HomeMy WebLinkAboutADM16-0011 party wall agreement PARTY WALL AND DUPLEX DECLARATION
WHEREAS, Little Bluff, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company ("Declarant"), is the
owner in fee simple of the following described real estate, hereinafter "subject property", situate
in the Town of Vail, County of Eagle and State of Colorado, to wit:
Lot 3A and Lot 3B, Block 2, Vail Village Sixth Filing, a Resubdivision of Lot 3,
Block 2, according to the plat thereof recorded in the Office of the Clerk and
Recorder of Eagle County, Colorado on , 2016 as Reception No.
(the "Plat").
WHEREAS, Declarant has constructed a duplex (the "Building") consisting of two (2)
dwelling units on the subject property; and
WHEREAS, the dwelling units are constructed such that there are areas of vertical
overlap between the units, and the party wall extends both vertically and horizontally between
the units. The three-dimensional aspects of the duplex are as depicted on the Plat; and
WHEREAS, Declarant wishes to provide for separate ownership of such dwelling units
and certain separately owned property, for certain property to be managed for the common
benefit of the Owners (hereinafter defined); and
WHEREAS, Declarant wishes to subject the dwelling units and separately owned
property to certain covenants relating to common management of the party wall and other
common components of the Building structure, and to set forth certain easements for the benefit
of each of the Owners of the dwelling units and their appurtenances.
NOW THEREFORE, Declarant does hereby publish and declare that, in accordance with
C.R.S. § 38-32-101 et. seq., the following terms, covenants, conditions, easements, restrictions,
uses, reservations, limitations and obligations shall be deemed to run with the land described
herein, shall be a burden and a benefit to Declarant, its successors and assigns, and any person
acquiring or owning an interest in the real property which is described herein and improvements
built therein, their grantees,personal representatives, heirs, successors and assigns.
1. Division of Real Property into Two Lots. The subject property is, hereby and
upon the recording of the Plat, divided into two parcels (individually, a "Lot" and collectively,
the "Lots") each consisting of the Lot designated with the corresponding letter, together with the
dwelling unit and all improvements thereon and all easements and rights located thereon or
appurtenant thereto as provided herein, as follows:
Lot 3A
Lot 3B
such Lots being shown on the Plat.
1
2. Description of Lot.
(a) Each Lot shall be inseparable and may be leased, devised or encumbered
only as a residence.
(b) Title to a Lot may be held individually or in any form of concurrent
ownership recognized in the State of Colorado. For the purposes herein, there shall be deemed to
be only two owners, the owner of Lot 3A and the owner of Lot 3B (each, an "Owner" and
collectively, the "Owners"). In case of any concurrent ownership of a Lot, each co-owner shall
be jointly and severally liable for performance and observance of all the duties and
responsibilities of an "Owner" with respect to the Lot in which such co-owner owns an interest.
The parties, if more than one, having the ownership of each such Lot shall agree among
themselves how to share the rights and obligations of such ownership, but all such parties shall
be jointly and severally liable for performance and observance of all of the duties and obligations
of an "Owner" hereunder with respect to the Lot in which they own an interest, and shall further
designate one (1) individual who shall represent all such parties concerning the rights and
obligations pursuant to this Declaration.
(c) Any contract of sale, deed, lease, deed of trust, mortgage, will or other
instrument affecting a Lot may describe it by its Lot number and by reference to the Plat.
(d) Each Lot shall be considered a separate parcel of real property and shall be
separately conveyed, encumbered, assessed and taxed.
(e) No Owner shall bring any action for partition or further subdivision of the
Lots.
(f) In the event that both Lots are owned by the same entity, the doctrine of
merger shall not apply.
(g) This is not a condominium project. Neither the subject property nor the
Lots created hereby are subject to the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act.
3. Landscaping; Outdoor Improvements. Each Owner shall be responsible for all
landscaping, natural features and general outdoor improvements on his individual Lot, including
irrigation systems, if any, and, except for any expense or liability caused through the negligence
or willful act of the other Owner, or that Owner's family members, guest, agent or, lessee or
licensee, which shall be borne solely by such other Owner, each Owner shall pay all expenses,
liabilities and general upkeep responsibilities with respect to such landscaping, natural features
and outdoor improvements located in or on that Owner's Lot. The character of the landscaping
and natural features as initially installed on each Lot shall not be changed and new landscaping
or new natural features must conform to the existing landscaping except as otherwise mutually
agreed in writing by both Owners. All landscaping, natural features and exterior improvements,
including any outdoor furnishings, shall be designed, installed and maintained by each Owner in
2
a first-class manner, consistent with the high-end resort character of the Building and
surrounding properties in the Town of Vail. The Owner of one Lot shall not unreasonably or
substantially adversely affect the value of the other Lot by poor exterior maintenance and
upkeep, and both Owners shall make all reasonable efforts to preserve a harmonious common
appearance of the Lots. No landscaping, trees or shrubs located on an Owner's Lot shall
unreasonably restrict the view corridor of the other Lot, except for any landscaping, trees or
shrubs initially installed on each Lot by the Declarant.
4. Party Wall; Garage; Roof.
(a) For purposes of this Declaration, the party wall between the Lots shall be
deemed to include the vertical dividing wall between the improvements on the Lots, but not any
structural components of the Garage Building (hereinafter defined), which shall be owned and
managed as specifically provided in this Declaration. Each Owner of a separate Lot shall have a
perpetual reciprocal easement in and to that part of the subject property owned by the other
Owner and on which the party wall is located, for party wall purposes, including maintenance,
repair, and inspection; neither Owner shall alter or change the party wall in any manner, interior
decoration excepted, and the party wall shall always remain in the same location as when
erected.
(b) In the event of damage or destruction to the party wall from any cause,
other than the negligence or willful act of either Owner or such Owner's family, guest, agent,
lessee or licensee, the Owners shall, at joint expense, repair or rebuild said wall to its previous
condition which specifically includes the previous sound transmission coefficient, and each
Owner, and their successors and assigns shall have the right to the full use of said wall so
repaired and rebuilt in accordance with this Declaration. If the negligence or willful act of an
Owner or such Owner's family, guest, agent, lessee or licensee shall cause damage to or
destruction of said wall, such Owner, as the responsible party, shall bear the entire cost of repair
and reconstruction. To the extent that damage to the party wall is covered by insurance
maintained by one Owner, the full insurance proceeds shall be used and applied to the extent
necessary to repair, restore, or replace the party wall, subject to reimbursement by the other
Owner for that Owner's portion of the costs. Any insurance proceeds not necessary for such
repair, restoration or replacement shall belong solely to the Owner who is the owner of the
insurance policy under which such payment was made. The availability of insurance proceeds or
the lack or limit thereof will not affect or limit an Owner's responsibility or liability for any
needed maintenance or repair.
(c) Either Owner shall have the right to break through the party wall for the
purpose of repairing or restoring utilities, lines and facilities serving that Owner's dwelling unit,
subject to the obligation to restore said wall to its previous structural condition, which
specifically includes the previous sound transmission coefficient, at such Owner's own expense
and the reimbursement to the other Owner for any damage caused thereby.
(d) Each Owner shall have the right to make use of the party wall for
customary purposes, provided such use shall not impair the structural support or the sound
transmission coefficient of the party wall.
3
(e) The garages serving each Lot and certain living areas of Lot 3B are
located within a common garage building structure, as depicted on the Plat as a shaded area and
identified as "Stacked Garages and Family Room" (the "Garage Building"). The Garage
Building is subdivided using horizontal boundaries, as well as vertical, in order to provide
ownership of facilities on different floors of the Garage Building by the owners of Lot 3A and
Lot 3B. The structural components, exterior walls, exterior finished surfaces, floors and
ceilings, and the roof of the Garage Building are common structural components of the Building
(the "Garage Components"). For all purposes under this Declaration, however, the Garage
Components shall be deemed to be a part of the residence located on Lot 3A, provided, however,
that any and all reasonable and customary costs and expenses incurred by the owner of Lot 3A in
performing any of its rights or obligations under this Declaration with respect to the Garage
Components shall be shared equally by the owner of Lot 3B, and the owner of Lot 3B hereby
covenants and agrees to reimburse the owner of Lot 3A for any such costs and expenses within
thirty (30) days after notice of same from the owner of Lot 3A. The owner of Lot 3A will
provide reasonable evidence of any such reimbursable costs and expenses as a condition to the
reimbursement obligation of the owner of Lot 3B. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
paragraph or otherwise of this Declaration, each Owner shall be responsible at its sole expense
for the maintenance, repair, replacement and insurance of all interior spaces of the Garage
Building located on such Owner's Lot, from unfinished drywall in, including, without limitation,
all wall and floor coverings, window coverings, furniture, fixtures, equipment, appliances, and
other moveable personal property, cabinets, countertops, and interior doors and windows if any.
Similarly, each Owner shall be responsible at its sole expense for routine maintenance and repair,
but not replacement or insurance which shall be the responsibility of the Owner of Lot 3A, of
such Owner's garage door.
(f) The roofs of the Buildings have been designed, engineered and
constructed to handle the snow loads common in Vail, Colorado. Shoveling of snow from the
roofs should not be necessary, and may cause damage to the roofs. Therefore, no shoveling or
other removal of snow from either roof shall be undertaken without the prior consent of both
Owners.
5. Utilities.
(a) All common utility or service connections, lines and facilities or other
common equipment and property, if any, to the extent not owned by a third-party utility or
service provider, shall be owned by the Owners as tenants in common and, except for any
expenses or liability caused through the negligence or willful act of any Owner, that Owner's
family, guest, agent, lessee or licensee, which shall be borne solely by such Owner, all expenses
and liabilities concerned with such common property, including without limitation all costs of
maintenance, repair and replacement shall be shared jointly by the Owners. Expenses for
construction and future maintenance, replacement and repair of future common utility services to
the subject property shall be allocated between the Owners of the Lots as described above.
(b) To the extent feasible or available, the utilities servicing each Lot shall be
separately metered. Where separate meters for measuring costs or expenses for such utility
4
services are available, the cost of such utility services shall be an individual expense and not a
joint expense of the Owners. Where separate meters for measuring costs or expenses for such
utility service are not available, such cost shall be a joint expense of the Owners, and shall be
shared in accordance with the allocation set forth in Section 8 below. The Owners shall designate
one owner who shall notify the appropriate utility company and inform them of the common
billing address, and who shall receive and distribute any joint utility bills. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if a utility is separately metered but such service or any portion thereof is for the
benefit of both Lots, then the cost of such service shall be equitably adjusted between the
Owners.
6. Alteration, Maintenance and Repair.
(a) If any improvement on Lot 3A or Lot 3B is damaged or destroyed, such
damage or destruction shall be promptly repaired and reconstructed. Repair and reconstruction
means the restoration of the improvements to substantially the same condition in which they
existed prior to such damage or destruction. The cost to repair and reconstruct any improvement
on Lot 3A or Lot 3B shall be the sole expense of the Owner of said Lot except as modified by
the provisions of this Declaration with respect to the Garage Components or otherwise, and
without prejudice, however, to the right of any rule of law regarding liability for negligence or
willful acts or omissions. Notwithstanding anything contained above to the contrary, if the
negligence or willful act or omission of any Owner, or that Owner's family, guest, agent, lessee
or licensee, shall cause damage to, or destruction of any improvement on any Lot, including the
Garage Components, such Owner, as the responsible party, shall bear the entire costs of repair or
reconstruction.
(b) Each Owner shall be solely responsible for all maintenance and repair of
the exterior and interior of that Owner's Lot, including the dwelling unit located thereon and all
fixtures and improvements appurtenant thereto and equipment located in, on or upon the Lot, and
serving such Lot only, including, without limitation, those portions of the Building's foundation
immediately underlying that Owner's dwelling unit. Each Owner shall be solely responsible for
the maintenance, repair and replacement of the portion of roof to the Building and all gutter
systems located on that Owner's Lot, all of which shall be performed in accordance with the
guidelines of any applicable roof warranty and/or the direction of a roofing contractor approved
by the manufacturer of the roof Such maintenance obligations shall include, without limitation,
ice and snow removal to the extent required under the roof warranty. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, any roof replacement shall be completed at the same time for both Lots.
(c) All utility or service connections, lines, facilities or other utility equipment
and property located in, on or upon either Lot which is used solely to supply a service or utility
to that Lot shall be owned (to the extent not owned by a third party utility company) by the
Owner of the Lot using such utility or service and all expenses and liabilities for repair and
maintenance shall be borne solely by the Owner of such Lot; provided, however, that each
Owner shall have a perpetual easement in and to that portion of the other Lot as may be useful or
necessary for the purposes of access, maintenance, repair and inspection of such utility or service
connections, lines, facilities or other equipment.
5
(d) No Owner shall make or suffer any exterior or structural change
(including a color scheme change), either permanent or temporary and of any type or nature
whatsoever to the exterior of the Building or that Owner's Lot, even if restricted solely to that
Owner's dwelling unit, or construct any addition, improvement, or any permanent outdoor
structure of any type or nature whatsoever upon that Owner's Lot without first obtaining the
prior written approval from the other Owner. The improvements on both Lots shall have a
common color and design scheme, and the entirety of the exterior of the Building and all
improvements on both Lots shall be painted and/or stained at the same time, with the specific
color and design scheme and timing of any painting to be determined by the Owners of both Lots
jointly. Notwithstanding the foregoing, due to their proximity to and impact on the aesthetics
from indoor and outdoor living areas of the Building on Lot 3B, the Owner of Lot 3B shall have
the right, but not the obligation, at its sole expense, to maintain the following two exterior walls:
West wall adjacent to bathrooms on all three levels, and west wall of the Garage Building.
(e) Where the Owner of either Lot, in compliance with the other provisions of
this Declaration, desires to build, renovate, excavate, improve or otherwise alter the structures or
improvements located on that Owner's Lot other than the Garage Components, and where the
Owner has obtained the written consent thereto of the other Owner as provided in this Section,
the Owner of the other Lot shall cooperate to the extent necessary to enable that Owner to obtain
any required building permit, municipal approval or similar permit, license or approval, at no out
of pocket cost to the Owner of the other Lot. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, no
Owner may modify any improvement which would utilize more than the total or additional
zoning density or other zoning rights which are available to such Lot, or which may become
available in the future. Lot 3A shall be entitled to 50% of such available, but currently unused,
zoning density or rights and Lot 3B shall be entitled to 50% of any such available, but currently
unused zoning density or rights. Any costs or expenses associated with the required building or
similar permit or other municipal approvals shall be the expense of the Owner desiring said
permit or approval and shall not be a joint expense of the Owners of both Lots.
(f) All repair, maintenance, replacements, or other construction or alterations
performed on either Lot by the Owners shall be (i) performed in a good and workmanlike
manner and in compliance with all applicable laws and with all other provisions of this
Declaration, (ii) pursued diligently to completion, and (iii) performed in a manner so as not to
unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of the Owner of the other Lot. All contractors
performing work to the Building or either Lot must be licensed and carry such insurance in the
amounts and with the coverages as may be required by Colorado law and/or local industry
standards.
(g) In the event that either Lot, or fraction thereof, is taken by eminent domain or
in condemnation, the Owner of that Lot shall receive any sums payable with respect to such
taking. In the event that both Lots, or any fractions thereof, are taken by eminent domain or in
condemnation, the Owners shall equitably divide any sums payable pursuant to such taking in
proportion to the relative values of the Lots, or fractions thereof, taken with respect to the Lots.
8. Allocation of Expenses. Costs and expenses of alteration, maintenance and repairs
to the Party Wall and all common property, other than the Garage Components (which are shared
6
equally), which are to be paid jointly by the Owners as set forth in this Declaration, shall be
allocated in the following proportions:
Lot 3A 50% Lot 3B 50%.
9. Mechanic's Liens, Indemnification.
(a) Except for items incurred as a common expense as provided for herein, if
either Owner shall cause any material to be furnished to that Owner's Lot or any improvements
made thereon or cause any labor to be performed therein or thereon, the other Owner shall not
under any circumstances be liable for the payment of any expense incurred or for the value of
any work done or material furnished; all such work shall be at the expense of the Owner causing
it to be done, and such Owner shall be solely responsible to contractors, laborers, materialmen
and other persons furnishing labor or materials to that Owner's Lot or any improvements therein
or thereon. Nothing herein contained shall authorize either Owner or any person dealing
through, with or under either Owner, to charge the Lot of the other Owner with any mechanic's
lien or other lien or encumbrance whatsoever; and, on the contrary (and notice is hereby given),
the right and power to charge any lien or encumbrance of any kind against the other Owner or
the other Owner's Lot for work done or material furnished to one Owner's Lot is hereby
expressly denied and prohibited.
(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, if because of any act or omission of
either Owner any mechanic's or other lien or order for the payment of money shall be filed
against the other Owner's Lot or any improvements therein or thereon, or against the other
Owner (whether or not such lien or order is valid or enforceable as such), the Owner whose act
or omission forms the basis for such lien or order shall, at that Owner's sole cost and expense,
cause the same to be cancelled and discharged of record or bonded by a surety company
reasonably acceptable to the other Owner, within twenty (20) days after the date of filing thereof,
and further shall indemnify and save the other Owner harmless from and against any and all
costs, expenses, claims, losses or damages, including reasonable attorney's fees, resulting
therefrom.
10. Use Restrictions.
(a) The Lots shall be used for residential purposes only as a permitted use,
and conditional and accessory uses shall be as defined by the Town of Vail zoning ordinances
(including, without limitation, home occupations). Neither Owner may apply for any zoning
change, variance or reclassification, for either Lot or the entire subject property, without the prior
written consent of the other Owner. No structures of a temporary character, including trailers or
recreational vehicles, shall be used on any portion of any of the subject property at any time as a
residence, either temporarily or permanently.
(b) No animals of any kind shall be raised, bred or kept on either Lot, except
that a total of three (3) household pets, including dogs, cats or other household pets, may be kept
7
by an Owner provided that they are not kept, bred or maintained for any commercial purposes
and provided further that they do not unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of the
other Lot by its Owner. Any clean-up required or damage caused by an animal kept by an
Owner shall be the responsibility of such Owner keeping the animal, and each Owner
indemnifies the other for any damage or injury to person or property caused by any animal kept
by an Owner. No animals kept on either Lot shall be left unattended at any time or suffered or
permitted to become a nuisance to the other Owner or surrounding properties.
(c) No advertising signs, billboards, unsightly objects or nuisances shall be
erected, placed or permitted to remain on the subject property, nor shall any Lot be used in any
way or for any purpose which may endanger the health or unreasonably disturb the owner or
resident of the adjoining Lot.
(d) All rubbish, trash or garbage shall be regularly removed from each Lot
and shall not be allowed to accumulate thereon. All such trash removal expenses shall be
expenses of each individual Owner, and are not a joint expense of the Owners.
(e) An Owner shall do no act nor any work that will impair any easement or
hereditament or do any act or allow any condition to exist which will adversely affect the other
Lot.
(fJ Except for attractive, well-maintained outdoor furnishings as set forth in
Section 3, no exterior storage of any personal property shall be permitted on either Lot.
(g) An Owner may lease that Owner's Lot upon such terms and conditions as the
Owner may deem advisable, provided that (i) lessees may not keep any pets on the subject
property; (ii) no "time sharing", "interval ownership" or similar interest, whereby ownership of a
Lot is shared by owners on a time basis shall be established; and (iii) any lease or rental
agreement shall be in writing and made specifically subject to this Declaration and any additional
rules or regulations as may be established by mutual agreement of the Owners from time to time,
and (iv) any failure of a lessee to comply with the terms of this Declaration shall be a default
under the lease and the Owner agrees to take reasonable enforcement measures against such
lessee to restore compliance.
11. Insurance.
(a) Each Owner shall keep his Lot and all improvements and fixtures located
thereon insured against loss or damage by fire and extended coverage perils (including
vandalism and malicious mischief) for the maximum appreciated replacement value thereof, and
covering such other risks of a similar or dissimilar nature as are or shall hereafter customarily be
covered with respect to similar properties issued by a responsible insurance company or
companies authorized to do business in the State of Colorado. The Owner of Lot 3B shall insure
the Garage Components. The insurance for each Lot shall provide that the policy cannot be
cancelled or substantially modified until after thirty (30) days prior written notice is first given to
each owner and each first mortgagee, if any. In order to assure that the improvements and
fixtures on each Lot are property and fully insured, it is recommended that the Owners place
their insurance using a common insurance broker and insurance company.
8
(b) Each Owner shall provide and keep in force general public liability and
property damage insurance against claims for bodily injury or death or property damage
occurring in, on or upon that Owner's Lot and the improvements thereon, in a limit of not less
than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) in respect to bodily injury or death to any number of
persons arising out of one accident or disaster, or for damage to property, and if higher limits
shall at any time be customary to protect against tort liability, such higher limits shall be carried.
(c) The insurance policies required by this Section to be obtained by the
Owners shall be issued by insurance companies of recognized responsibility licensed to do
business in the State of Colorado which are rated "A" or better (and are in a Financial Size
Category of Class VIII or higher) by Best's Key Rating Guide or which have an equivalent
financial rating from a comparable insurance rating organization. All policies of liability
insurance required by this Section shall be issued on an "occurrence" basis and shall be written
as primary policy coverage (or may be satisfied by maintaining a policy of primary insurance
and a policy or policies of excess liability insurance). Neither the issuance of any insurance
policy required under this Section nor the minimum limits of liability specified in this Section
shall be deemed to limit or restrict in any way the insured party's liability under this Declaration.
Each Owner shall deliver to the other Owner certificates evidencing all insurance required to be
carried under this Section upon reasonable request, each containing agreements by the insurers
not to cancel or modify the policies without giving the other Owner (and all first mortgagees of
the subject property, if any) written notice of at least thirty(30) days. Each Owner shall have the
right to inspect and copy all such insurance policies of the other owner and require evidence of
the payments of premiums thereon.
(d) Except as set forth in subsection (a) above, nothing provided in this
Section shall prevent the Owners from jointly acquiring a single insurance policy to cover any
one or more of the hazards required in this Section, or as otherwise deemed necessary or
desirable by the Owners. Such premiums shall be apportioned according to the relevant
coverage to each Lot.
(e) Insurance coverage on any personal property items stored within the
improvements located on each Lot shall be the responsibility of the Owner thereof However,
nothing herein shall be construed to require such insurance.
12. Enforcement.
(a) If an Owner, at any time, shall neglect or refuse to perform or pay his
share of any obligation required hereunder (the "Defaulting Owner"), the other Owner may, but
shall not be obligated to, after twenty (20) days' written notice to the Defaulting Owner (unless
the circumstances require immediate action to avoid the imminent threat of harm to persons or
property), take such action or make such payment, or, on behalf of the Defaulting Owner, expend
such sum as may be necessary to perform such obligation, including but not limited to, the
payment of any insurance premiums required hereunder for repair, restoration or maintenance,
and such other Owner shall have an easement and right of entry in and to that part of the
Defaulting Owner's Lot as is reasonably necessary for such repair, restoration or maintenance.
9
(b) All sums so paid or expended by an Owner, with interest thereon at the
rate of eighteen percent (18%) per annum from the date of such payment or expenditure, shall be
payable by the Owner so failing to perform upon demand of the Defaulting Owner.
(c) All sums so demanded but unpaid by the Defaulting Owner shall
constitute a lien on the Lot of the Defaulting Owner in favor of the other Owner prior to all other
liens and encumbrances, except: (i) liens for taxes and special assessments; and (ii) the lien of
any first mortgage or first deed of trust of record encumbering such Lot. The lien shall attach
from the date when the unpaid sum shall become due and may be foreclosed in like manner as a
mortgage on real property. To evidence such a lien, written notice of the lien shall be prepared,
setting forth the amount of the unpaid indebtedness, the name of the Defaulting Owner, and
description of the Lot to which the lien shall attach. Such notice shall be signed by the Owner in
whose favor the lien shall be filed, and the lien shall be recorded in the office of the Clerk and
Recorder of the County of Eagle. If an Owner incurs costs or expenses in connection with the
collection of sums expended by such Owner, including any costs and expenses of recording a
lien or those of any foreclosure or other collection proceedings, the Defaulting Owner shall be
required to pay such costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees.
(d) The lien provided for herein shall be subordinate to the lien of any first
mortgage or deed of trust, including all additional advances thereon. Sale or transfer of either
Lot as the result of court foreclosure or a mortgage foreclosure through the public trustee, or any
proceeding in lieu of foreclosure, shall extinguish the lien as to payments thereof which become
due prior to such sale or transfer, but shall not relieve any former owner of personal liability
therefor. The first mortgagee of such Lot who acquires title by way of foreclosure or the taking
of a deed in lieu thereof shall not, however, be liable for any past due amounts and/or obligations
due hereunder and shall only become liable for future amounts and/or obligations on the date it
becomes the owner of such Lot. No such sale or transfer as described herein shall relieve such
Lot from liability for any amounts or obligations thereafter becoming due or from the lien
thereof. In the event of the sale or transfer of a Lot with respect to which sums shall be unpaid
by a Defaulting Owner, except transfers to a first mortgagee in connection with a foreclosure of
its lien or a deed in lieu thereof, the purchaser or other transferee of an interest in such Lot shall
be jointly and severally liable with the seller or transferor thereof for any such unpaid sums.
(e) Upon written request of any party constituting an Owner, mortgagee,
prospective mortgagee, purchaser or other prospective transferee of a Lot, the non-defaulting
Owner shall issue a written statement setting forth the particulars of amount owed under this
Section and/or any non-monetary default under this Declaration that may exist. Such statement
is binding upon the executing Owner in favor of any person who may rely thereon in good faith.
Unless a request for such statement shall be complied with within fifteen (15) days after receipt
thereof, all unpaid sums which become due prior to the date of making the request shall be
subordinated to the lien or other interest of the person requesting such statement.
(f) Each provision of this Declaration shall be enforceable by any Owner by a
proceeding for a prohibitive or mandatory injunction or by a suit or action to recover damages.
If court proceedings are instituted in connection with the rights of enforcement and remedies
10
provided in this Declaration, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its costs and
expenses in connection therewith, including reasonable attorney's fees.
(g) Each Owner hereby agrees that any and all actions in equity or at law
which are instituted to enforce any provision hereunder shall be brought in and only in the courts
of the County of Eagle, State of Colorado.
(h) Failure to enforce any provision of this Declaration shall not operate as a
waiver of any such provision, the right to enforce such provision thereafter, or of any other
provision of this Declaration.
(i) Any exercise of any right granted hereunder by one Owner with respect to
the other Owner's Lot, including but not limited to, the use of any easement granted herein, shall
be exercised in a manner which shall not unreasonably hinder, impede or impose upon such other
Owner's use and quiet enjoyment of his Lot.
13. Easements.
(a) Easement for Encroachments. Each Lot shall be subject to an easement
for encroachments created by construction, settling and overhang, previously existing or as
designed and constructed by the Declarant or as a result of any addition or improvement pursuant
to this Declaration. A valid easement for such encroachments and for the maintenance of same,
so long as they exist, shall and does exist. In the event any improvement is partially or totally
destroyed, and then rebuilt, the Owners agree that minor encroachments of parts of an adjacent
Lot due to construction shall be permitted and that a valid easement for said encroachment and
the maintenance thereof shall exist so long as the improvements shall stand.
(b) Easement for Support and Maintenance. Each Lot is subject to a blanket
easement for support and a blanket easement for the maintenance of the dwelling units and other
structures or improvements presently situated, or to be built in the future, on the Lots. The
Owner of each Lot shall be solely responsible for the repair or reconstruction of any structural
elements supporting the improvements on that Owner's Lot. Notwithstanding anything
contained above to the contrary, if the negligence or willful act of any Owner, that Owner's
family, guest, agent, lessee or licensee, shall cause damage to, or destruction of any improvement
on any Lot, such Owner shall bear the entire costs of repair or reconstruction. Neither Owner
may expand or alter the Garage Components or other structural components of the Building
(including the foundation of the Building) in a manner that would alter, weaken, overload or
compromise the structural support for the improvements on either Lot without first obtaining the
approval of the Owner of the other Lot, and if necessary, without reinforcing all applicable
structural components and/or Garage Components (at the sole expenses of the Owner of making
the alterations) so that they are adequate to continue to support the improvements. In seeking the
approval of an Owner as set forth above, the Owner seeking to make the alterations shall present
engineering or architectural plans sufficient to demonstrate how all improvements on the Lots
will be adequately supported. The Owner seeking to make the alterations shall bear all risk of
loss to both Lots with respect to damage or destruction caused by alterations to the structural
components and/or Garage Components.
11
(c) Blanket Utility Easement. There is hereby created a blanket easement
upon, across, over and under the unimproved portion of each of the Lots for the benefit of the
Lots and the structures and improvements situated thereon, including the party wall, for ingress
and egress, installation, replacing, repairing and maintaining all common property and utilities,
including, but not limited to, water, sewer, gas, telephone, cable television and electricity. Said
blanket easement includes future utility services not presently available to the Lots which may
reasonably be required in the future. By virtue of this easement, it shall be expressly permissible
for the companies providing utilities to erect and maintain the necessary equipment on any of the
Lots and to affix and maintain electrical and/or telephone wires, circuits and conduits on, above,
across and under the roofs and exterior walls of the improvements, all in a manner customary for
such companies in the area surrounding the subject property. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all
such utility equipment, wires, circuits and conduits will be placed on the Lot benefited thereby to
the extent practicable, will be placed underground if possible, and to the extent practicable will
be placed as close to the Lot line as practicable. Either Owner shall have the right to relocate
within that Owner's Lot any utility at his sole cost and expense.
14. General Provisions.
(a) Notice. Each Owner shall register that Owner's telephone numbers and
mailing and email addresses with the other Owner upon purchase of a Lot. All notices or
demands intended to be served upon Owners shall be effective if delivered by hand delivery, or
by certified mail, postage prepaid, or by a nationally recognized overnight courier service,
addressed in the name of the Owner at such registered mailing address or sent by email to the
email address provided by such Owner If an Owner has not registered such Owner's address or
email address with the other Owner, such other Owner may deliver any notice to the address of
the other Owner on record with the Assessor of Eagle County, Colorado. Notices delivered by
hand delivery shall be effective upon receipt; notices sent via overnight courier shall be deemed
received by the recipient one (1) day after deposit with such courier; notices sent by certified
mail shall be deemed received by the recipient three (3) business days after posted with the
United States Post Office, and notices sent by email shall be effective upon electronic
confirmation of receipt.
(b) Owner Approval; No Response to Request Deemed Approval. In all cases
where the approval of an Owner is required under this Declaration, such approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. For the purposes of the foregoing, and by way
of example only and not limitation, a request for additional information associated with any
pending request for approval shall not constitute an unreasonable delay so long as the
information requested is pertinent to the subject matter at hand and the request is made in a
timely manner. Additionally, if an Owner submits a request to the other Owner for consent or
approval for any other purpose pursuant to this Declaration, a response to such request by the
other Owner shall not be deemed unreasonably delayed if delivered to the requesting Owner
within thirty (30) days after the delivery of the request to such Owner. If no response to a
submission is received by the requesting Owner within thirty (30) days after the delivery of the
request to the other Owner, then the submission request by the Owner shall be deemed approved.
12
(c) Amendment or Revocation. This Declaration may be amended or revoked
at any time upon unanimous written approval in recordable form of all Owners. The covenants
and restrictions of this Declaration shall be amended or revoked only by an instrument which
specifically refers to this Declaration and which is signed by each of the then existing Owners.
Any amendment and/or revocation so made must be properly recorded at the Office of the Clerk
and Recorder of the County of Eagle, State of Colorado.
(d) Effect of Provisions of Declaration. Each provision of this Declaration,
including any exhibits hereto, and any agreement, promise, covenant and undertaking to comply
with each provision of this Declaration, and any necessary exemption or reservation or grant of
title, estate, right or interest to effectuate any provision of this Declaration: (i) shall be deemed
incorporated in each deed or other instrument by which any right, title or interest in any portion
of Lot 3A or Lot 3B is granted, devised or conveyed, whether or not set forth or referred to in
such deed or other instrument; (ii) shall, by virtue of acceptance of any right, title or interest in
any portion of Lot 3A or Lot 3B by an Owner, be deemed accepted, ratified, adopted and
declared as a personal covenant of such Owner and, as a personal covenant, shall be binding on
such Owner and his heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns and shall be deemed a
personal covenant to, with and for the benefit of each Owner of any portion of either Lot; and
(iii) shall be deemed a real covenant by Declarant, for itself, its administrators, successors and
assigns, and also an equitable servitude, running, in each case, as a burden with and upon the title
to each and every portion of Lot 3A and Lot 3B.
(e) Severability. Invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this
Declaration in whole or in part shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other
provision or any valid and enforceable part of a provision of this Declaration which shall remain
in full force and effect.
(f) Captions. The captions and headings in this instrument are for
convenience only and shall not be considered in construing any provisions of this Declaration.
(g) Construction. When necessary for proper construction, the masculine of
any word used in this Declaration shall include the feminine or neuter gender, and the singular
the plural, and vice versa.
(h) Governing Law. This Declaration is made and executed under and in
respect to, and shall be governed and construed by, the laws of the State of Colorado.
(i) Mediation; Arbitration. In the event a dispute of any kind or nature arises
under this Declaration or pertaining to matters related to this Declaration between the Owners of
the Lots, the parties shall first negotiate in good faith in an effort to resolve the dispute, and shall
submit the matter to mediation for a period of 30 days if demanded in writing by either Owner.
If the dispute is not resolved following good faith negotiations and the 30-day mediation period
if demanded, then, except for enforcement of monetary claims pursuant to Section 12 above, the
Owners shall select a mutually agreeable arbitrator and submit the dispute to such arbitrator for
binding arbitration in Eagle County, Colorado within thirty (30) days under the appropriate
Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. In the event the parties are unable to
13
agree upon the arbitrator, the arbitrator shall be appointed in accordance with the rules and
procedures of the American Arbitration Association. Arbitration of any dispute between the
Owners under this Declaration shall proceed even though there may be related disputes involving
third parties which cannot be arbitrated, such as mechanics' lien claims, arising out of
transactions involving the Owners. The arbitration award may be enforced in any court of
competent jurisdiction in the State of Colorado, in accordance with the provisions of the
Colorado Uniform Arbitration Act, Rule 109 of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure and/or
any other statute or rule permitting an arbitration award to be enforced.
(j) Defect Claims. Any "Defect Claims," as that termed is defined in Exhibit
A hereto, shall be brought and resolved in accordance with the procedures set forth in Exhibit A.
[End of Declaration; Signatures Follow]
14
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned being the Declarant herein, has hereunder set
executed this Party Wall and Duplex Declaration as of this day of ,
2016.
DECLARANT:
LITTLE BLUFF, LLC, a Colorado limited liability
company
By:
Name:
Title:
STATE OF COLORADO )
)ss.
COUNTY OF EAGLE )
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this day of
, 2016 by as Manager of LITTLE BLUFF,
LLC, a Colorado limited liability company.
Witness my hand and official seal.
My Commission Expires: .
[SEAL]
Notary Public
15
JOINDER OF LIENOR
The undersigned, beneficiary under the deed of trust recorded , at Reception
No. in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Eagle County, Colorado (the
"Deed of Trust"), as such Deed of Trust may be amended and supplemented from time to time, for itself
and its successors and assigns, approves the foregoing Party Wall and Duplex Declaration, affecting all or
a portion of the property encumbered by the Deed of Trust, and agrees that no foreclosure or other
enforcement of any remedy pursuant to the Deed of Trust shall impair, invalidate, supersede or otherwise
affect the covenants, conditions, restrictions and easements established by this Party Wall and Duplex
Declaration.
By:
Name:
Title:
STATE OF )
) ss.
COUNTY OF )
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this day of , 20_,
by as of
, a .
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
My commission expires: .
[SEAL]
Notary Public
EXHIBIT A
RESOLUTION OF DEFECT CLAIMS
a. IMPORTANT NOTICE: Agreement to Encourage Resolution of
Disputes; Exclusive Procedures; Statutes of Limitation. Declarant, all Owners, and any Person
not otherwise subject to the Declaration but who agree to submit to the procedures set forth in
this Article (these "Procedures"), including all construction professionals, architects, contractors,
subcontractors, developers, builders, builder vendors, engineers, inspectors and others who
performed or furnished any engineering, design, planning, supervision, inspection, construction
or observation of the construction of any improvement to the subject property (each of the
foregoing being referred to as a "Party"), hereby agree to encourage the amicable resolution of
disputes involving the improvements to the subject property and the Lots without the emotional
and financial costs of litigation. Accordingly, each Party covenants and agrees to submit all
Defect Claims, as defined below, to the Procedures set forth herein and not to a court of law. All
Parties herby agree to the mandatory mediation and arbitration of all Defect Claims as set
forth in this Article and irrevocably waive any right to trial of any Defect Claim by jury or
otherwise in a court of law.
Each Party agrees that these Procedures shall be the sole and exclusive remedy that
each Party shall have for any Defect Claim. Should any Party commence litigation or any
other action against any Party in violation of the terms of this Article, such Party shall reimburse
all costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred by the other Party in such litigation or
action within ten(10) days after written demand.
The Parties understand and agree that no Defect Claim may be initiated after the date
when institution of legal or equitable proceedings based on such Defect Claim would be barred
by the applicable statute of limitation or statute of repose.
b. Statement of Clarification. Without modifying or restricting the scope of
these Procedures and as a statement of clarification only, the intent of these Procedures is to
foster constructive dialogue between the Parties, to permit corrective measures to be
implemented without the necessity of final settlement documentation, to inform Parties of
implications related to certain Defect Claims that may not otherwise be readily apparent to such
Parties, and to assist the Parties in resolving Defect Claims, if possible, before incurring
significant legal and consultant expenses, particularly through the informal Procedures set forth
below.
c. Certain Definitions.
i. Definition of Defect Claim. Any Claim involving (i) the the soils
of any the subject property or the presence of radon and/or mold within any Lot or other areas
within the Lots or Building (the "Project"); (ii) land development, design, construction and/or
alteration of any of the improvements within the subject property or either Lot and/or any alleged
defect therein; or (iii) any rights, obligations or duties of any Party under any warranty, whether
express, implied or limited, between Declarant and any Owner, however arising, is referred to
17
herein as a "Defect Claim" and the alleged defect, the "Alleged Defect." The Owners generally
acknowledge, understand and agree that not every necessary repair or replacement of an
improvement within the Building is due to a construction defect and, similarly, Declarant and
other construction and design professionals that are Parties hereunder generally acknowledge,
understand and agree that not every necessary repair or replacement of an improvement is due to
faulty required maintenance of or damage to such improvement. Often, such repair and
replacement issues arise from a combination of issues that may or may not include the original
design and construction, the level of inspection and maintenance programs (or lack thereof) and
the existence of other factors such as unusual weather events or conditions, improper use and/or
unforeseen wear and tear. This Article supports a proper evaluation of all factors and encourages
a collaborative and comparative approach to responsibility.
ii. Exclusions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following will not
be considered "Defect Claims" unless all parties to the matter otherwise agree to submit the
matter to the Procedures set forth in this Article: (i) any suit or other action by the Declarant or
either Owner to act under or enforce any provisions of this Declaration relating to additions or
alteration of improvements by Owners and/or any restrictive covenants or obligations of this
Declaration, including any suit to obtain a temporary restraining order or injunction (or
equivalent emergency equitable relief) or such other ancillary relief as the court may deem
necessary, and(ii) any suit between Owners,which does not include Declarant as a party
iii. Owner Responsibilities. Each Owner understands and
acknowledges the importance of a regular inspection and maintenance program for the Building
and improvements on the subject property and shall comply with all maintenance manuals and
other documents and recommendations provided to the Owners with respect to the inspection,
operation and routine maintenance of all systems, equipment, and similar items (including, but
not limited to, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural and exterior systems and
improvements) made part of or serving the Building or any other improvements on the Lots.
Each Owner shall perform such recommended inspection and maintenance and shall make all
necessary repairs and maintenance called for to reasonably address the results of these
inspections and to maintain all improvements on the subject property consistent with their
original quality. Further, each Owner shall cooperate, at no cost or expense to them, with all
inspections that may be undertaken by or at the request of the Declarant on or with respect to the
subject property and any improvement thereon or therein. Each Owner understands, assumes the
risk and agrees that, if such Owner fails to follow the inspection, maintenance and repair
requirements and standards contained in such manuals or materials delivered to them and such
failure causes, whether in whole or in part, damage to the Building, to any improvement within
the subject property or to other property, the resulting damage shall not be deemed to be the
result of a design or construction defect.
d. Informal Procedures.
i. Initial Notice. Any Party asserting a Defect Claim ("Claimant")
against another Party ("Respondent") shall give written notice to each Respondent and to the
Declarant (if the Declarant is not the Respondent) stating Claimant's good faith description of:
(i) the nature of the Defect Claim, including the persons involved and the Respondent's role in
18
the Defect Claim, and (ii) the Claimant's desire to meet with the Respondent to discuss in good
faith, ways to resolve the Defect Claim. In that legal and professional fees are discouraged at
this stage of these Procedures, no statement as to the legal basis of the Defect Claim or of any
proposed remedy is necessary.
ii. Right to be Heard; Negotiation. Any Respondent shall have the
right to be heard by the Claimant, and the Claimant shall make itself reasonably available upon
the request of Respondent to meet in person and to confer for the purpose of resolving the Defect
Claim by good faith negotiation. The Parties shall confer and negotiate in good faith toward
such resolution for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days after the date that the Claimant has
provided notice to each Respondent pursuant to Section d.i. above. Notwithstanding such
minimum negotiations period, the Parties are encouraged throughout these Procedures to attempt
to resolve any differences between them through ongoing communications and informal
dialogue. Any settlement of the Defect Claim through discussion and negotiation shall be
documented in writing and signed by the Parties in the manner described in Section fiv. below.
iii. Right to Inspect, Cure and Correct. Any Respondent shall have the
right (without obligation), before the institution by the Claimant of binding arbitration below, to
inspect, cure and correct any improvement or condition within the Project with respect to a
Defect Claim, as follows:
[1] In addition to other rights and obligations set forth in this Article, a
Respondent may elect to inspect the Alleged Defect, in which event the Respondent shall
complete the initial inspection and testing within thirty (30) days after the date that the Claimant
has provided notice to each Respondent pursuant to Section d.i. above, and at a mutually
agreeable date and time. The Respondent shall bear all costs of inspection and testing, including
any damage caused by the inspection and testing. Before entering onto the subject property for
the inspection, the Respondent shall supply the Claimant with proof of liability insurance
coverage. The Respondent shall, upon request, allow the inspection to be observed and recorded
or photographed. Nothing that occurs during a Respondent's inspection may be used or
introduced as evidence to support a defense of spoliation of evidence by the Claimant or any
potential party in subsequent litigation.
[2] Within sixty (60) days of completion of the initial inspection or
testing, the Respondent may elect to repair some or all of the Alleged Defects by sending a
written notice of election to repair to the Claimant. Notwithstanding any tolling provided by
law, the applicable statutes of limitation and repose on any and all Defect Claims relating to the
Alleged Defects shall be tolled (i) from the completion of the initial inspection and/or testing
until (a) Respondent's written notice of election to repair, or(b)the expiration of sixty (60) days,
whichever is sooner; and (ii) from the date of any written notice of election to repair by
Respondent until sixty (60) days after substantial completion of the repairs. This tolling applies
to any and all Defect Claims relating to Alleged Defects for which Claimant has given written
notice pursuant to subparagraph d.i. (regardless of whether Respondent has elected to repair
none, some or all of the Alleged Defects). If the Respondent elects to repair some or all of the
Alleged Defects, then (i) Respondent has the right to do so and the Claimant may not, directly or
indirectly, impair, impede or prohibit the Respondent from making repairs; and (ii) until after the
19
substantial completion of the repairs the Claimant shall not file or pursue final binding
arbitration (but may pursue mediation). With any notice of election to repair, Respondent shall
provide to Claimant a list of the Alleged Defects that Respondent has elected to repair, a detailed
explanation of the repair work to be performed and the reasonably expected completion date for
the repairs. The notice shall also include the name of any contractors the Respondent intends to
employ for the repairs. Claimant shall promptly cooperate with the Respondent to schedule the
repairs and provide reasonable access to the Project (including common elements and
condominium units) for the repairs.
[3] For the purpose of exercising the rights to inspect, cure, correct and
repair set forth above in subparagraphs d.iii.[1] and d.iii.[2], Declarant reserves for itself and its
designees, a perpetual nonexclusive easement of access throughout the subject property
(including dwelling units) to the extent reasonably necessary to exercise such rights.
[4] Within ten (10) days after receipt of the Respondent's notice to repair,
a Claimant may deliver to the Respondent a written objection to the proposed repair if the
Claimant believes in good faith that the proposed repairs will not remedy the Alleged Defect.
The Respondent may elect to modify the proposal in accordance with the Claimant's objection,
or may proceed with the scope of work set forth in the original proposal.
[5] If the Respondent fails to send a notice to repair or otherwise strictly
comply with this Section d.iii. within the specified time frames, or if the Respondent does not
complete the repairs within the time set forth in the notice to repair, the Claimant shall be
released from the requirements of this Section d.iii. and may proceed with the formal procedures
set forth in Sections f. and g. below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Respondent notifies
the Claimant in writing before the stated completion date that the repair work will not be
completed by the completion date, the Respondent shall be entitled to one reasonable extension
of the completion date.
[6] The Respondent shall notify the Claimant when repairs have been
completed. The Claimant shall have ten (10) days following the completion date to have the
work inspected to verify that the repairs are complete and have satisfactorily resolved the
Alleged Defect. A Claimant who believes in good faith that the repairs made do not resolve the
Alleged Defect may proceed with the formal procedures set forth in Sections f. and g. below.
[7] The specific materials and workmanship related to the repair work
performed by the Respondent shall be warranted against material defects for a period of one (1)
year, which warranty shall be in addition to any express warranties on the original work and shall
be subject to the same terms and conditions of the original express warranty, but which repair
work shall not be construed to be an "improvement"to real property for purposes of C.R.S. § 13-
80-104.
[8] Any Alleged Defect discovered after repairs have been completed
shall be subject to the same requirements of these Procedures if the Respondent did not have
notice or an opportunity to repair the new Alleged Defect.
20
iv. No Requirement for Final Settlement to Begin Repairs; Settlement
Proposal. The informal Procedures set forth in this Section d. are for the purpose of encouraging
early resolution of Defect Claims and no formal written settlement or other agreement shall be
required for inspection and corrective work to occur pursuant to Section d. above. No Party shall
be deemed to have waived any rights or Defect Claims by reason of such corrective work, and
the Claimant shall be entitled to monitor the effectiveness of the corrective measures instituted.
Alternatively, if the Respondent desires a formal settlement agreement before commencing
corrective measures or other action to resolve the subject matter of the Defect Claim, the
following Procedures may be employed:
[1] Within thirty (30) days following completion of the inspection process,
the Respondent may give Claimant written notification of its settlement proposal, including, in
the case of a proposal to remedy a Defect Claim, a report of the scope, findings and results of the
inspection, the damage caused by the Alleged Defect and a description of and a timetable for the
work necessary to remedy the Alleged Defect.
[2] Within fifteen (15) days after its receipt of Respondent's settlement
proposal, Claimant shall notify Respondent of its acceptance or rejection thereof Failure to give
such notice shall be deemed to be a rejection of the proposal.
[3] If the settlement proposal for remedial work is accepted, Claimant and
Respondent shall endeavor to document the settlement proposal in writing within thirty (30) days
after acceptance, which settlement shall be signed by the Parties in the manner described in
Section f iv. below.
v. Effect of Corrective Work. It is acknowledged and agreed by all
Parties and by any guarantors, insurers and/or indemnitors of the Parties that any work conducted
pursuant to Section d. above (a) is in the nature of corrective or repair work and does not
constitute nor shall be asserted or construed to be an "improvement" to real property for
purposes of C.R.S. § 13-80-104, and (b) unless part of a written settlement agreement signed by
the Claimant and each Respondent, does not constitute nor shall be asserted or construed to be a
voluntary payment or assumption of a voluntary obligation without insurer consent under any
applicable commercial general liability insurance policy.
vi. Broad Construction. The Procedures set forth in this Section d.
shall are designed to encourage the good faith resolution of a Defect Claim or appropriate
correction of improvements and the right of the Respondent to be heard and to inspect and
correct shall be ongoing and construed liberally throughout all of the Procedures set forth herein
so as to permit the same, for example but not limitation, as there arise new issues, legal theories,
engineering opinions, developments with insurers, and other developments and information,
even if after the formal dispute resolution procedures commence as described below.
Accordingly, the informal and formal dispute resolution procedures are anticipated to run
concurrently from time to time and the Parties agree to reasonably, timely and in good faith
cooperate with each other to respond to requests, to permit the rights set forth in these
Procedures and to facilitate the processes of these Procedures toward the goal of a successful and
voluntary resolution of Defect Claims.
21
e. Formal Notice.
i. Formal Notice. At any time following the forty-five (45) day
negotiation period described in Section d.ii. above (or following such longer period as the Parties
may agree), the Claimant may provide written formal notice to each Respondent stating (i) the
nature of the Defect Claim, including if applicable a list of any alleged construction defects and a
description, in reasonable detail, of the type and location of such defects, the damages claimed to
have been caused thereby, and Respondent's role in the Defect Claim, (ii) the legal or contractual
basis of the Defect Claim (i.e., the specific authority out of which the Defect Claim arises), (iii)
the date on which the Defect Claim first arose, and (iv) the specific relief and/or proposed
remedy sought. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any contrary provision herein, the Claimant
shall, in addition to complying with these Procedures, follow the alternative dispute resolution
procedures set out in the Construction Defect Action Reform Act, Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-20-801
et seq., as it may be amended from time to time ("CDARA") with respect to any Defect Claim,
and the initial formal notice required under CDARA may be combined with the formal notice
required by this Section e.
Formal written notice as provided in this Section is required as an express condition to
commence the resolution Procedures set forth in Sections f and g. and the Sections
following, below.
f. Mediation.
i. Following the formal written notice discussed in Section e. above,
the Claimant shall have thirty (30) days to submit the Defect Claim to mediation to an
independent agency providing dispute resolution services in Eagle County, unless otherwise
agreed by the Parties. A mediator shall be selected no later than fifteen (15) days after the
Claimant has given notice to the Respondent of its submittal to mediation and if the Parties are
unable to agree on a mediator, one shall be chosen by the American Arbitration Association.
Each Party shall bear its own costs of the mediation, including attorneys' fees, and each Party
shall share equally all charges rendered by the mediator.
ii. If the Claimant does not submit the Defect Claim to mediation
within such time, or does not appear for the mediation when scheduled, the Claimant shall be
deemed to have waived the Defect Claim, and the Respondent shall be released and discharged
from any and all liability to Claimant on account of such Defect Claim; provided, nothing herein
shall release or discharge Respondent from any liability to any person other than the Claimant.
iii. If the parties do not settle the Defect Claim within forty-five (45)
days after submission of the matter to mediation, or within such time as determined reasonable
by the mediator, the mediator shall issue a notice of termination of the mediation proceedings
indicating that the parties are at an impasse and the date that mediation was terminated. The
Claimant shall thereafter be entitled to submit the Defect Claim to binding arbitration as
provided in Section g. below.
22
iv. Any settlement of the Defect Claim through mediation or through
negotiation shall be documented in writing and signed by the Parties. If any Party thereafter fails
to abide by the terms of such agreement, then any other Party may file suit or initiate
administrative proceedings to enforce such agreement without the need to again comply with
these Procedures. In such event, the Party taking action to enforce the agreement or award shall,
upon prevailing, be entitled to recover from the non-complying Party (or if more than one non-
complying Party, from all such Parties jointly and severally) all costs incurred in enforcing such
agreement or award, including, without limitation, attorney's fees and court costs.
g. Final and Binding Arbitration. Upon termination of mediation as provided
in Section f.iii. above, if Claimant desires to pursue the Defect Claim, Claimant shall have forty-
five (45) days to deliver an arbitration notice to Respondent(s) and to initiate final, binding
arbitration of the Defect Claim under the auspices of the American Arbitration Association
("AAA") in accordance with the AAA's Commercial or Construction Industry Arbitration Rules,
as appropriate. If any Defect Claim is not timely submitted to arbitration, or if Claimant fails to
appear for the arbitration proceeding, then the Defect Claim shall be deemed waived and
abandoned, and Respondent(s) shall be released and discharged from any and all liability to
Claimant arising out of any such Defect Claim. The following arbitration procedures shall be
applicable to each Defect Claim that is arbitrated:
i. The arbitrator must be a person qualified, with applicable industry
experience and/or legal experience, to consider and resolve the applicable Defect Claim.
ii. No person shall serve as the arbitrator where that person has any
financial or personal interest in the result of the arbitration. Any person designated as an
arbitrator shall immediately disclose in writing to all Parties any circumstance likely to affect the
appearance of impartiality, including any bias or financial or personal interest in the outcome of
the arbitration ("Arbitrator Disclosure"). If any Party objects to the service of any arbitrator with
fourteen (14) days after receipt of the Arbitrator's Disclosure, such arbitrator shall be replaced in
the same manner in which that arbitrator was selected.
iii. The arbitration shall be presided over by a single arbitrator.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section g., if the Parties are unable to agree upon an
arbitrator to resolve a Defect Claim, they shall request from the AAA a list of qualified
arbitrators. Promptly following their receipt of the list, the Parties shall meet in person or by
telephone and shall follow the AAA procedures of ranking and striking names so as to determine
the person who shall serve as the arbitrator. The cost of the list shall be split equally by the
Parties.
iv. The arbitrator shall hold at least one hearing in which the Parties,
their attorneys and expert consultants may participate. The arbitrator shall fix the date, time and
place for the hearing. The arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in Eagle County, Colorado
unless otherwise agreed by the Parties.
v. Discovery shall be limited to document disclosures as provided by
the AAA, and no other discovery shall be conducted in the absence of an order of the arbitrator
23
or express written agreement among all the Parties. The manner, timing and extent of any
discovery shall be committed to the arbitrator's sound discretion, provided that under no
circumstances shall the arbitrator allow more depositions or interrogatories than permitted by the
presumptive limitations set forth in Federal Rules Of Civil Procedure 30(a)(2)(A) and 33(a). The
arbitrator shall levy appropriate sanctions, including an award of reasonable attorneys' fees,
against any Party that fails to cooperate in good faith in discovery agreed to by the Parties or
ordered by the arbitrator pursuant to this Section.
vi. The arbitrator may, in his or her reasonable discretion, permit the
Parties to submit pre-hearing briefs, post-hearings briefs and/or proposed findings of fact and
conclusions of law. The arbitrator shall also have authority to establish reasonable terms
regarding inspections, destructive testing and retention of independent consultants, if applicable.
vii. The Parties agree that where any Defect Claim, dispute or other
controversy existing between them is submitted to arbitration, and any other Party may have
liability with respect thereto, all Parties agree that the third parties may be joined as additional
Parties in the arbitration, or if a separate arbitration exists or is separately initiated, to the
consolidation of all such arbitrations. By way of example only and not by limitation, in the event
of an Alleged Defect, Declarant would have the right to join in the arbitration any design
professional, contractor, subcontractor or other third party whose acts or omissions allegedly
caused or contributed to the damages alleged by the Claimant.
viii. The arbitration award shall address each specific Defect Claim to
be resolved in the arbitration, provide a summary of the reasons therefore and the relief granted,
and be rendered promptly after the close of the hearing and no later than thirty (30) days from the
close of the hearing, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties. The arbitration award shall be in
writing and shall be signed by the arbitrator.
ix. Any issue about whether a Defect Claim is covered by these
Procedures shall be determined by the arbitrator. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, if a
Party contests the validity or scope of arbitration in a court of law, the arbitrator or the court shall
award reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses incurred in defending such contests, including
those incurred in trial or on appeal, to the non-contesting Party.
x. The arbitrator shall apply the substantive law of Colorado and may
award injunctive relief or any other remedy available in Colorado.
xi. The award rendered by the arbitrator shall be final and binding,
may be filed with any court of competent jurisdiction in Eagle County, Colorado in accordance
with applicable law and judgment obtained thereon, and execution may issue. If any Party
objects to entry of judgment upon any arbitration award entered pursuant to this Section g.xi., the
Party that substantially prevails in any ensuing dispute concerning the entry of judgment upon
such award shall be entitled to all reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred in the
enforcement of the award.
24
xii. The fees and costs of the arbitration, including without limitation
the arbitrator and its consultants, shall be borne equally by the Parties.
xiii. Except as may be required by law or for confirmation of an
arbitration award, neither a Party nor an arbitrator may disclose the existence or contents of any
arbitration or arbitration award without the prior written consent of all Parties to the Defect
Claim.
h. Amendments to these Procedures; Standing to Enforce. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in this Declaration the terms and provisions of this Exhibit A
inure to the benefit of Declarant, are enforceable by Declarant, and shall not ever be amended or
nullified without the written consent of Declarant and without regard to whether Declarant owns
any portion of the subject property at the time of such amendment. BY TAKING TITLE TO A
LOT, EACH OWNER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE TERMS OF THIS
EXHIBIT A ARE A SIGNIFICANT INDUCEMENT TO THE DECLARANT'S
WILLINGNESS TO DEVELOP AND SELL THE LOTS AND THAT IN THE ABSENCE OF
THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE, DECLARANT WOULD HAVE BEEN
UNABLE AND UNWILLING TO DEVELOP AND SELL THE LOTS FOR THE PRICES
PAID BY THE ORIGINAL PURCHASERS. Any amendment made without the requisite
written consent of Declarant shall be null and void and shall have no effect. Further, all
employees and agents of Declarant and all contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers and
other development professionals associated with the design or construction of any portion of the
Project (each a "Third Party Beneficiary") are third-party beneficiaries of this Article and of the
terms and conditions contained herein, including without limitation the requirement for binding
arbitration, and any Third Party Beneficiary has standing to enforce the terms and conditions of
this Article, including without limitation to compel binding arbitration.
i. Reformation. The Parties agree that reliance upon courts of law and
equity can add significant costs and delays to the process of resolving Defect Claims.
Accordingly, they recognize that an essential part of the Declaration is this Article and its
agreement between and among the Parties to provide for the submission of all Defect Claims to
informal negotiation and correction efforts, mediation and final and binding arbitration.
Therefore, if any court or arbitrator concludes that any provision of these Procedures is void,
voidable or otherwise unenforceable, the Parties understand and agree that the court or arbitrator
shall reform each such provision to render it enforceable, but only to the extent absolutely
necessary to render the provision enforceable and only in view of the Parties' express desire that
the merits of all Defect Claims be resolved only by arbitration and, to the greatest extent
permitted by law, in accordance with the principles, limitations and procedures set forth in these
Procedures.
j. Notices; Computation of Time. All notices given or required by these
Procedures shall be in writing and shall be deemed given and received (a) when hand delivered
to the intended recipient by whatever means; (b) three business days after the same is deposited
in the United States mail, with adequate postage prepaid and sent by certified mail, return receipt
requested, or(c) one business day after the same is deposited with an overnight courier service of
national reputation, with the delivery charges prepaid. In the event any date called for herein
25
falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday for which U.S. mail service is not provided, such
date shall be extended to the next business day following such Saturday, Sunday or holiday.
26