Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a "management company" and what do they do?
A: A management company is contracted by the Board of Directors to
provide such services as: Collection of assessments, supervision of subcontractors,
obtaining bids for subcontracted services, providing financial statements and collection
reports, as well as a general clearing house for problem solving, communications with
homeowners and the Board of Directors and to serve in an advisor capacity. The management
company reports directly to the Board and all decisions are made by a majority vote of
the Board of Directors.
Q: What is a homeowner's association?
A: It is a non-profit
corporation registered with the State and managed by a duly elected Board of Directors.
Its purpose is to maintain all common areas and to govern the community in accordance
with the provision of the legal documents: CC&R's, Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation.
Q: What are the CC&R'S?
A: The Covenants, Conditions and
Restrictions (CC&R's) are the governing legal documents that set up the guidelines for
the operation of the planned community as a non-profit corporation. The CC&R's were
recorded by the County recorder's office of the County in which the property is located
and are included in the title to your property. Failure to abide by the CC&R's may result
in a fine to a homeowner by the Association.
Q: What are the Bylaws?
A: The Bylaws are the guidelines
for the operation of the non-profit corporation. The Bylaws define the duties of the
various offices of the Board of Directors, the terms of the Directors, the membership's
voting rights, required meetings and notices of meetings, and the principal office of the
Association, as well as other specific items that are necessary to run the Association as
a business.
Q: What is the Board of Directors?
A: The Homeowner's Association
again is a corporation and therefore a governing body is required to oversee its business.
The Board of Directors is elected by the homeowners, or as otherwise specified in the
bylaws. The limitation and restrictions of the powers of the Board of Directors is
outlined in the Association governing documents.
Q: Are there any other rules?
A: Most associations have
developed Rules and Regulations as provided for in the CC&R's and adopted by the Board
of Directors. Rules are established to provide direction to the homeowners for common
courtesies with regard to parking, vehicles, pets and pool use hours, etc. In addition,
your Association will adopt Architectural Guidelines with procedures for submitting
requests to make exterior changes to your home. Such changes may include patio covers,
decks, landscaping, exterior color changes or extensive interior changes and additions.
These rules and guidelines are set up to maintain the aesthetic value and integrity of
the community on behalf of all owners, and hopefully protect the market value of your
investment as well. Violations of these rules may result in action by the Board of
Directors and a fine. In addition, if you proceed with an exterior improvement or change,
without written approval of the Board of Directors, or Architectural Committee, as
applicable, you will be required to remove or correct the alteration and/or be fined for
the violation.