the ACC, construction of that particular structure, including landscaping, shall be completed within nine (9) months of the time such construction was initiated.  The ACC may extend the time for completion under unusual circumstances, and any such time extension shall be in writing.  In no event, other than inclement weather, shall final grading and cleanup (debris, stumps, limbs, left over building items, etc.) be delayed more than 30 days after completion of a home.  A refundable builders compliance fee, in an amount set by the ACC, shall be paid to the ACC at time of approval of house plans and shall be refunded upon satisfactory completion of the dwelling structure and compliance with the clean up and final grading provisions of this paragraph.

If any structure be abandoned, Declarant and/or the ACC shall have the authority to remove or complete all or portions of such structures so as to prevent its being unsightly and a detriment to the area.  Notice of intent to remove or complete will be mailed to the owner at his last known address, and shall be posted on the lot ten (10) days prior to such action and, in the event that such removal becomes necessary, the owner of the lot shall be liable for all costs of such work, which costs shall constitute a lien which shall be recorded against said property, and shall be due and payable immediately and bear interest at the rate of eighteen percent (18%) per annum or two percent (2%) above the prime rate of The Norwest Bank of Colorado Springs, N.A.,  whichever is higher, until paid.

7.  PROPERTY OWNERS' ASSOCIATION:  Owners in BENT TREE shall automatically become members of the "Bent Tree Property Owners' Association" (BTPOA);  said membership is mandatory and is a condition of purchasing their lot(s).  Dues shall be required in accordance with the By-laws thereof which owners agree to pay promptly when due.  This Association shall operate as a non-profit corporation, according to the provisions of its Articles of Incorporation and By-laws.  Each tract shall have one vote.  Remaining original inventory tracts or repossessed tracts owned by Declarant, its successors or assigns, shall not be assessable, but shall carry one vote each.

The property owners' association shall have a lien against all tracts the owners of which are delinquent, for non-payment of dues and assessments levied by the property owners' association, where such dues and assessments are in arrears by thirty (30) days or more.  The property owners' association is empowered to file such lien with the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder, and such lien shall run with the land; provided, however, that if such tract is repossessed by Declarant, its successors or assigns, the lien shall become null and void and shall be hereby released at that time.  Continued failure to pay such liens may result in foreclosure on the entire property/tract in order to enforce payment.

8.  WATER AUGMENTATION PLAN REQUIREMENTS:

A.  All lots in BENT TREE shall be subject to the decree for the Northgate Co. augmentation plan entered by the District Court for Water Division No. 2 in Case Nos. 82CW372 (Water Division No. 1) and 82CW180 (Water Division No. 2) (the "augmentation plan"), which provides for an augmentation plan for BENT TREE and certain other property, described in Exhibit A hereto.

B.  Each owner shall be responsible for obtaining a permit for a well to provide a water supply to his dwelling and for constructing and operating such well.  Well permits for each lot must be submitted to the Division of Water Resources, Office of the State Engineer, for approval.  Normally, well drilling companies furnish the required well application form, assist in its preparation and can provide information on types of casing, pumps, etc.  Lot owners may contact a ground water consultant of their choice for specific recommendations as to depth, casing, casing diameter and pumping equipment.  All wells shall be constructed and operated in compliance with the augmentation plan and the permits for such wells.  Declarant or the ACC may require that a well be logged as it is constructed, so as to provide information necessary to the augmentation plan.

C.  Pursuant to said augmentation plan, eleven (11) swimming pools are permitted in BENT TREE, all filings.  Tract owners shall make written application to Declarant or ACC, if applicable, for a permit to construct a swimming pool, designating the size, the amount of water to be impounded and the date of construction.  On a first-come, first-served basis, Declarant shall review the submission and approve or disapprove the pool.  Construction of an approved pool must be commenced within nine (9) months of approval and must be completed within twelve (12) months.  Approvals shall automatically expire on (1) year from the date thereof.  Each pool must be individually metered to enable annual determination of the actual number of gallons of water used.  After approval and construction of eleven (11) swimming pools, the ACC shall deny any further applications, unless and until an amended augmentation plan is approved allowing the construction of more than eleven (11) pools.

D.  The Declarant is hereby authorized to administer and enforce, or contract for administration and enforcement of, the augmentation plan for BENT TREE under the terms of said plan and shall be reimbursed by the BTPOA for the costs thereof.  Among other things, the decree requires that an annual survey be made of the actual irrigated acreage upon each lot in BENT TREE, as permitted in paragraph 4, hereof, and that annual reports be made to the Division Engineers of Water Divisions 1 and 2.  Each owner shall provide to the appropriate administering authority the information necessary to enable the reports to be filed in a timely manner.

E.  Declarant, at its timing and discretion, shall turn over responsibility for administering and enforcing the augmentation plan to the BTPOA by the assignment or lease to the BTPOA of an interest in the augmentation plan and an augmentation water supply sufficient to provide for the operation of the wells for BENT TREE under the augmentation plan, and by the assignment to the BTPOA of any contract which Declarant has entered into providing for the administration or enforcement of augmentation plan or the operation of the augmentation water supply, and the BTPOA shall be obligated to accept same.  Upon such assignment or lease, the BTPOA shall hold such interest in the augmentation plan and the augmentation water supply for the benefit of all lot owners, shall assume the responsibility for administering and enforcing the augmentation plan, and shall take all necessary actions, to insure protection of water and well rights for all lot owners pursuant to the augmentation plan, including pursuing and maintaining all further action required under the augmentation plan.

F.  No effort will be made by the Declarant to sever the rights to the Dawson-Arkose aquifer from the individual lot owner.

G.  Augmentation Well(s).  A 75 ft. by 75 ft. easement exists contiguous to Colonial Park Drive on the lot line between Lots 158 and 159 as shown on the plat of Bent Tree III for the construction, maintenance and use of an augmentation well or wells for water augmentation for Bent Tree, all filings, and other properties as determined by Declarant.  Said well and water lines appurtenant thereto shall be the property of Northgate Co., it's heirs, successors or assigns, which shall have the right to enter upon said easement at any time to augment, operate, repair, maintain or if necessary redrill said well(s) and maintain or replace said water lines.  If necessary in such maintenance, etc., to encroach into the non-easement area of lots 158 and 159, this easement shall automatically be extended to encompass the area of such reasonable encroachment.  The easement shall be kept open and unfenced.

H.  Detention Facility.  A detention structure exists on Lots 158, 159, and 161 in the area shown as a "drainage easement" on the plat.  An additional drainage easement exists on a portion of Lots 146, 157, and 181 as shown on the recorded plat of Bent Tree III.  The purpose of this facility is to maintain historic drainage flows on Bent Tree property, all filings, since home and road construction slightly increase drainage flow.  No structures, landscaping or other materials shall be placed or permitted to remain within any easement area which may rechannel, obstruct or retard the flow of water to detention areas.  The easement area of each lot and any structures on it shall be maintained by the owner of said lots, except for the detention structure which shall be the responsibility of the Bent Tree Property Owners' Association (BTPOA) to inspect and maintain.  Approaches to the structure if ever severely eroded by water would also be repaired by the BTPOA.  Said structure and easement area shall also be used for water augmentation purposes and Declarant, the BTPOA, and their successors and assigns reserve the right to enter upon said easements periodically for purposes of inspection, maintenance and repairs, if needed.  Once constructed, very little activity is contemplated.

I.  No changes or deletions to this Paragraph 8 may be made which may alter or in any manner compromise the water augmentation plan or the water rights of either Declarant or BENT TREE lot owners.

9.  ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL AND DESIGN:

A.  Purpose:  The purpose of this covenant is to assure through intelligent architectural control of building design, placement, materials, colors and construction, that BENT TREE shall become and remain an attractive residential community, and to uphold and enhance property values.

B.  Architectural Control Committee (ACC):

(1)  Composition:  The ACC is composed of Declarant, its heirs, successors or assigns, represented by three (3) persons initially appointed by Declarant.  After the completion of thirty-five (35) houses within the subdivision, Declarant may appoint one (1) member of the tree-member ACC from among the owner-occupants of said homes to serve for three (3) years, after which that position shall be filled by an owner-occupant elected thereto by a simple majority vote of all the then owner-occupants (one vote per tract), to serve for three (3) years.  Declarant may thereafter appoint a second owner-occupant ACC member of the three-member ACC for a similar initial term and subsequent election in a similar manner.  Declarant or its representative shall remain on the ACC until all lots have completed dwelling units thereon; however, at its option and choice of time, Declarant may relinquish full control of the ACC to the owner-occupants, at which time all three (3) members shall be subject to election as provided herein.

Any elected member of the ACC whose performance is found objectionable by other owner-occupants may be removed by a vote of a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the then owner-occupants.  In the event of the death or resignation of any elected member of the ACC, the remaining members thereof shall have full authority to designate a successor elected member to fill the remaining term.

(2)  Liability of ACC:  Neither Declarant, ACC, nor any persons acting therefor, shall be liable in damages to any person submitting requests for approval or to any lot owner by reason of any action, failure to act, approval, disapproval, or failure to approve or disapprove with regard to such requests, or with regard to any other actions taken by the ACC under authorization of the provisions hereof, provided that they have acted in good faith and without negligence.

(3)  Records retained by ACC:  The ACC shall maintain records of election of its members.  It shall retain a complete file of applications, home plans, and locations sketches until all structures applied for thereunder have been completed and for five (5) years thereafter.  If requests for additions are made, both the original plans and plans for said additions will be kept until said additions are completed.

(4)  Compensation:  A non-refundable architectural review fee of one hundred dollars ($100) shall be submitted along with each submittal of plans to the ACC to defray the administrative costs of the review process.  Any unused portions thereof shall be deposited into the Enforcement Fund (See paragraph 25.B.).  No compensation other than reimbursement of expenses, shall be received by members of the ACC for services performed pursuant to this covenant.

C.  Procedure for Obtaining Approval of Plans:

(1)  Application and plans shall be submitted with review fee to Declarant.

(2)  If the owner believes that his plans may encounter serious objections, he should submit preliminary drawings and/or a preliminary sketch and request, in writing, preliminary review prior to incurring the expense of having detailed architectural working plans drawn.  Such preliminary review shall not constitute final action.  Resolution of any view concerns a purchaser might have should be resolved with Declarant prior to purchasing a lot; once purchased such concerns shall be deemed satisfied.

(3)  Owner (not builder) shall make written application on a form provided by and obtained from Declarant or ACC, which shall be submitted with the following attachments:

     (a)  One (1) copy of a site plan, drawn to scale, showing the exact location on the tract of all proposed improvements (house, well, septic, leach field and other buildings, even if only contemplated for the future).  Exact proposed setbacks from lot lines must be delineated.  Access routes (driveways) to proposed structures and any clearing, plantings, outside lighting plans, or fencing must be included.  Topographic maps showing terrain lines are recommended.  (See also paragraph 4.)

     (b)  One (1) complete set of construction plans for building(s) detailing the floor plan, elevations, site location, and exterior building materials.  Garages must open to the side or rear of the house away from the street.

     (c)  Color samples and, if deemed necessary by the ACC, material samples of siding, roofing, etc.

     (d)  A letter of commitment from a lender, guaranteeing approval of construction financing and/or permanent financing upon completion of construction, if and when requested by the ACC.  Job specifications and price estimate (construction take-off sheet) for improvements intended may be required at the sole discretion of the ACC.  The intent of this section is to ensure that the applicant is financially capable of completing the proposed improvements, thus reducing the possibility of an abandoned or partially finished structure on a lot.

     (e)  A copy of the well permit application in the form to be submitted to the Office of the State Engineer.

(4)  ACC shall examine and consider plans, make field trips to the site (owner shall stake out the proposed location of buildings prior to submission of plans), and approve or disapprove all submissions in writing.  ACC shall return a copy of the submission form with its determination and comments, as appropriate.  The set of plans, site plan and material/color samples shall be kept in the files of the ACC.  The ACC may require the owner to make other submissions, to include material samples, prior to considering any application.

The ACC may take up to thirty (30) days to approve or disapprove submissions, and, if disapproved, may take an additional thirty (30) days to consider any resubmitted plans.  Normally, submissions will be resolved in less time, but owners should plan sufficiently in advance to give the ACC time to thoroughly examine plans, make on-site inspections and make well considered decisions.  In the event that the ACC fails to approve or disapprove within thirty (30) days after receipt of any written submission, or in any event, if no suit has been filed to enjoin the construction prior to its completion, approval shall not be required, and the related covenants requiring ACC approval shall be deemed to have been fully complied with, provided that all other covenants herein have been properly observed and complied with.  The foregoing notwithstanding, no plans shall be approved nor shall the above thirty (30) day automatic approval pertain, unless the owner is current on his dues to the Bent Tree Property Owners Association (BTPOA).

(5)  Voting:  A simple majority vote (2/3) of the ACC shall determine approval or disapproval; however, unless all three (3) members of the ACC have been given the opportunity to vote and all three (3) have signed the submission form, the approval or disapproval is not valid.  The ACC will coordinate and work in concert with each other and report their decisions as a group and not individually.

D.  Authority of the ACC:

The ACC is empowered to approve or disapprove in writing all plans for construction, site locations, clearing, plantings, fencing additions to existing structures, remodeling that alters the exterior, replacement of roofs, changing of house colors and any other changes in the natural environment of lots or appearance of homes in BENT TREE.  Disapproval of submissions by the ACC may be based on any grounds, including purely aesthetic grounds.  If such submissions are disapproved, the ACC shall give written reason for said disapproval to applicant.  The ACC may make other reasonable requirements of the applicant, including, but not limited to submission of additional plans, specifications, and material samples, and may require such changes as it deems necessary to conform to the overall intent as herein expressed. The ACC shall have the right to alter site locations as shown on the submitted site plan, or deny construction if, in the opinion of the ACC, the proposed site locations will unduly interfere with adjoining lots as to view, intrusions of sound or light, sanitation, proximity or type of construction, actual or proposed, or unduly damage the natural growth and terrain.

The ACC may prohibit the construction of fences, houses or any other improvements to any lot, and is empowered to order their removal if written application was not made by the owner, if approval was not granted in accordance with these covenants, or if actual construction is different from the approved plans.

The ACC, upon written request, shall have the authority to grant in writing, variances from the provisions of this Declaration of Protective Covenants as they apply to construction and setbacks, in cases of irregularly shaped lots, unusual terrain, highly desirable building sites near lot lines, or other conditions wherein the strict enforcement of these covenants would result in unusual hardship.  The ACC shall be the sole and exclusive judge of whether or not such hardship exists.  It is the intent of these declarations that the ACC shall exercise broad discretionary powers hereunder and its decisions shall be final and conclusive.  The ACC shall resolve all questions of interpretation and these covenants shall be interpreted in accordance with their general purpose and intent as herein expressed.

E.  Architectural Design and Requirements:  In addition to the other requirements hereof, the following pertain:

(1)  Construction:  No building, accessory building, structure, walls, gates, hedges, fences, mailboxes, driveways, windbreaks, swimming pools, flagpoles, windmills, pump houses, water tanks, gas tanks, exterior lighting or other improvements shall be commenced, erected, converted, placed, added to, maintained or altered on any lot until the construction plans and  specifications, to include design, height, material and color samples to be used, and a site plan showing the exact location of the structure(s), have been approved by the ACC in writing as to quality of workmanship and materials, harmony of external design with existing structure(s), location with respect to other structures planned, and as to topography and finished grade elevation.  This requirement applies both to new construction and to subsequent changes, additions, repainting, and major repairs or renovations.  No construction of any such improvement shall be commenced until ACC approvals required by these covenants are obtained.

(2) Masonry.  A minimum of 25% of the exterior areas of the front of the primary dwelling shall be of masonry construction (e.g., brick, stone, cultured stone, stucco.).

(3)  Color:  Structural color schemes shall be compatible with the natural environment of the subdivisions.  Subdued, unobtrusive colors will normally be required, and color samples must be submitted with plans.

(4)  Facing/Siding:  Exposed concrete on buildings shall be stuccoed, or covered with brick or stone or other material meeting the approval of the ACC.  If brick or stone is used as facing, other than decoratively, it must be used on all sides of a building seen from any road.  Natural wood sidings must be treated and periodically maintained with some type of preservative or stain, and color samples shall be submitted with plans.

(5)  Chimneys:  Spark arresters shall be required on all chimneys, and open fires in BENT TREE are prohibited.

(6)  Roofing:  Roof materials and color shall be consistent with the architecture, color, and exterior wall material of any structure.  Cedar shake shingles, tile or slate will normally be required; however, the ACC may allow variations from this requirement in those cases where such variation would be harmonious with the surrounding area and where such roofing materials would not be practical for a particular design or structure.  New and modern materials with shake appearance will be considered.  No asphalt or asbestos shingles will be permitted.

The overhang of the roof on a structure shall be at least twenty-four (24) inches.

Roof mounted solar collectors, skylights and other unusual or energy conservation features should be custom designed and must be approved by the ACC.  Roof mounted solar collectors shall match the slope of the roof to which they are attached.

(7)  Energy features:  Energy efficiency is encouraged through well sealed and insulated construction and the use of passive solar design techniques.  Solar collectors shall be located or screened so that reflections do not unreasonably defeat the intent of these covenants to maintain a natural environment.  Tall wind-powered electrical generators are prohibited.

(8)  Extreme designs:  Homes of extreme design may or may not be approved, depending upon location and appearance, it being the intent of these covenants to establish an area of quiet, unobtrusive dignity and quality consistent with other homes in BENT TREE.

(9)  Materials:  All materials used in the construction, alteration or remodeling of any building shall be new and of good quality and design.  Used materials of good quality may be used, provided they are first approved in writing by the ACC.

(10)  Driveways:  In addition to obtaining approval from the ACC, purchasers must obtain a written driveway permit from the El Paso County Department of Transportation prior to connection of any driveway to a public road.  Owners of lots are advised that the County has no responsibility for and will not snowplow or otherwise maintain driveways whether on flag lots or other lots; such responsibility is solely that of the lot owner.  Metal flared end extensions are required on all driveway culverts, or else concrete or masonry headwalls to prevent bent culvert pipes and a consequently unattractive approach to a home.  Plans submitted to the ACC must include the manner in which the driveway shall be constructed, and approval must be obtained from the ACC.

 (11)  Mailboxes and their support structures should be of a quality to enhance the home and must be approved by the ACC.  Normally support structures for mailboxes will be of masonry construction (for example, stone, brick, concrete, stucco, cultured stone, etc.) though a combination of masonry and wood compatible with the colors and materials used on the home will be considered.  The box itself, if made of metal shall be painted to cover raw or galvanized metal which is deemed unattractive.  The masonry materials used in the support structure shall be the same or similar to the masonry portion of the home in texture and color.  The street address numbers on the mailbox structure shall be made of brass, other metal, or ceramic.  Wooden numbers will not be approved. Colored plastic or metal newspaper boxes are not permitted;  therefore, mailbox designs should incorporate a separate space for newspapers, as the U.S. Postal Service rules prohibit placing newspapers or anything other than U.S. mail in a mailbox.

Maintenance of the mailbox and post system in good, attractive painted (if appropriate) condition shall be the responsibility of the individual homeowners and the BTPOA shall pay half the reasonable cost of said maintenance, providing a cost projection to include materials, labor, etc. is approved by the Architectural Control Committee prior to commencing work.

(12)  Fences and Antennas:

     (a)  Fences:  Fencing and hedges will be permitted but shall normally be no higher than six feet (6') and normally shall  not exceed beyond the front corner of the house.  Consideration shall be given as to the types of fence in relation to the architectural design of the dwellings and the overall appearance in the community.  Barbed wire fencing within the subdivision is prohibited, and perimeter fences and chain link normally will not be approved.  Existing fencing on the boundary of BENT TREE shall not be removed, but may be replaced by new fencing and/or reset to conform to staked property lines.  Declarant shall not be responsible for or defend against adverse possession suits based on external boundary survey differences.  Fencing along streets, if any, will be of finished straight rails or poles, finished wood, wrought iron or masonry construction, or some combination thereof, and shall be extended a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet along side or rear lot lines away from the street, before other fencing may be used.  Unstripped bark posts and rails shall not be permitted.  Fences must be approved in writing by the ACC as to location and materials prior to construction thereof.  (See also paragraph 4.A. Setbacks and 21. Animals.)

(b)  Antennas:  Attic antennas inside the house (as opposed to roof antennas) are effective, are less vulnerable to damage and are encouraged.  Tall or otherwise prominent and visible antennas are prohibited.  Satellite dish antennas may be used only in areas where they will be unobtrusive, and shall be painted or screened to blend in with the natural environment; they must be approved in writing by the ACC prior to installation.  Screening with small trees is effective and minimizes unattractive views from public roads and adjoining lots.

(13) Lighting:  Outdoor lighting will be permitted to the extent it does not create a visual nuisance to neighboring property (except reasonable landscape lighting that has approval of the ACC).  Outdoor lights will be focused.  Lighted entry pylon and/or driveway lights will be of a type that can be turned on and off by the property owner, and sited so as not to annoy nearby lot owners.  Normally such lights shall be turned off when not needed.

(14) Landscaping:  New plantings and growth will be controlled so as not to unreasonably obstruct mountain views from adjoining lots.  The ACC is authorized, but not obligated, to enforce removal, thinning or topping of new view obstructions, and in their sole discretion to determine the validity of any complaints.  Remedies of the ACC include all within these covenants for other violations including liens and foreclosure if violators will not cooperate in removing such view obstructions.

F.  Penalty Fee for Violation:  Written application for approval of plans shall be made and signed by the owner of the tract (not the builder) and the owner shall be held responsible for any violations of the covenants which are committed by the builder or other persons engaged by the owner.  If any excavation, cutting of trees or construction is commenced by owner, or owner's representatives, prior to receipt of written approval by the ACC, then the owner agrees to pay immediately a penalty of three hundred dollars ($300) to the enforcement trust fund (see paragraph 25.B.), which shall utilize said funds to further enforce the BENT TREE covenants as necessary.  Purchasers of tracts in BENT TREE agree to make such payment, and understand that a lien shall be filed against their property if they do not (see paragraph 25.C.).  Further, if legal action is necessary to enforce this covenant, purchasers agree to pay all expenses, to include reasonable legal fees, incurred by the ACC in collection of said penalty.  Payment of said penalty does not preclude further action by the ACC to disapprove such areas in which clearing or construction has begun.

10.  CLEARING OF TREES:  Approval shall be obtained from Declarant or subsequently, the ACC, to cut down or clear any trees on any tract, except dead trees, reasonable thinning of trees of four (4) inches diameter or less, or for infestation control.  Owners of lots shall dispose of such cleared trees in a way to prevent accumulations of brush, stumps, trash, or other materials which may constitute a fire hazard or render a tract unsightly, provided, however, that this shall not operate to restrict purchasers from storing fireplace wood in neat stacks on their tracts.  Owners are responsible for prompt treatment or removal of trees infected by pine beetle or other insects which can kill trees within a year and might spread to adjacent trees and lots, and to reasonably contain any trees with slow parasitic growth such as mistletoe.  In addition, owners are responsible for controlling and removing weeds declared noxious by governmental authorities and in accordance with El Paso County weed control rules and regulations.

11.  EASEMENTS:  Easements for installation and maintenance of utilities, roadways, drainage facilities and such other purposes incident to development of the property are reserved on, over and under a strip of land fifteen (15) feet wide along all front lot lines, ten (10) feet along all side and rear lot lines, and twenty (20) feet along all Bent Tree III exterior boundaries which do not adjoin Bent Tree I or II, and/or as otherwise shown on the recorded plat.  If purchaser buys contiguous lots, easements and setbacks shall apply unless the purchaser formally vacates the common lot line through the appropriate government agencies.  Tract owners are responsible for providing access to utility companies and other government agencies who have reason to use said easements, and if damage is done to fences, shrubbery or plantings in said easements, tract owners have no recourse against said agencies, Declarant, BTPOA or ACC.  No building or similar structure may be placed within the easements unless vacated by agencies involved, and approved by the ACC.  It is recommended that they be kept open and unfenced.

12.  OBSTRUCTION TO VISION AT INTERSECTIONS:

No fence, wall, hedge, tree, shrub planting or other structure which unduly obstructs lines-of-sight shall be placed or permitted to remain on any corner formed by the intersection of a driveway or street with another street.  The ACC shall be the sole and exclusive judge of whether said lines-of-sight are unduly obstructed so as to create a possible safety hazard.

13.  REDIVISION:  Further subdivision of lots in BENT TREE is not permitted; however, the intent of this covenant is not to preclude minor lot line adjustments to resolve building hardships, provided that such variations meet all legal requirements and are approved by Declarant and the ACC in writing.  If a lot line has been vacated, the affected property may not be again redivided into separate lots without the prior written approval of Declarant, in addition to meeting all of the requirements of any government entities.

14.  NUISANCE:  Nothing shall be done or permitted on any lot which may be or become an annoyance or nuisance to the neighborhood.  No noxious, noise polluting or otherwise offensive activities or commercial businesses or trades shall be carried on upon any tract.  Any exterior lighting on any lot shall either be indirect or of such controlled focus and intensity as not to unduly disturb residents of adjacent or nearby property.

No trailbikes, minibikes, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, or other such noise causing vehicles shall be operated within BENT TREE other than on County roads and going to and from residences.  No activity shall be permitted which will generate a noise level sufficient to interfere with the reasonable quiet enjoyment of the persons on any adjoining or nearby lots.

No hunting of any kind, nor the discharge of firearms shall be permitted in BENT TREE.

15.  REFUSE AND RUBBISH:  Rubbish, garbage and other waste shall be kept and disposed of in a sanitary manner.  Containers or other equipment for the storage or disposal of garbage, trash, rubbish or other refuse shall be kept in a clean, sanitary condition.  All garbage or trash containers shall be kept at all times in a closed garage or placed in walled-in areas designed to blend in with the house, so that they shall not be visible from other tracts or from public streets.  Bottled gas tanks, if any, must be underground, or concealed behind walled-in areas designed to blend in with the house, and may be subject to the approval of the Fire Department.  No trash, litter, junk, equipment, boxes or other such items shall be permitted to remain exposed upon the premises and visible from public streets or from other tracts within the subdivision.

16.  SIGNS:  All signs displayed must be first approved in writing by Declarant or the ACC.  This covenant does not preclude the display of customary 18" x 24" builder or real estate signs.  Declarant or ACC reserves the right to make exceptions to size requirements, or to require modification or removal of any signs deemed not in keeping with the area and subdivision decor; however, neither Declarant nor ACC shall require real estate signs to be smaller than provided herein, and this restriction shall run with the land and may only be changed by Declarant.  Declarant, its successors or assigns, reserves the right to erect and maintain an entrance sign on tracts at either side of the street at each entry point into BENT TREE, along with gateways, posts, walls, signs and other structures both to permanently identify BENT TREE and to market it.  In addition, Declarant reserves the right to place signs on any lot in the subdivision as Declarant deems necessary for safety or traffic guidance, and purchasers of tracts in BENT TREE agree thereto.

17.  DRILLING:  No oil drilling, oil development operations, oil refining, quarry or mining operations of any kind shall be permitted on or in any tract, nor shall gas or oil wells, tanks, tunnels, mineral excavations or shafts be permitted upon or in any tract.  No derrick or other structure designated for use in boring for oil or natural gas shall be erected, maintained or permitted upon any tract.

18.  CLOTHES DRYING AREA:  Exterior clotheslines are prohibited.

19.  VEHICLE PARKING AND EQUIPMENT:  No vehicles shall be stored or parked within the subdivision except in a closed garage; however, recreation vehicles to include travel trailers, horse trailers, campers, boats or a motor home and various equipment may be kept in an organized manner to the rear of a house if not readily visible from public streets nor reasonably from other lots within the subdivision.  Screening such vehicles from public view with proper garaging or fencing, approved by the ACC, is required.  The intent of this covenant is to prevent clutter and enhance natural appearance.

20.  UTILITIES: 

A.  All utility lines, including service lines of whatsoever kind or nature, shall be underground on all tracts within BENT TREE, excepting that existing poles and lines shall not be removed and placed underground by Declarant.  It shall be the responsibility of each owner to extend underground service lines to his house from existing lines or lines which may be provided by Declarant.

B.  The water supply for BENT TREE shall be provided by means of wells, to be constructed and operated in accordance with the augmentation plan described in paragraph 8 preceding.  Each owner shall be responsible for the construction and maintenance of his own well and for the connection of the well to his house.  No owner may construct a well or initiate any water right at BENT TREE except through a well approved by the ACC, pursuant to the augmentation plan.

C.  Sewer services for BENT TREE will be provided by means of individual septic tanks and leach fields, to be constructed and maintained by each owner.  No systems of the evapotranspiration type shall be permitted unless required by the El Paso County Health Department or other governmental agency or proper jurisdiction and approved under the water augmentation plan by the authority managing said augmentation plan (Declarant, BTPOA, or ACC, as appropriate).

21.  ANIMALS:

A.  No animals or livestock of any kind shall be housed, raised or kept on any tract or property either temporarily or permanently, except that commonly accepted domestic household pets may be kept provided that they are not kept or maintained for any commercial purposes.

B.  Dogs shall not be permitted to run loose and shall be kept under control of owners at all times.  Kennels for the commercial raising, breeding and boarding of animals are prohibited.

C. Fences for animals will be at least five (5) feet high of solid wood or masonry.  Colors will be compatible with the main dwelling.  Proper maintenance is required.  Such fences must be preapproved in writing by the ACC which will be highly sensitive to the ambiance of the neighborhood to include appearance from the streets and adjacent lots.  Under no circumstances will dogs be allowed to run loose in the neighborhood.  The use of electronic pet containment (invisible) fences in lieu of conventional fencing is strongly recommended.

22.  RIGHT OF DECLARANT:  Declarant, its successors or assigns, expressly reserves the right:

A.  From time to time to amend or revoke any restrictive covenants then in existence, but no such amendment or revocation shall apply to tracts that are sold prior thereto without the written consent of a majority of the then owners of any such tracts (one vote per tract), nor shall amendment or revocation be of such nature as to derogate property values.

B.  To enter into agreements with the purchaser of any lot or lots (without the consent of the purchasers of other lots or adjoining or adjacent property) to deviate from those conditions, restrictions, limitations and agreements herein set forth, and any such deviation which shall be manifested by agreement in writing shall not constitute a waiver of any such condition, restriction, limitation, or agreement as to the remaining lots in said subdivision, and the same shall remain fully enforceable on all other lots located in the said subdivision by Declarant, its successors or assigns, and the purchasers of other lots except as against the lot where such deviation is permitted.

C.  To modify, change or delete any covenant as it pertains to one or more tracts which may prevent obtaining VA or FHA financing; however, any such action will not change the intent of these covenants to establish and maintain a single family residential area of the highest caliber.

D.  To widen cuts in roads beyond the 60' road right-of-way to obtain gravel to finish roads and to meet County road grade requirements, and to remove gravel from any unsold lots.  Such areas will be graded and restored when no longer needed.  After final road approval and acceptance of roads for maintenance by the County, this paragraph, 23.D., shall be null and void and of no further effect.

24.  TERM OF COVENANTS:  These covenants and restrictions are to run with the land and shall remain in full force and effect for twenty-five (25) years from the date these covenants are recorded, after which time said covenants shall be automatically extended for successive periods of then (10) years unless an instrument signed by a simple majority of the then owners of the tracts (one vote per tract) has been recorded, changing said covenants in whole or part; however, covenants may be amended at any time by a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of all property owners (one vote per tract).  All changes shall be legally drawn and formally recorded in El Paso County.

25.  ENFORCEMENT:

A.  Enforcement shall be by proceedings at law or in equity against any person or persons violating or attempting to violate any covenant, either to restrain violation or to recover damages.  Covenants are for the use, convenience and protection of all property owners.  Declarant, Architectural Control Committee, BTPOA, or any individual lot owner may act to enforce the covenants; none of the foregoing, however, are obligated to do so.  Declarant and the Architectural Control Committee, together or separately, or through authorized agents or employees further reserve the right, whenever there shall have been an apparent violation of one or more of the provisions of these covenants and after ten (10) days notice to owner, to enter upon the property where such violation exists and summarily abate or remove the same at the expense of the owner and such entry and abatement or removal shall not be deemed a trespass.  Property owners in BENT TREE expressly agree to abide by injunctions without necessity of bond, in order to simplify judicial proceedings to remedy covenant violations.  In addition, if a judicial action is necessary to prohibit a covenant violation and a violation is established, the violator(s) shall pay and agree to pay all costs of the enforcement proceeding, including reasonable attorney's fees.  The failure to enforce any right, reservation, restriction, or condition contained herein, however long continued, shall not be deemed a waiver of the right to do so thereafter as to the same breach or as to a breach occurring prior to or subsequent thereto and shall not bar or affect its enforcement.  The invalidation by any court of any restriction herein contained shall not in any way affect any of the other restrictions, but they shall remain in full force and effect.

B.  Enforcement Trust Fund:  Matching fees of fifty dollars ($50) each shall be paid at closing by the purchaser of each lot and by Declarant, and said funds shall be kept in a trust fund by Declarant to be used for enforcement of the protective covenants.  Any penalties that may be collected from time to time shall also be placed in said fund (see paragraph 9.F.).  Said fund shall be used by Declarant, its heirs, successors and assigns, for paying future legal or other expenses involved in enforcing these covenants and said Declarant is hereby authorized to use said fund.  In addition, said fund or portions thereof may be transferred into the BTPOA treasury for the purposes outlined in paragraphs 7. and 8., and may be used at the discretion of Declarant for continuing subdivision expenses no longer the responsibility of the developer, such as maintenance of entrance ways and signs, special mailings, etc; however, the fund shall not be depleted to the extent that insufficient funds are available to enforce the covenants.  In like manner, the BTPOA may transfer BTPOA funds into the Enforcement Trust Fund if needed to enforce covenants.  The ACC and/or any individual tact owner desiring to use said fund for the enforcement of these covenants, shall make written request of Declarant for the use of monies in said fund, and Declarant shall have sole authority to approve or deny any such request.  Denial of such request shall not preclude an individual tract owner from bringing suit to enforce these covenants under the provisions of paragraph 25.A. above.  Fund shall be kept by Declarant in an interest-bearing account which may be closed and funds distributed to lot owners after all lots have been built upon, or earlier, at the discretion of Declarant, or be turned over to the control of the ACC for the uses provided herein.

C.  Liens:  Non-payment of fees incurred by Declarant and/or ACC in enforcing correction of a bona fide violation of these covenants or in abatement or removal as covered herein and per paragraphs 6 and 9.F. hereof, shall result in a recorded lien being placed on the lots and/or lot interest owned by the violator(s), including improvements thereon, said lien to bear interest at eighteen percent (18%) per annum or two percent (2%) above the prime of the Norwest Bank of Colorado Springs, N.A., whichever is higher, from the date filed.  Declarant and/or ACC is empowered to file such lien if within thirty (30) days of written notification to owner of amount due, owner has not made payment in full.  Such lien shall run with the land unless said property is repossessed by Declarant, its successors or assigns, in which case the lien shall become null and void and shall be hereby released at that time.  Continued failure to pay such liens may result in foreclosure on the entire property in order to enforce payment.

26.  NOTICES:  Any notice required to be given to any owner or other person under the provisions of these Protective Covenants shall be deemed to have been properly given when mailed, post paid, to the last known address of the record owner of the lot in which the member has interest.

27.  DECLARANT MAY ASSIGN:  Declarant, its successors or assigns, may assign any and all of its rights, powers, obligations and privileges under this instrument to any other corporation, association, committee or person.

28.  COMMERCIAL USAGES on property contiguous to Filings 1 and 2 owned by Declarant and/or its associated companies or successors in ownership is logical as the area develops.  Purchasers of tracts in BENT TREE, all filings, are hereby made aware of the intent of Declarant to develop and/or market the southwest corner of State Highway 105 and Roller Coaster Road, consisting of approximately 58 acres, as commercial property, and agree as a condition of purchasing their lot(s) in BENT TREE, not to oppose the development of said 58 acres as proposed..  In addition, the northwest corner of Higby and Roller Coaster Roads consisting of approximately 18 acres is presently planted in small pines/seedlings, some of which shall be commercially marketed.  Purchasers in BENT TREE agree to such commercial development as stated above. This covenant runs with the land and may only be changed by Declarant.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused their names to be hereunto subscribed this 2nd day of September, A.D. 1993.

ARROWWOOD DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Recorded in El Paso County, Colorado, September 9, 1993, Reception #002350702, Book 6255, Page 1222 through 1234.