FAQs Edit page

We've compiled a list of some Frequently Asked Questions below. If you'd like to ask your own question, click Ask A Question, and we'll get back to you with an answer.

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&Rs, Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation. The governing legal documents for the association may be viewed online within the Resource Center page of this site. The corporation is financially supported by all members of the homeowners association. Membership is both automatic and mandatory.

Q: What are the CC&Rs?
A: The Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) are the governing legal documents that set up the guidelines for the operation of the planned community as a non-profit corporation. The CC&Rs 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&Rs may result in a fine to a homeowner by the Association. The "governing legal documents" for the association may be viewed online within the "Important Documents" page of this site.

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 notice 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. The "Bylaws" for the association may be viewed online within the Resource Center page of this site.

Q: What is the Board of Directors?
A: The Homeowner's Association again is a corporation and therefore a governing body that is required to oversee its business. The Board of Directors is elected by the homeowners, or as otherwise specified in the bylaws. The limitations and restrictions of the powers of the Board of Directors is outlined in the Association governing documents found within the "Important Documents" page of this site.

Q: Are there any other rules?
A: Most associations have developed Rules and Regulations as provided for in the CCRs 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, 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. For more information about this topic, visit the Resource Center page of this site.

Q: If I am having a problem with a neighbor for a violation of the Policies and Guidelines, what can I do?
A: If residents cannot resolve a situation between themselves, then turn to your Association. Should you have a situation that does not appear to be resolved through neighborly means, and you are willing to actively participate in the enforcement provided by the Policies and Guidelines, you may contact the Board of Directors.  If the situation is deemed in violation of the Policies and Guidelines, the Board of Directors will institute the enforcement policy.  Your continued assistance may be required.

Q: Are Board Meetings open to all residents? If so, where and when are they held?
A: Yes. Notice of the time and place of any regular board meeting will be noted in the community newsletter, or accessed online on the Calendar page.

Q: If I want to serve on a committee, how do I find out what committees are active and how can I get involved?
A: The Contact Us page of this website will inform you of the status of current committees organized and committee contact information. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the committee chair.

Q: What is my assessment?
A: The assessment is the periodic amount due from each homeowner to cover the operating expenses of the common area and provide for reserve funds for replacement of common facilities in future years. Your annual assessments are due on the first of January each year. Statements will be sent for assessments as a reminder of the amount due.

Q: How is the amount of my assessment determined?
A: The operating budget is set upon specific guidelines for utilities, landscaping, administration, etc. Reserve funds are monies set aside for future expenses due to the life expectancy of certain items: roof replacement, exterior building maintenance, repair of sidewalks and curbs, replacements of common area trees and shrubs, etc. These amounts are then divided by the number of units and calculated based on requirements in the Declaration of CCRs document. Budgets are developed by the Board of Directors and adjusted periodically to meet anticipated expenses.

Q: Will my assessment go up?
A: The Board of Directors may approve an increased budget, increasing your assessment up to a certain percentage in order to cover increased costs of operating and maintaining the common area and sufficient reserve funds.

Q: What happens if I don't pay my assessment?
A: The maintenance and management services incurred by the Association are dependent upon timely receipt of the assessments due from each homeowner by the end of January each year. If your dues payment is not received by February 1, you will be assessed a late charge of 1.5% each month it is not paid. In addition, the CCRs allow the Association to charge late charges and proceed with a lien on your property, or foreclosure proceeding for nonpayment of assessments.