If you just moved to Highlands Ranch, you might be wondering who fixes what, who clears snow, and who approves paint colors. You’re not alone. Between the Metro District, the community association, and the county, responsibilities can feel confusing. In a few minutes, you’ll know exactly what HRMD maintains, what falls to you as a homeowner, and when to contact HRCA or Douglas County. Let’s dive in.
HRMD at a glance
Highlands Ranch Metro District (HRMD) is the local special-district government that provides many municipal services in the community. It operates under a seven-member elected board and publishes budgets and fees for transparency. You can learn more on the HRMD pages that explain what the Metro District does and its finance and budgets.
What HRMD maintains
Parks and facilities
HRMD manages roughly 26 public parks and four dog parks, and it handles reservations for shelters and facilities. Explore locations and details on the parks page.
Open space and trails
HRMD cares for approximately 2,644 acres of open space and more than 70 miles of trails, including habitat and weed management. See maps and rules on open space and trails.
Major roads, landscaping, and fencing along parkways
Within Highlands Ranch, HRMD constructs and maintains major arterial roads, parkway landscaping, and fencing that borders those major roads. It also manages traffic signals and streetlights on HRMD arterial roads, often with utility partners. Review the summary of responsibilities under About Highlands Ranch.
Stormwater and drainage
HRMD builds and maintains storm drainage facilities and holds community stormwater permits. Find an overview under About Highlands Ranch.
Snow removal on trails and major-road sidewalks
HRMD clears more than 150 miles of trails and sidewalks along major roads, plus Metro District facility areas. Douglas County plows public streets. Homeowners handle their adjacent residential sidewalks, typically within 24 hours after snowfall ends. See HRMD’s snow removal guidance for details.
Rangers, natural resources, and community assets
HRMD employs park rangers, manages invasive-weed control, and operates community assets like the Highlands Ranch Mansion and senior programs. Following the June 2023 storm, HRMD has been repairing trails, replacing fences and streetlights, and rolling out a multiyear tree plan. Track progress on the storm damage updates page.
Water and wastewater operations
Water and wastewater service is provided by the local utility (Highlands Ranch Water, formerly Centennial Water & Sanitation District). For billing, rates, and conservation programs, visit CentennialWater.org. HRMD coordinates with the utility but does not bill for water service.
What you handle as a homeowner
Your home, yard, and private fences
You maintain your house, landscaping inside your property line, driveways, and private structures and fences. The Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) enforces covenants and exterior standards. Most visible changes require HRCA approval, including paint, fences, sheds, major landscaping, and additions. Review the HRCA Residential Improvement Guidelines and forms on the covenants and improvements page.
If you back to open space
Do not alter HRMD open space or apply herbicides beyond your fence. HRMD allows only limited mowing in the small strip between your fence and the Metro District’s mow line. Confirm boundaries and guidance on property lines next to open space and contact HRMD before any proposed changes.
Sidewalks and winter storms
You are expected to clear snow from sidewalks adjacent to your home, typically within 24 hours after the storm ends. HRMD clears trails and sidewalks along major roads; Douglas County plows the streets. See HRMD’s snow removal guidance for who handles what.
Trash containers, dumpsters, and right-of-way issues
HRCA sets rules for temporary dumpsters and pods, which generally must be placed on your driveway. Streets and sidewalks are public right-of-way under Douglas County. For right-of-way concerns, HRCA directs residents to the county. See HRCA’s covenants and improvements page for current rules.
Water bills and conservation
Highlands Ranch Water (formerly Centennial Water) handles water and wastewater billing, as well as conservation programs. Visit CentennialWater.org for account help and resources.
HRMD vs. HRCA vs. Douglas County
Use this quick guide to route questions:
- Major road landscaping, signals, streetlights on arterials, parks, trails, and open space: HRMD. See About Highlands Ranch for scope.
- Public streets, county right-of-way, and plowing streets: Douglas County. HRCA and HRMD direct you to county public works for these items.
- Exterior home approvals and covenants: HRCA. Start on the HRCA covenants and improvements page.
- Water and sewer billing/service: Highlands Ranch Water at CentennialWater.org.
Quick owner checklist
- Before any visible exterior change, submit an HRCA Home Improvement Request and allow up to 30 days for review. Use the HRCA covenants and improvements page.
- If you back to open space, confirm your property line and the HRMD mow line. See know your property line and contact HRMD with questions.
- After snow, clear your adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours and keep hydrants and mailboxes accessible. Check snow removal guidance for jurisdiction specifics.
- For water billing or conservation programs, go to CentennialWater.org.
- Report broken park equipment, trail hazards, or open-space issues to HRMD. Progress on post-storm repairs appears on storm damage updates.
Pro tip for buyers and sellers
Understanding who maintains what helps you plan projects, avoid covenant issues, and budget for ownership. It also streamlines pre-sale prep, especially for exterior updates and fence or landscaping decisions. If you’re planning a move in Highlands Ranch, let a local expert guide you through timelines, approvals, and presentation so you can focus on your goals. Reach out to Chris Davis for calm, informed advice tailored to Highlands Ranch.
FAQs
Who maintains parks and trails in Highlands Ranch?
- HRMD maintains parks plus about 2,644 acres of open space and more than 70 miles of trails; see open space and trails for details.
Do I need approval to repaint my house?
- Yes. HRCA requires architectural review for most visible exterior changes, including paint; start with HRCA covenants and improvements.
Who clears streets and sidewalks during snowstorms?
- Douglas County plows public streets; HRMD clears trails and major-road sidewalks; you clear sidewalks next to your home; see snow removal guidance.
Can I extend my yard into the open space behind my fence?
- No. HRMD prohibits homeowner alterations in open space; review know your property line and contact HRMD with questions.
Who handles water and sewer bills in Highlands Ranch?
- Highlands Ranch Water (formerly Centennial Water) manages billing, rates, and conservation; visit CentennialWater.org.
