Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need to submit a Design Review application?

Homeowners must notify the Board of Trustees before constructing any new building or structure, or altering the exterior of an existing building or structure. This includes changes to exterior colors, materials or landscaping including fences, retaining walls, driveways and drainage.

Here are the policies:

• Design Review Policy (Jan 2021)

Where do I get a Design Review Application?

Here it is: Application for Approval of Building Plans

If I don't have a survey of my property, how do I determine where the Pasatiempo HOA road right of way ends and my property begins?

The right of ways upon which the roads are constructed are either 40 or 50 feet wide. To estimate your property line, measure either 20 or 25 feet from the center line, depending upon the width of the road. Structures shall not be constructed in the right of way without Trustees' express permission.

Here are the policies:

• Roads Policy (Aug 1993)

• Amendment to Roads Policy (May 1997)

Is my house eligible for a historic designation?

There are two possible options:

• “Blue Plaque” Awards, MAH Historic Landmark Committee
  To be eligible, the structure must be at least 50 years old and be located in Santa Cruz County. Here is the link: https://santacruzmah.org/historic-landmark-committee.

• Historic Resources Commission, County of Santa Cruz
  The HRC reviews proposals to amend the Historic Resources Inventory and applications for changes to the exterior properties included on the Historic Resources Inventory. Here is the link: http://sccoplanning.com/PlanningHome/SustainabilityPlanning/HistoricResources/HistoricResourcesCommission.aspx.
  

What guidelines do I need to consider when building a fence?

The Board of Trustees anticipates that homeowners will follow Santa Cruz County regulations for fences. All fences must be constructed to harmonize with the community architecture.

For your convenience, here is a link to the:

Regulations for fences and retaining walls within required yards for Santa Cruz County (County Code Section 13.10.525)

How long does it take to process a Design Review application?

Board meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month (except for December). If a COMPLETE application is submitted a minimum of two weeks prior to the Board Meeting, in most cases, a decision will be reached at that month's meeting or shortly thereafter. If an application isn't straightforward, it may take longer. The Board of Trustees tries its best to process applications in a timely manner.

What procedures do my contractor(s) have to follow?

If you are working on a remodel or new construction job with a contractor, please return the completed form Pasatiempo Construction Rules and Policies to the Property Manager. A signed copy should also be posted at the construction site. We ask that you be respectful of the surrounding neighbors ​and please request your contractor(s) follow the ​rules and policies.

As an extended courtesy to your neighbors, you should inform them of your project dates so they are aware of the possibility of increased noise and activity on your property.

How do I get a gate clicker and how many can I purchase?

Call the property manager (see below for contact info). Gate clickers are $75 each and you may purchase one for each resident driver.

How do I enter the main gate if I’ve forgotten/lost my clicker?

Each household has a unique gate code that can be punched into the pad at the main gate. If you’ve forgotten your gate code, contact the property manager (see below for contact info).

If there is a power outage will the main gate open?

During any power outage, all entrance gates will remain open until power is restored.

What times are the main gates open?

We have traffic control gates at four entrances to Pasatiempo. The main entrance at Highway 17, Sims Road, Westwood Road and Deer Path Road. The main gate is typically open from 7:00am to 7:00pm. All other entrances are closed at all times and need transmitters for entrance and exit. All homeowners have access to these gates via a transmitter. The main entrance has a keypad for guests use after the gate is closed. All homeowners have an assigned code. Please contact the property manager (see below for contact info) for your personal code or to purchase transmitters.

We have hired a real estate agent to sell our property. What are the guidelines the agent needs to follow?

The guidelines your real estate agent needs to follow are:

• The agent is required to provide a copy of the Pasatiempo Basic Restrictions document to prospective buyers.

• The HOA has very specific rules about Open House signs. These rules are documented in the Signs Policy.

We would like to hold an estate/moving sale. Are there any rules I should know about?

Per the Basic Restrictions (CC&R’s), estate/moving/garage/yard sales are NOT allowed.