A community’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) may seem overwhelming to board members and homeowners, but there are ways to simplify the lengthy document. By making them easily accessible, detailed, and the whole picture is provided to avoid bias, communities can have clearly defined CC&Rs for homeowners.
While CC&Rs are typically lengthy and may seem daunting to homeowners, they hold valuable information regarding the community. Roofing color, noise ordinances, common area policies, and more are in the CC&Rs. It is important for homeowners to read CC&Rs to help maintain the aesthetic and mood of the neighborhood. But how can you make this document seem less… intense?
To make the CC&Rs easier to digest, try these few tips:
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Make them easily accessible:
CC&Rs should be readily available for homeowners to access to ensure compliance. How can a homeowner know restrictions if they can’t find them? Ensure that you are referencing specific sections of the governing documents when enforcing rules. Breaking down legal verbiage into more reader-friendly language will also assist homeowners.
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Cover the details.
CC&Rs are guidelines with adopted policies from the current board. Different committees may have specific requirements, so ensure that it is all under one umbrella. For example, the CC&Rs may require residents to have well-maintained landscaping, with the landscape committee asking for a certain number of trees in the front yard. Homeowners should be able to see all subsections to prevent confusion.
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The whole picture:
Ensure that all part of the CC&Rs are posted for homeowners to see, and if any violations occur, ensure the entire section is sent to the violator. With lengthy documents, those reading it may summarize or skip parts to better align with their goals. As a board member, it is important to prevent bias and to see the whole picture, not the picture you wish.
Homeowners Associations change over time, which in turn can change CC&Rs. Board members should adapt to these changes – whether legal or social – and keep in mind the homeowners they represent. CC&Rs should be both labeled clearly and accessible to build trust with those living in the community. Building this trust not only helps pass updates to the CC&Rs but also fosters a stronger neighborhood.
While CC&Rs can be perplexing, we are here to help. For questions about HOA board membership and HOA management services, contact Jellybird HOA Management today!
