 We've compiled a list of some Frequently Asked
Questions below. If you can't find the question/answer you are looking
for on this page, select Search -
we'll search the entire site for
you.
Q: What is a "management
company," what do they do, and how do I reach them?
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. The management company may be reached online through the
Management Office page on this website or by phone from the numbers
listed on the Contact Us page on this site. Back to
Top 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. Back to
Top 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 Resource Center page of this
site. Back to Top 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. The Bylaws for the association may be
viewed online within the Resource Center page of this
site. Back to Top 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
Resource Center page of this site. Back to
Top Q: Are there any other
rules? A: Most associations
have developed Rules and Regulations as provided for in the
CC&Rs 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. For more information about this
topic visit the Resource Center page of this site. Back to
Top 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 complete a
Covenant Violation form online. The Violation form may be found within
the Management Office page on this site. 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. Back to Top 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. Back to Top Q:
If I want to serve on a committee, how do I find out what committees are
active and how I can 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 or fill out the online
volunteer form found on the Management Office page of this
site. Back to Top 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 assessments are due on the first
of the month. Statements will be sent for assessments as a reminder of
the amount due. Back to
Top Q:
How is the amount of my assessment
determined? A:The Department of Real
Estate typically requires an initial budget from the developer for each
community that a developer proposes to build. This 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: lighting, street resurfacing, pool
equipment, etc. These amounts are then divided by the number of units
built in a given phase of the development. Subsequent budgets are
developed by the Board of Directors and adjusted periodically to meet
anticipated expenses. Back to
Top Q:
Will my assessment go up? A:There is no concrete
answer to this. Typically the Civil Code provides for annual increases,
but not to exceed 20 percent per year without the vote of the
membership. The Board of Directors may approve an increased budget,
increasing your assessment up to this percentage in order to cover
increased costs of operating and maintaining the common area and
sufficient reserve funds. Back to
Top 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. Late payments
will result in a late charge as assessments are due on the first of the
month. In addition, the CC&Rs allows the Association to charge
late charges and interest and proceed with a lien on your property, or
foreclosure proceeding for nonpayment of assessments. Back to
Top
| 
