CC&R Frequently Asked Questions
What are CC&R's?
The CC&R’s (Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions) are a set of rules designed to protect the quiet enjoyment and value of your property and the property of your neighbors. Also known as deed restrictions, CC&R’s are contractual limitations of your rights as a property owner. These restrictions were placed on your property deed, filed with El Dorado County, and made a condition of the purchase of your lot by the original developer.
When you purchased your property, along with the other countless forms and documents, you signed a contract stating: The Buyer has read and approved CC&R’s for said property. These restrictions are passed on to any new owner because they are attached to the property deed. In other words, the CC&R’s “run with the land.”
What is the intent of CC&R's?
The intent of the CC&R’s is to preserve property values, both yours and those of your neighbors, and to protect the quality of life that you and your neighbors enjoy.
Where does the $12 I pay each year go?
In November of 1985, the voters of Cameron Park passed Ballot Measure B giving the CSD the authority to enforce the CC&R’s and allow the CSD to maintain a uniform standard of development within the District. Attached to this measure was a special tax of up to $12 per year, per parcel, to be used for any expenses incurred by the CSD in carrying out said purposes. The assessment is currently $12 per year.
What is the CSD's role in CC&R enforcement?
Many District residents apprehensive of creating a disagreement between them and their neighbors turn to the CSD for enforcement of the CC&R violations. The first step is to call the CC&R Compliance Officer. In addition to following up on complaints, the CC&R Compliance Officer routinely drives through the neighborhood spotting the violations that are the subject of the most common complaints.
Proactive enforcement has enabled the District to correct many violations before they become problems and create strife between neighbors. In fact, the CC&R Compliance Officer has found that most violations are made by those who are unaware of the restrictions. Once the restrictions are brought to the attention of the property owner, they are gladly and quickly corrected.
What about the Architectural Review Committee (ARC)?
The ARC functions as a review committee for improvements to properties governed by the CC&R’s. Many CC&R’s require that new homes, improvements, paint, roofing, fencing, additions, etc., be approved by this committee. If prior approval for these types of improvements is not sought in advance it is considered a violation of the CC&R’s.
The ARC is established by the Cameron Park Community Services District according to the CC&R’s for each neighborhood unit. The ARC reviews, and approves, applications for exterior modifications and/or additions. For specific details, owners and residents should consult the CC&R’s governing the parcel to be modified. ARC meetings are held any Tuesday when a plan has been submitted for review. Plans must be submitted by 5 p.m. the Wednesday before to initiate an ARC meeting on the following Tuesday. Applicants may attend the meetings. Please contact the Cameron Park Community Services District Compliance Officer at (530) 677-2231 with questions.
What procedure does the District use in notifying and pursuing noncompliance of the CC&R’s?
The following excerpts from the CC&R Policy and Procedures identify steps taken in pursuing compliance.
Investigation of CC&R Violations – When the CC&R Compliance Officer receives a complaint regarding an apparent CC&R violation, or otherwise observes a possible violation, the following steps are taken:
- Determine which CC&R provision(s) apply to the parcel in that particular Unit.
- Perform a visual inspection before taking further action.
- Try to resolve the violation with a letter asking the property owner to comply.
Initial Notice to Owners – The CC&R Compliance Officer determines that a property owner (or resident) is engaging in conduct or activity, or has created a condition which reasonably appears to be a violation of the CC&R’s. A written “Notice of CC&R Violation” is issued to both the recorded owner of the property and current resident identifying the violations and asking for correction.
Final Notice to Owners and Residents – If the violation has not been corrected within a reasonable amount of time, a final notice will be sent to the resident and property owner requesting contact be made with the CC&R Compliance Officer within ten days.
Pre-Legal Notice to Owners and Residents – If the resident and property owner fail to comply with the final notice, a pre-legal notice will be sent advising them of the next CC&R meeting and staff’s recommendation to the committee is to forward to legal counsel.
Lastly, after earnest efforts are made to correct the violation, legal action is sought by the CSD against the property owner.
CC&R Meetings- Meetings are conducted in open session and are open to the public. The chairperson of the CC&R Committee opens the hearing and allows a reasonable time for all testimony. The meetings are held at the Cameron Park Community Center (2502 Country Club Drive) every first Monday of each month at 5:30 pm.
What happens in the event of noncompliance?
You and your neighbors entered into a legally binding contract. Noncompliance is a breech of that contract and any party to that contract may sue to have the stipulations upheld. These parties include the developer, the previous owner of the property, and any or all other property owners in the same unit of the development. Additionally, the CSD has the authority to initiate legal action against those who do not comply with the CC&R’s.
Few sets of CC&R’s give the CSD authority to fine property owners for violations. Fines are limited and, at this time, the CSD Compliance Program does not include fining nor is a schedule of fines in place.
How can I get a copy of the CC&R’s for my lot?
You should have received a copy of CC&R’s when you purchased your home or property. If you cannot find your copy, you may download one from the link on this page. Copies are also available at the CSD office. When requesting a copy of your CC&R’s be sure to have your street name and unit number. CC&R’s are available at the Cameron Park Community Services District Office, located at 2502 Country Club Drive in Cameron Park. Business hours are: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
Why haven't the CC&R’s been changed so that they are uniform throughout Cameron Park?
This would be very difficult to achieve because, depending upon the unit within a subdivision, from 50% to 75% of all property owners in a unit must agree to any change in the deed restrictions for that unit. Some CC&R’s do not allow amendments at all.
The Cameron Park Community Services District CC&R Enforcement Program administers a reasonable and unbiased compliance program to enforce regulations contained within the covenants, conditions and restrictions. We will be working closely with the building and planning departments and other public agencies to ensure proper and effective response to any reported violations.
Our goal is to achieve prompt and thorough compliance of applicable codes and to promote and maintain a desirable neighborhood environment.