Articles

Why Governing Documents Matter Mar 11, 2019

Governing documents are critical for HOA communities and are literally the legal glue which holds the association together. Civil Code Section 4150 defines...

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Reader Questions - Drought’s Over, Must Our Cactus Go Too? Mar 04, 2019

Mr. Richardson,

After my HOA approved my drought-tolerant design, they asked me to add ‘more & bigger plants’ which violates Civil section 4735(e). Are the...

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Reader Questions - Recalls, Voting Feb 25, 2019

Hello Kelly,

I enjoy your column and have learned so much from reading it religiously. I have 2 questions:

1. A petition to recall a board member received sufficient...

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Reader Questions - Shedding Light on Solar Applications Feb 18, 2019

Hi Kelly,

My HOA sent out a proposed policy for owners wanting to install solar power systems installed on a roof shared with other units. I am not anxious to have any...

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Reader Questions - Fair or Unfair Housing Feb 11, 2019
 

Hi Kelly,

I recently read your earlier article on Fair Housing laws being violated by HOAs trying to enforce state-mandated signs that prohibit children from...

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What Makes a Director Outstanding Part 4 – Board Meeting Participation Feb 04, 2019

Productive and efficient meetings are not happenstance but are the result of committed and prepared volunteers, normally assisted by a great professional manager.

To help...

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What Makes a Director Outstanding Part 3 – How The Role Is DIFFERENT Jan 28, 2019

All the knowledge and experience from the working world (“day job”) can actually hinder a volunteer’s effectiveness in the world of HOA governance if the...

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What Makes a Director Outstanding Part 2 – Preparation Jan 21, 2019

Before seeking a board seat, the best candidates should improve their readiness for service, and can:

Read the governing documents at least once

The governing documents are...

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What Makes a Director Outstanding Part 1 – Attitude Jan 14, 2019

A community association is no better than the board of directors which leads it, and excellent associations require excellent volunteer leaders. Truly exceptional volunteer...

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Make a Target! Goals for 2019 Jan 07, 2019

The late and legendary coach John Wooden said “The most important key to achieving great success is to decide upon your goal and launch, get started, take...

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Reader Questions - Frozen Out Directors Dec 31, 2018

Kelly,
Our board established an executive committee consisting of three board members, excluding the two remaining board members, under Corporations Code Section 7212....

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Reader Questions - Removed Presidents, The PUD Myth Dec 10, 2018
 

Dear Mr. Richardson,

The president of our HOA was recently removed as president (with no explanation and at an unposted meeting) but she is still on the board,...

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