FAQ

The primary purpose of a community association is to establish an entity that will preserve, maintain, enhance and protect the value of property and amenities within the boundaries of a specific community. Community associations are commonly established as a non-profit corporation.

Governing documents are recorded legal documents which may include Articles of Incorporation, Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions, Bylaws, among others which determine structure of an association and establish obligations and responsibilities of its members and elected officer and directors.

Copies of governing documents are provided along with closing documents when purchase transaction is completed. Additional or replacement copies may be obtained from the association for a nominal fee.

Upon acceptance of a deed to property which is subject to conditions, covenants, and restrictions that “run with the land”, the owner is responsible for adherence to the provisions set forth in governing documents, which ensure rights of enjoyment and require compliance with specific restrictions.

If an association member fails to comply with any conditions, covenant, restriction or rules and regulations, the association Board of Directors is authorized to require remedy or removal. Specific policies and procedures are established to accomplish violation notification, penalties and legal enforcement.

The term common area is generally used to describe all elements within the community that are owned and maintained by the association, and dedicated to shared use and enjoyment of all owners

Large scale planned communities establish a “Master Association” that is responsible for governing the entire community. Individual neighborhoods within a large planned community may also be governed additionally by a separate “Sub Association”.

In order to preserve the aesthetic quality of a community, prior approval of any exterior alteration, modification, or addition to individual property is required. Forms and applications for submission of detailed plans and specifications are available upon request.

The authority to review and approve modification is generally delegated to an Architectural Review Committee in accordance with governing documents.

Most community associations require mandatory membership in the association for every owner of a lot within the boundaries of a specific community.

The property owner with legal title to a parcel of property (lot) and verified as an association member in good standing is entitled to vote.

Assessment fees (dues) are fees that are imposed upon on individual lots by the association in accordance with the governing documents.

The amount of individual assessment fees is based on income required to cover the expenditures and contingencies required to maintain a sound and prudent financial condition for the association. After comprehensive review and approval of an association annual budget, the Board of Directors will determine if an increase in individual assessment fees will be necessary to accommodate a balanced budget.

Yes, requirements for approval of an increase in fees are set forth in the Declaration. Some Declarations provide that a limited percentage increase may be automatically imposed annually without a vote of the membership.

Association assessment fees (dues) are billed by statement when due and payable. Payment should be made only by check payable to the association or by electronic bank account debit or credit card debit if selective options of payment methods are offered by the association.

A copy of the annual budget is mailed to all owners prior to be adopted. You may request a budget at anytime throughout the year.

Prudent risk management requires adequate insurance coverage for all association property, general liability, and directors and officers protection.

An association manager is a company, such as Shew Community Management, that is hired and appointed by the Board of Directors to implement approved policies and procedures and provide effective management and guidance for daily administrative, financial, and operational duties of the association.

The association manager is responsible for receipt and response of association inquiries and service requests. Requests requiring attention of the Board of Directors will be referred for consideration.

Enforcing association rules is a difficult task. The board has a duty to enforce the rules, but, as in your case, it often gets little or no assistance from community members who are reluctant to report violations by their neighbors.