Community Split as Valencia Shores Votes Down Pickleball Expansion (FL)

The growing tension between tennis and pickleball players at Valencia Shores, a 55-plus community west of Boynton Beach, led to the rejection of a plan to convert another tennis court into pickleball and bocce facilities. The referendum, which required a two-thirds majority, failed to secure enough votes, leaving the community divided over the issue.   Read […]

Developers sue Ormond Beach over failed Tomoka Reserve project (FL)

In the 91-page lawsuit, the developers known as Triumph Oaks detailed the one-year fight to develop the former golf course in Ormond Beach.  The developers seeking to turn the former Tomoka Oaks golf course into a 300-house gated community are suing Ormond Beach after the city rejected its plans earlier this year.    Read the article…………………………….

Legal Considerations for Shared Amenities in Condominiums (TX)

Condominium living offers a unique blend of private ownership and shared resources. Those shared resources — the pool, gym, clubhouse — are often a big draw for potential buyers. But shared spaces come with shared responsibilities and, inevitably, the potential for disputes.   Read the article…………………………….

HOA Pools: The basics of swimming pool insurance

Swimming pools are one of the most common and desirable amenities in managed communities. Your pool is an important feature for your residents that enhances their lifestyles daily, but do you have proper swimming pool coverage?  As a board member, ensuring your property has adequate swimming pool coverage is your fiduciary responsibility to your association. […]

Club West Golf Course could be fenced off (AZ)

Since December 2021, the Club West Conservancy, which represents some of the homeowners, and The Edge have been locked in a bitter battle in Maricopa County Superior Court.   Initially naming Shea Homes Limited Partnership and The Edge in its suit, the Conservancy claims that the golf course declaration governing the use of the site bar […]

Old Walden Lake Golf Course Still Falling Apart (FL)

The Walden Lake development began with two privately-owned, thriving golf courses in the midst of 2200 houses. However, the golf courses’ 320 acres became run down, lost business, and eventually, the owner filed for bankruptcy. The course has been closed for 12 years. As the clubhouse, pool, tennis courts, and other structures continued to degrade, […]

11 Amenities Every HOA Should Offer

HOA amenities are the shared facilities, services, and features within a planned community or neighborhood as managed by a homeowners association (HOA). They are designed to enhance the quality of life for residents and provide recreational, social, and practical benefits. These amenities are typically funded through HOA fees paid by homeowners.    Read the article…………………………….

Condo Amenities: 2024 Power Rankings

Condo living in 2024 is about more than just space; it’s about the carefully curated amenities that turn buildings into communities.  Gone are the days of a gym, party room, and concierge being most-appreciated amenities – today, they’re considered must-haves. And they’re now joined by things we once may have never imagined in our condo-dwelling […]

River’s Edge Golf Course sold to homeowners association (OR)

The River’s Edge Community Master Association announced its purchase of Bend’s River’s Edge Golf Course.  The members of the association closed the sale and received the recorded title to the property on Friday morning.    Read the article…………………………….

Cypress Creek homeowners feud with developer over amenities (VA)

The Cypress Creek Homeowners Association claims the subdivision’s developer hasn’t delivered on amenities or met deadlines promised as conditions of approval to build Cypress Creek’s sixth and final phase. The developer, however, claims the HOA is part of the reason for the delay.   Read the article…………………………….

Pinellas property appraiser: Golf course owners getting improper tax exemption after quiet sale (FL)

Residents across Florida are pushing back against more development, including people in the Tarpon Woods golf community in Pinellas County.  They’re worried the course could be converted from greenspace into more homes.  News Channel 8 learned that the charity that owned the golf course sold it to an LLC two years ago.   Read the article…………………………….

Maintaining Your Community Pool (AZ)

Your community pools are likely very busy right now as residents attempt to beat the heat! Pools can be an attractive, albeit expensive, amenity for potential owners, especially in warmer climates like we have here in Arizona. It is important for communities to manage and maintain their pools in good condition so that owners can […]

Homeowners work to prevent Shalimar Golf Course from being redeveloped (AZ)

The Shalimar Golf Course, off Southern Avenue and McClintock Drive in Tempe, has been around since 1961 and holds a special place in the hearts of neighbors.  “Everybody has a story to tell, or a moment they shared,” said Anne L’Ecuyer. “People got married here. People celebrated anniversaries here, so that matters to the community.”  […]

Trump Pitches $3 Billion in Condos at Miami-Area Golf Course (FL)

Donald Trump wants to sell more high-end condos in the US, this time using a famously difficult Florida golf course as a draw.  The former president’s family business is seeking to build residences and retail inside the Trump National Doral Miami resort, according to documents posted on a City of Doral website. The property covers […]

What Your Community Association Needs to Know About Pickleball (MI)

Pickleball. It’s the fastest growing sport in America for the past three years in a row, even if it has a silly name (rumor is that it was named after one of the inventor’s dog, Pickles). But there is no denying that pickleball has a large number of enthusiasts that range from young kids to […]

River’s Edge Golf Course sold to homeowners association (OR)

The River’s Edge Community Master Association announced its purchase of Bend’s River’s Edge Golf Course.  The members of the association closed the sale and received the recorded title to the property on Friday morning.  “This is a wonderful day for the community,” said Jeff Kramer, president of the association. “We saved the golf course, and […]

Condominium Community Pools: What To Check Before Opening

As warmer weather sets in, condominium communities across Ontario are preparing their outdoor amenities for use, sprucing up, repairing, and renewing some of the community’s most-loved features. Providing cool relief and a fun and healthy escape from the heat, a community pool might be one of the condominiums top amenities.   Read the article…………………………….

Kids, Pools and Problematic Rules – a Fair Housing Reminder (MN)

As the weather gets warmer, pools open, children get out of school for the summer and people spend more time outdoors and engaging in recreational activities. Associations want to make sure that everyone is safe and has access to common area amenities, but too often we see rules adopted by boards that violate fair housing […]

Tip to Manage Large-Scale Amenities

We sat down with Aimee Winegar, CMCA, LSM, PCAM, general manager, Worman’s Mill Community Conservancy & Urbana Commercial Conservancy, in Frederick, Md., to discuss the challenges large-scale managers face, from navigating large swimming pools with water slides to fitness centers. Winegar, who has more than 30 years of experience managing large-scale communities, shares her tips […]

The Essentials of Summer: Barbecues and Swimming Pools (CA)

Summer is here, which means homeowners throughout California are going outside to embrace the sun and outdoor activities within the community. Residents and their guests will flock to facility pools and will make plans to cook mouth-watering food at weekend barbecues. During these warm summer months, an association may be faced with an increase in […]

Key trends reshaping the condominium segment

In recent years, condominiums have become extremely popular, especially for homebuyers; since living in a condo brings many benefits, providing a secure living environment, convenient locations, cost-effectiveness, less maintenance to worry about, and enhanced security features, among others.  Thus, more urban dwellers are opting for condominium living as it provides a more comfortable, secure, and […]

Poolside Etiquette: How to Enjoy Your Community Pool Responsibly

As summer heats up, so does the activity at community pools. A community pool offers residents a great way to cool off, relax, and socialize with their neighbors. Still, it’s important to remember that a neighborhood pool is not the same as a private pool. While a backyard pool is only subject to a homeowner’s […]

HOAs and golf courses

Imagine living 10 minutes away from your favorite golf course. Not only could you sleep in a little bit later if you have an early tee time, but you could probably play multiple rounds in a single day. Plus, there won’t be any debate about who will be hosting weekend get-togethers. Your friends will happily […]

Getting rid of amenities: Is it worth the trouble?

2024 has not delivered much financial relief. Money continues to be tight and everyone is feeling the pinch. Naturally, organizations are looking for new and creative ways to save or generate money, and governed communities are no different.  Condo and HOA members may be considering wealth-building initiatives including charging for visitor parking, upgrading to more […]

Dive Into Safety: Pool Signage Requirements in Community Associations (CA)

It’s time to dive into pool signage! California considers community association pools to be “public pools” for the purpose of the California Building Code’s (“CBC”) pool signage requirements. As your community prepares for pool season, take a moment ensure your pool signs are up to date with current law. Unless specified otherwise, the following signs […]

Pools

When I first started practicing community association law, I was warned about the 3 P’s – pools, pets, and parking. While I have certainly dealt with issues involving the 3 P’s, they have not consumed nearly as much time as other issues. I attribute that, in part, to our firm’s proactive approach to educating our […]

Pickleball courts in a legal pickle over the associated noise

Pickleball Legal Consultant is a job title that likely did not exist a decade ago, but as pickleball courts infiltrate neighborhoods to satiate an appetite for a sport whose namesake is a snack, communities take issue with the resulting influx of noise. Now homeowners’ associations and city councils face litigation by those whose lives are […]

Pool Rules and Safety Practices

We recommend that pool rules be adopted and mailed or emailed to all Owners and residents. If the Board of Directors isn’t clear on the legalities of certain rules such as adult swim times or unaccompanied children in the pool area, please ensure to obtain the Association attorney’s legal advice as pool rules can at […]

Delray Beach HOA Goes To Real Court Over Sport Court (FL)

The Delray Beach gated community of Casabella is suing a Palm Beach County sport court installation company which allegedly took the community’s money and ran. Sport Surfaces of 7011 Wilson Road in West Palm Beach is the defendant.   Read the article…………………………….

Dive In & Thrive: Optimizing Your Community Pool

As the sunny days of summer beckon, it’s crucial to recognize that the upkeep of a community pool demands year-round attention. Not only does a pool enhance property values, but it also serves as a cherished sanctuary for families and individuals alike. From providing a space for children to frolic in the sun to offering […]

Pool Preparations for Your HOA

Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s almost time for pool season. Maintaining the perfect oasis is about more than just warm weather and water. Creating a safe, positive environment for residents to escape, unwind, and make cherished memories requires an ongoing process of routine checks, equipment upgrades, and meticulous planning.    Read the […]

Virginia’s Premises Liability Law and Swimming Pool Accidents

Swimming pools are a popular attraction during the summer months, offering a refreshing way to beat the heat. However, with great enjoyment comes the responsibility of ensuring safety for all pool users. In Virginia, premises liability law holds property owners accountable for maintaining safe conditions on their premises, including swimming pools. This blog post aims […]

Making a splash: Developing a community association pool policy

Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s almost time for pool season. Maintaining the perfect oasis is about more than just warm weather and water. Creating a safe, positive environment for residents to escape, unwind, and make cherished memories requires an ongoing process of routine checks, equipment upgrades, and meticulous planning.    Read the […]

Steiner Ranch residents vie over pickleball court proposal (TX)

Two groups of Steiner Ranch residents are at odds over the proposed introduction of pickleball courts within the homeowners association community.  On April 4, a group of residents created a petition that advocated for converting one tennis court at the Bella Mar Community Center into four semi-permanent pickleball courts. The petition alluded to a recent […]

Pickleball in your Community Association: 10 Considerations (IL)

Pickleball is sweeping the nation as a popular activity for all ages. It’s one of the fastest growing sports with over 8 million estimated pickleball players in the US.  Before jumping on the bandwagon, consider whether your condominium, homeowner (HOA), or townhome community association has the space, budget, and interest to support a pickleball court.  […]

Pickleball causes racket at Cape Shores (DE)

One of Lewes’ core values is busy days and quiet nights. But, it is noise happening during the day that has led to a lawsuit against the Cape Shores community.  Dr. Michael Katz and his wife Patricia are suing their homeowner’s association and President Janice Erich claiming the racket generated from pickleball on their neighborhood […]