Below is a re-drafted version of the General CDS Covenants.
I am looking for comments and suggestions, so please jump into the discussion.
Many of the restrictions and much of the language are identical to what you will find currently (with variations in format and completeness) under the land tab for Neufreistadt, Alpine Meadow, Colonia, Locus Amoenus and Monastery.
Several changes reflect additions I found in the Google draft document developed by the 13th RA. I have borrowed liberally from that draft. I deleted several additions to the covenant from that draft version.
I also have made several changes, based on the discussions during the Covenant Commission community meetings of Jan 17, 2011 and Jan 20, 2011. These changes are not identical to those suggested during the meetings, as we did not always reach a consensus or conclusion, but are hopefully in line with the general feeling/intent of the others who participated (Please correct if not)
Please note these issues/changes:
-Restriction on modification of certain existing structures without prior approval by Executive.
This type of restriction is already in place within the specific covenant for Colonia Nova. Adding this to the General CDS covenant would make it a CDS-wide restriction, with specific structures identified within each specific sim covenant. The intent would be to protect certain “historic” and city-center builds.
-Terraforming would be done by the Executive or appointee of the executive
-Private security scripts.
This was a much discussed issue in the Covenant Commission community meetings. I have removed the language inserted in the 13 RA draft that allows for private security scripts with restrictions. I have left it, in the draft below, as it is in current Land Tab versions of the CDS General Covenant; “…. bounce scripts are not permitted.”
This appears to be primarily a personal privacy vs. friendly community dilemma.
-Restriction on commercial function.
This was not discussed at either of the Covenant community meetings.
I removed this clause, which had been added to the 13th RA draft version.
The restriction inserted in that draft was: “Commercial function is allowed if falling within the theme of the sim, or, failing that, be kept in interior spaces. Cultural, Social and Arts and Crafts organizations are exempt of this clause.”
Given our very serious problem with attracting merchants, I do not feel this is in our best interests.
-Per person maximum on parcel ownership
There was a general consensus in the community meeting discussions that we should have both a CDS cap to land ownership as well as sim specific restrictions (including sub-sections of sims)
There was no consensus as to the actual number of parcels and m2 a person could own CDS-wide.
The issues behind the discussion were: 1) making sure there is land available for new members, 2) that citizens who choose to live here have a reasonable amount to build what they want and 3)that no one can own so much land that their departure would leave a serious cash-flow problem for the community.
There was no resolution as to how to determine what a reasonable and fair amount per person was.
The figures I have inserted (8 plots and 8192 m2) are my thoughts on what might be enough to meet conditions 1) and 2) without leaving us financially venerable to a departure by a major landowner. Please see the postings of the community discussions for different ideas/figures.
-Paying Tier.
There has been only limited discussion as to whether we should include information in this covenant on where and when to pay tier.
Many estates have covenants that include a formula for calculating monthly tier payments. We have also not included that in this draft
DRAFT (2011-01-24)General CDS Covenants (These covenants apply to all CDS sims)
By purchasing this parcel of land, you, the owner, understand and agree that you become a voting citizen of the community of the Confederation of Democratic Simulators (CDS).
As a member you agree to abide by the rules and laws of the community as displayed on the CDS web portal, www.slcds.info, as well as by the terms of use of this parcel of land.
Your status as citizen in this community is dependent on your making regular payment of the monthly fee for this land, which will be reclaimed by the community if you do not make this payment. Responsibility for monthly fees continues until a new owner claims the tier box, or you officially abandon the property. It is your responsibility to inform the treasurer of changes in ownership. Tier fees are paid to CDS, and not to Linden Labs. The two systems are totally separate. You do not need a Premium account to become a citizen in CDS.
Actions taken by the Executive pursuant to these covenants may be appealed to the Scientific Council. The Executive branch may waive any provision according to the powers conferred to him/her by the RA.
BUILDING
1. All buildings in CDS must be physically plausible.
2.All structures are subject to review by the Executive branch. Upon completion of exterior construction, notice shall be delivered to the Chancellor for approval. If no approval or request for revision has been given by the Chancellor within 15 days from the date the notice of completion is delivered to the Chancellor, the building shall be deemed approved.
3. Certain structures in each sim can ONLY be modified with prior approval by the Executive branch.
4.Terraforming is allowed only at the tolerances specified for each sim. Adjustments to land to accommodate complying structures will be made by the Executive or appointee of the executive and should be requested by note card. Terraforming requests beyond the stated tolerances are at the discretion of the Executive. Parcel borders defined by water cannot be altered. Land cannot be raised over water.
5. In order to reduce lag, when building a house or large object, textures no larger than 512*512 or equivalent must be used.
6. No default plywood textured prims are to be left in place longer than 24 hours
7. Skyboxes are permitted above 512 m in altitude. Skyboxes must not extend outside parcel limits
SCRIPTS AND PARTICLES
1. Excessive script usage adversely affects sim performance and is not permitted. The determination of excessive is at the sole discretion of the Chancellor.
2. Scripts which use llListen (voice command) are permitted if they listen only after a touch and then deactivate after a certain period of time.
3. Scripts which spy on residents and bounce scripts are not permitted. Red Tape Lines or Ban lines are not permitted.
4. Particles can only be used in effects that have real-world analogies, such as lights, smoke, and fire. Particles should be set no higher than 10 particles per second. Floating, particle emitting and rotating signs are prohibited
5.Scripts and particles attached to avatars are unregulated.
USE
1. A person can own a maximum of 8 CDS land parcels and cannot own more than 8192 m2. Additionally, individual sims have specific parcel ownership restrictions that will apply within the CDS-wide restrictions on land ownership. Land purchases made prior to the enactment of this covenant are exempt from these restrictions.
2. Subletting is not permitted.
3. No outdoor hot tubs are permitted. Clubs are not permitted. No SL or RL commercial pornography is permitted.
TERMS OF SERVICE
All terms and conditions of service set forth by Linden Lab, both in their official Terms of Service (TOS) and in all official blog posts, forum posts or other official statements regarding policy, allowed behavior and terms of service must be adhered to first and foremost prior to the application of this covenant. Under no circumstances does the CDS sims permit any behavior or actions not permitted by the Linden Lab TOS or publicized policy. These covenants are subject to change from time to time as the Estate owners or the elected governing bodies see fit. Changes shall be effective upon publication.