Sandia Heights

2007 Residents Guide
Published by
Sandia Heights Homeowners Association
Website: http://www.sandiahomeowners.org

WELCOME LETTER
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
USEFUL INTERNET ADDRESSES
SANDIA HEIGHTS HOMEOWNERS ASSOC. (SHHA)
SANDIA HEIGHTS HISTORY
SHHA ORGANIZATION
    BOARD OF DIRECTORS
    OFFICERS
    COMMITTEES
    MEETINGS
SHHA SERVICES
OFFICE
    PUBLICATIONS
    RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
    ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
    COVENANT SUPPORT
    COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION
    SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
    COMMUNITY SERVICE & MEMBERSHIP
GENERAL INFORMATION
    AMENITIES
    FOUR SEASON CLUB
    UTILITIES
    WATER/SEWER
    GARBAGE
    ELECTRICAL & NATURAL GAS
    TELEPHONE
    CABLE
    INTERNET
EMERGENCY SERVICES
    FIRE
    SHERIFF
    SECURITY
GOVERNMENT SERVICES
    ARROYOS
    EMPLOYMENT
   LIBRARIES
    MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION
    ROADS
    RECYCLING & HAZARDOUS WASTE
    SCHOOLS
    TAXES
    VOTING
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
    BURNING
    DRIVER SAFETY COURSE
    LIGHT POLLUTION
    MAIL SERVICE
    MOTORCYCLES
    NOISE ORDINANCE
    PARKS & FOREST LAND
    PEDESTRIAN RESPONSIBILITIES
    PETS
    PLAGUE
    SPEED LIMITS
    WILDLIFE

Welcome to Sandia Heights! You’ve chosen to live in a unique community that respects individuality and has a commitment to the preservation of the beautiful setting that we all live in and enjoy. Sandia Heights was started in 1965 and currently has about 2,200 homes out of a projected build of 2,400 homes. Sandia Heights was intended to have a unique community feel from its inception, with large individual lots and deeded covenants that were established for each unit before sales started.

Sandia Heights has proved to be a desirable alternative to the tract-type developments located in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Property values have steadily increased over the years based largely upon the community’s ability to maintain its character and a quality of life not commonly found in other areas. Much of the credit for Sandia Heights’ reputation as one of the more desirable communities in Albuquerque is due to the individual efforts of all home and property owners as well as their collective initiative in establishing, maintaining, and growing the Sandia Heights Homeowners Association (SHHA) into a vibrant and active community association.

The SHHA is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the Sandia Heights community as it continues to grow. We invite you to join the SHHA and become active in your community. The SHHA is a volunteer organization run by a Board of Directors elected by the members of the SHHA. The SHHA provides a number of services to the community such as architectural review, covenants support, community activities and publications, and other services of value to its members as well as the community as a whole.

The Sandia Heights Residents Guide is published by the SHHA. The Residents Guide is distributed to each new homeowner when they first move into Sandia Heights. The Residents Guide is updated annually and incorporated into the annual Residents Directory, which is distributed to all SHHA members in January of each year.

We hope you will find the information in this guide useful as you join our community. We invite your comments, questions, and suggestions on how we can make this guide more useful to you. Please feel free to stop by the SHHA office to meet the SHHA office staff. They will be happy to answer your questions and help you in any way that they can.

Again, welcome to Sandia Heights. We look forward to meeting you and hope that you will share some of your time to be active in your community and your SHHA.

Useful Phone Numbers
Emergency Services		Informational Numbers
Fire Department (District #5)	911	Agora Crisis Center	277-3013
Fire Department non‑emergency	314‑0090	Albuquerque Journal	823‑4400
Police/Sheriff	911	Animal Control	314‑0280
Police/Sheriff non‑emergency	798-4160 or 768‑4160	Animal Humane Association	255‑5523
Poison Control	272‑2222	Better Business Bureau	346-0110
Sandia Heights Security (SHS)	856‑6347	Bernalillo County Animal Care & Regulation	314-0280
SHS Mobile	263-4654	Burn/No Burn Hotline	768‑2876
SHS to order service	857-8924	County Parks and Recreation	314‑0400
Sandia Heights Services	857-8924	Graffiti Removal Hotline	768‑4400
Refuse/Water/Sewer	857-8924	Motor Vehicle Department	888‑683‑4636
Field Manager/Hydrants	856-6345	NM Game & Fish	841-8881
Sandia Heights Services Fax After hours emergency	856-6335 888-5336	NM Wildlife Rescue Program	344-2500
Sandia Heights Homeowners Association Office	797-7793	Post Office (Academy Station-87122)	346-1230
SHHA Fax	856-8544	Recycling Hotline	761-8100
Four Seasons Club	856-6419	Road Maintenance	848-1503
Four Seasons Swimming Pool	856-6378	Street Sign Maintenance	848-1546
Utilities		Water Waste Hotline	761-8100
PNM/Gas & Electricity	246-5700	Weather Line Time & Temperature	821-1111
Gas	345-1841	Voter Registration	768-4085
Electricity	246-5911	County Comm. Tim Cummins	768-4001
Qwest/New Service	800-244-1111	Legislators
Qwest Repair Service	800-573-1311	U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman	346-6601
Comcast (Cable & Internet)	344-0690	U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici	346-6791
		U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson	346-6781
		State Sen. Kent Cravens	858-0799
		State Rep. Joe Thompson	986-4758
		State Rep. Kathy McCoy	281-9540

Your Phone Numbers

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USEFUL INTERNET ADDRESSES

Bernalillo County Animal Control http://www.bernco.gov/departments/animal_care

Double Eagle Elementary School http://www.aps.edu/aps/DoubleEagle/index.htm

The Sandia Heights Homeowners Association (SHHA) is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of all Sandia Heights residents. The SHHA mission is to promote the common interest and welfare of the homeowners, property owners and residents located within Sandia Heights and to preserve the unique character and quality of life of the area. The Association depends upon an active and involved membership. Your ideas and participation are encouraged! By joining the Association, you are showing your support for the volunteers who put in many hours to ensure that you and your neighbors continue to enjoy the many benefits that come with living in Sandia Heights.

Sandia Heights is a unique residential development covering 1,600 acres in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains. The community was started in 1965 and developed by the Sandia Peak Tram Company under the guidance of Robert Nordhaus, the late Ben Abruzzo, and Bob Murphy. The land was purchased “piecemeal” over a long period of time, accounting for the many subdivisions and numerous versions of the Declarations of Restrictions controlling the Sandia Heights area.

The community has a colorful history highlighting a respect for individuality and a commitment to the preservation of the wildlife and native vegetation. There are currently about 2,200 homes, with a population of approximately 5,200. Sandia Heights is divided into 36 residential subdivisions (units). At full build-out, it is projected that Sandia Heights will have some 2,400 homes and a population of about 6,000.

The SHHA began in 1972 with a small group of residents who were interested in preserving the unique character and quality of life of the area. The Association was officially incorporated as a non‑profit New Mexico corporation in 1975.

Its mission was to coordinate planning and implement the management of services and activities necessary or desirable in promoting the common interests and welfare of the homeowners, property owners and residents located in the Sandia Heights Development of the County of Bernalillo, New Mexico. The history of the Association is inextricably entwined with growth and development of the Tram Company and its subsidiary companies, including Sandia Peak Utility Company and Sandia Properties, Ltd. The Sandia Heights Security Patrol and the Four Seasons Club are for‑profit ventures of the Tram Company. For a number of years the major stockholders and operating officers, who were also founders and residents of Sandia Heights, were key members on the Association’s Board of Directors. Sandia Heights was a close‑knit community far removed from the city limits and without many of the services that city dwellers took for granted, such as mail delivery, snow removal, paved roads and road maintenance. As the community grew and developed, Sandia Properties met many of these needs, going well beyond services generally provided by a real estate developer.

By the early 1990s the SHHA had achieved a certain degree of independence and took on more of the financial responsibility for functions previously provided by Sandia Properties Ltd., including covenant monitoring and enforcement and coordinating with city, county and state government agencies on matters impacting Sandia Heights, such as zoning, utilities, roadways etc. To help provide funds for these services, Sandia Properties, Ltd. agreed to include billing for Association dues in the regular water bills from Sandia Peak Utility Company. This consolidated billing resulted in significant increases in the SHHA’s available funds and continues today in the SHHA contractual agreement with Sandia Properties Ltd. Since then, other service functions formerly provided by Sandia Properties Ltd. – snow removal and maintenance of roads – have been turned over to Bernalillo County.

The SHHA is a non-profit community association. An elected volunteer Board of Directors governs the SHHA. A brief overview of the structure of the SHHA and its Committees is provided in the following sections.

Board of Directors

The SHHA Board of Directors is elected by Association members at the Annual General Meeting, which is held on the first Saturday in June. To facilitate communication among SHHA members and the Board of Directors, the Sandia Heights community has been divided into 12 districts, with the goal of having a representative from each district serving on the Board. District representatives are responsible for communicating members’ concerns to the Board, and conversely, for disseminating information from the Board to the members in their district.

Officers

The SHHA has four Officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Officers are elected from among the members of the Board of Directors prior to the Annual Meeting.

Committees

Committees do the work of the SHHA. Board Members are selected to serve on committees based on their interests, skills, available time, and the needs of each Committee. Each Committee chooses its Chair at the first Committee meeting following the election of SHHA Officers. All committees report on a monthly basis to the Board and also provide periodic activity reports to the SHHA membership thru the Grit.

Architectural Control

Reviews and approves all plans for new construction, additions and other exterior modifications based on covenant provisions. Monitors construction for compliance with approved plans.

Bylaws

Ensures Board actions comply with the Association Bylaws and conform to the Association’s parliamentary authority. (Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised); tracks and submits proposed changes to the Bylaws; provides expert advice on the Bylaws at Board meetings, serves as a resource to the Association Committees; advises the Board on the disposition of motions that are passed, and whether Board business is suited for inclusion in the Policy and Procedures Manual (PPM), the Standing Rules, or the Special Rules of Order.

Communications and Publications

Responsible for publication of The Grit Newsletter, the annual Directory of Residents, the SHHA Website, and other communications with members such as utility bill stuffers, flyers, etc. The committee is also responsible for the operation and maintenance of the SHHA office technology infrastructure.

Community Service and Membership

The overall objective of this committee is to strengthen and develop the community of Sandia Heights by; Increasing the membership in the association, responding to the community through increased communications and seeking greater input from the members, sponsoring community activities and to create additional services for members at the SHHA office.

Covenant Support

Oversees enforcement of the Declaration of Restrictions (Covenants) including the process relating to violations and recommendation for action in cases of non‑compliance.

Finance

Oversees SHHA financial matters including annual budget proposal, appropriation of funds, bill payment, bank account management, auditing transactions, keeping records and reporting status. The Treasurer is the Chair of the committee and submits a monthly report to the Board.

Parks and Safety

Works with local and state officials on matters affecting Sandia Heights. Closely follows legislation pertinent to this and surrounding communities. Oversees park related issues. Analyzes commercial and residential development in the immediate area and makes recommendations to the Board and appropriate legislators.

Meetings

This section briefly describes the types of SHHA meetings and the schedule of regular meetings. All regularly scheduled SHHA meetings are open to all SHHA members and Sandia Heights residents.

Board Meetings

Meetings of the Board of Directors are usually held the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM in the Sandia Heights Homeowners Association Office located at 2-B San Rafael Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM.

Annual Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of members is usually held the first Saturday in June at a location and time to be announced in The Grit and posted on the SHHA website. All residents are encouraged to attend.

Committee Meetings

Each Committee establishes its own meeting schedule. Some Committees meet monthly. Other Committees meet more frequently. If you want to attend a Committee meeting, call or email the SHHA office for information about the date and time of the Committee meeting you want to attend.

SHHA Services

The SHHA provides a variety of services for the benefit of its Members. These services include covenant enforcement, architectural control, homeowner publications, notary services, and neighborhood events.

Office

The SHHA office is located at 2-B San Rafael Avenue on the southeast corner of San Rafael Avenue and Tramway Boulevard, east of the Quail Run Shopping Center. The office staff is available to help answer questions, disseminate information, process applications to the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) for construction, and landscaping, and other projects, expedite SHHA membership applications, coordinate member benefits, assist at events, and direct member concerns to the appropriate Board members. The office is open, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Current hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and are subject to change. Office hours are posted at the office, on the SHHA website, and are also noted in the SHHA after hours voice mail message.

Publications

The SHHA produces and distributes several print publications and maintains a website to provide its Members and Sandia Heights residents with information about events and activities that are of interest to the community. As the population and needs increase, more and more information is being added to the website.

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Grit Newsletter

The official SHHA newsletter, The Grit, is presently published each month and mailed to all Sandia Heights residents. It covers the latest issues confronting the SHHA Board of Directors and topics of interest for all Sandia Heights residents. Some of these topics include zoning changes, new commercial and residential development in the area, status of city/county/state projects affecting Sandia Heights, neighborhood programs, social activities and special interest groups within the community. We welcome input and articles from SHHA members and local officials, as well as non‑profit organizations and individuals with information appropriate to our area.

Directory of Residents

Get acquainted with your neighbors through the annual SHHA Directory, which lists all Sandia Heights residents, both members and non‑members of the Association. Households are listed alphabetically by name and numerically by address for your convenience. There is a detailed map of Sandia Heights streets as a centerfold. An updated Resident Guide has been incorporated into the Directory to put all pertinent information at your fingertips. The Directory is distributed to SHHA members only, and may not be used for commercial, mass mailing, or other similar purposes.

Sandia Heights Resident’s Guide

The Sandia Heights Resident’s Guide is published as an insert in the Directory of Residents. The Resident’s Guide provides information on the Sandia Heights community, Albuquerque and Bernalillo County services, SHHA services, and other information useful to a resident.

Website

The SHHA maintains a website at http://www.sandiahomeowners.org . The website supplements the print publications and provides the SHHA with a way to publish information which members and residents can access at any time. Documents such as the Restrictive Covenants for each unit, ACC Design Guidelines and application forms, SHHA forms, meeting minutes and notices and other useful information is available at the website for downloading or printing.

Restrictive Covenants

Deed restrictions (also known as restrictive covenants) for each of the 36 units in Sandia Heights are tied to the title and ownership of all property in Sandia Heights, as well as to all lease or rental agreements for any property in Sandia Heights. Thus as a property owner, homeowner or lessee, you have entered into a legally binding agreement to abide by the deed restrictions applicable to your unit. While there are similarities among the units’ deed restrictions, there are also aspects of the covenants that vary from one unit to the next. A copy of the Declaration of Restrictions for your unit is included in the Welcome Packet for new residents. You may also check your unit’s covenants on the SHHA website: http://www.sandiahomeowners.org.

SHHA has a legal obligation to enforce the covenants applicable to Sandia Heights properties.

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Architectural Review

Architectural review is a process that helps to assure preservation of the unique character of Sandia Heights. In accordance with the deed restrictions for all units, residents cannot initiate construction or make any exterior changes to their residence or property unless they first submit an application to and receive written approval from the Architectural Control Committee (ACC). This may include exterior remodeling, home additions, fencing, painting, garage conversions, sheds, decks, pools, equipment including solar panels and air conditioners, re‑roofing, re‑stuccoing, landscaping and other exterior alterations or additions. Check the covenants and the ACC’s Design Guidelines (available at the SHHA Office or on the web at: http://www.sandiahomeowners.org) that apply to your specific property to determine what requirements you must follow. Property owners are required to display a valid County permit for all construction/remodeling projects. The obtaining of such a permit does not automatically mean that your project is approved by the ACC; you still must go through the application process with the ACC as well. ACC activities are performed by volunteers who devote a great deal of time and effort to helping preserve the unique character of Sandia Heights.

Property owners are charged with the knowledge of the provisions of the Declaration of Restrictions for their particular unit before starting to plan or design any construction or renovation project. You should ensure that your contractor and/or architect review the applicable covenants and ACC Design Guidelines. Forms and instructions for submitting plans for architectural review are available at the SHHA office. Contact the SHHA office at 505-797‑7793 with any questions. Please be aware that an application fee may be required and the amount varies by project. Application fees are reduced for SHHA members. Non members who join the Association for the express purpose of paying the member fee are required to maintain membership in the Association for one year.

The basic process for quickly and efficiently obtaining the required architectural review for exterior changes is outlined below. Contact the SHHA office for additional information and assistance.

1. Obtain a copy of the applicable covenants and ACC design guidelines. Review your planned changes to ensure that they comply with these documents. You should provide copies of these documents to your architect or contractor so they are also aware of the requirements that must be met.

2. Obtain forms and instructions for submitting plans. Forms and instructions are available at the SHHA office. You can also obtain additional information on the design standards and approved stucco colors and trees that have been established.

3. Submit the applicable forms, fees, and plans. Plans must conform to the covenant requirements and design guidelines, unless a variance, or deviation is requested and approved. Granting of variances is limited and each case is considered on its own merits without regard to prior precedence.

The ACC will make a decision on your complete application within 30 days. Please note that construction cannot be started until your application has been approved by the ACC. Failure to obtain the required review and approval for your project may result in delays and increased costs. Owners are strongly encouraged to submit their applications 60 days in advance of their anticipated start date, to ensure that any additional requirements that may be needed for the ACC to make its decision do not delay your project.

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Landscaping

Sandia Heights is based on an open space concept where the natural landscaping is of great importance. The deed restrictions for the area require that the natural vegetation be left undisturbed where possible and replenished after construction is finished. Remember most of New Mexico, including Sandia Heights, sits amidst the Great Southwestern Desert. SHHA has provided a WATER WISE PLANT GUIDE for a general list of xeriscape plants and trees that grow well in our climate. This guide is located on the SHHA website located at http://www.sandiahomeowners.org. After you sign onto the site you will find a “Nature Corner” link on the left side of the front page, click that link and you will find a link to “Gardening Tips” click that link and you find a link to the “WATER WISE PLANT GUIDE”. Also check the Xeriscape Council website at http://www.xeriscapenm.com. We urge you to be responsible with your landscaping.

Remember when planting trees, you may impact your neighbors’ view when that little tree grows to an unexpected height/size. We encourage you to replenish the natural landscaping as needed and add, where appropriate, southwestern type landscaping so as to enhance the appearance of your home as well as the overall area. Call the Master Gardener Cooperative Extension Hotline at 505-292‑7144 with plant questions from April to October. Covenants for most units do not allow Siberian elms (they are considered a highly invasive, weed tree and should be removed). Cotton‑bearing cottonwood trees are also prohibited. Pinons and ponderosa pines should be sprayed annually for pine bark beetle, tip moth, etc., in the spring. A solution of Lindane is recommended and may help to avoid tree loss.

Residents are asked to keep their properties clear of dead trees/vegetation. Chamisa can be a driving hazard if it blocks views along winding roads and right‑of‑ways. Postal carriers are also leaving notices for residents whose mailboxes are blocked from easy access by overgrown vegetation. Some covenants do not allow for grouping of trees to constitute a screen. Check the covenant restrictions for your unit on the SHHA website at http://www.sandiahomeowners.org.

You are encouraged to limit your lawn area and most covenants restrict lawns to a maximum of 500 square feet. This contributes greatly to the conservation of water resources. See the covenants for your unit and the ACC Design Guideline for Landscaping, at the SHHA Office or on the web at http://www.sandiahomeowners.org, regarding lawn and allowable tree plantings. As with other exterior improvements, your landscaping plans must be submitted to and approved by the Architectural Control Committee. See additional information under ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW in this Guide.

Contractor Evaluation

The SHHA maintains a file of contractor evaluation forms submitted by SHHA members with information on the quality of service provided by various local contractors. The file covers a wide range of services ranging from carpenters and masons to plumbers and roofers and is available as a benefit of Association membership. We encourage all residents to share their good and bad service experiences with others through this communal file. PLEASE PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCESS AS WE ARE IN NEED OF NEW EVALUATIONS. A form can be found on page 7 and also obtained from the website as well as at the SHHA office.

Covenant Support

The SHHA Covenant Support Committee (CSC) strives for ongoing adherence to the deed restrictions. Residents receive notification regarding non‑compliance via personal phone calls or letters from the CSC. Violators are subject to legal action if they refuse to comply. Covenant support activities are performed by volunteers who devote a great deal of time and effort to helping preserve the unique character of Sandia Heights. Residents should view the receipt of a phone call or letter regarding a covenant violation in the spirit that it was sent – a neighborly reminder based upon a sincere desire to preserve the beauty and property values within Sandia Heights. CSC members do not perform patrols searching for covenant violations. Rather, they depend upon residents to bring attention to those situations which are troubling to them.

The resolution of covenant non‑compliance issues is most often achieved through an amicable one‑on‑one meeting of the homeowners involved. RESIDENTS WHO HAVE COMPLAINTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO FIRST BRING THE PROBLEM TO THE ATTENTION OF THEIR NEIGHBOR IN A FRIENDLY MANNER IN AN EFFORT TO REACH AN AMICABLE RESOLUTION. Issues that cannot be resolved in this manner may then be turned over to the SHHA for official action. In accordance with the covenants, any person owning property in Sandia Heights has a right to take legal action to enforce the covenants and recover any damages associated with a covenant violation. The SHHA will consider initiation of legal action for enforcement of the covenants, on behalf of property owners within their unit, based on the following criteria: severity of the violation; inability to clear up the violation by routine methods and procedures; availability of funds; and the potential for success.

Complaints regarding covenant violations should be submitted to the SHHA office. This form may also be obtained from the SHHA website. SHHA membership by the complainant is required for CSC action. Contact the SHHA office for the appropriate form. No anonymous complaints or complaints by phone will be accepted. A Covenant Support Committee member makes an on‑site inspection to verify alleged violations of the deed restrictions. The SHHA will notify residents found to be in violation of any covenants by personal or letter contact. Compliance inspections are performed and follow up contacts are made on an as‑needed basis, during and after this process.

Community Representation

The Association stays abreast of key issues impacting Sandia Heights and represents the interest of the community in the city, county and state. Board members represent the SHHA at homeowner association meetings and report on important issues.

Social Activities

The SHHA provides opportunities for you to meet new neighbors or visit with old friends. SHHA sponsors several social events throughout the year. There are several special interest activities within the community and these are published on the website and the GRIT publications.

Community Service & Membership Committee

The Association depends upon an active and involved membership. Monthly membership dues are currently $8 for each property, and are collected by Sandia Services as part of your normal monthly water bill. This committee sponsors various events. Your ideas and participation are encouraged! By joining the Association, you are showing your support for the volunteers who put in many hours to ensure that you and your neighbors continue to enjoy the many benefits that come with living in Sandia Heights.

General Information

This section of the guide provides a variety of useful information for residents.

Board of Directors

Officers

Committees

Architectural Control

Communications and Publications

Community Service and Membership

Finance

Parks and Safety

Meetings

Annual Meeting

Committee Meetings

Office

Publications

Grit Newsletter

Directory of Residents

Sandia Heights Resident’s Guide

Website

Community Representation

Social Activities

Community Service & Membership Committee

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