The Shorewood neighborhood on Lake Hartwell is looking much better than it did when Marilyn Bathen and her husband moved there 15 years ago. Bathen, who hails from California and is the president of the Shorewood Homeowners Association, attributes the cleanup to work spurred by the Stephens County Marshal’s Office. Read the entire article……………………………….
Fall City looks at ownership model for shared septic system (WA)
At the meeting, owners narrowed the ownership model down to two possibilities — a homeowners association (HOA) or a public utility district (PUD). “A homeowners association is fast and efficient, and allows more local control, flexibility and ease of use of forming it,” Donaldson said. “Whereas, a utility district requires an election process for commissioners […]
Rock Springs Ridge HOA President still favors land swap deal with City to purchase golf course lands (FL)
For a while, it looked like a match made in heaven. Back in April, the residents of Rock Springs Ridge (through its Homeowners Association), The Golf Group (owners of the closed Rock Springs Ridge Golf Course), and the City of Apopka proposed a three-way deal that made sense to all parties. The City would swap […]
How Florida condo associations wielded political power before the Surfside collapse
Soon after Jason Pizzo was elected to Florida’s state Senate in 2018, he began working on a bill that reflected one of his top priorities: stiffening penalties for secrecy, fraud and kickbacks on condominium boards. The legislation, he said, was a response to constituents’ complaints about shady financial dealings that led to condo residents getting […]
State and Local Municipal Regulations and Community Associations
Community Associations come with their own set of governing documents, and often there are parameters under which we must comply. Often called the Architectural Control Application process, homeowners and developers must submit an application that describes their intentions concerning new construction buildings or components. The community association reviews and approves or denies that request based […]
How HOAs and Condos Can Effectively Handle ADRE Petitions (AZ)
Over the past few months, our law firm has seen an increase in the number of petitions being filed with the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) against HOAs/condos for alleged violations of CCRs or state law. Here’s a quick overview of the ADRE process and some tips for HOAs/condos in this situation now or […]
County Clears Dangerous Eyesore From Single Tree Estates (WA)
An abandoned home in Yelm’s Single Tree Estates was recently removed by Thurston County, concluding a project that was years in the making. The eyesore was collapsing in on itself and was located near a school bus stop. Community members said children were known to play within the walls of the dangerous structure. Read the […]
Condo property manager says her association has overpaid water bills by more than $330K (MS)
One woman says her condominium unit has been overcharged on its water bills for years, and now it’s time for that extra charge to be brought to a halt. Jean Comley, property manager and resident of Chateau Royal, a condominium complex in Northeast Jackson, spoke to the Jackson City Council Tuesday. Read the entire article……………………………….
A Municipal Finance Tool to Avert Another Deadly Condo Collapse
Local governments could turn to special assessment districts to cost-effectively assure safety improvements, bypassing occupants’ foot-dragging and dysfunctional homeowners’ associations. Read the entire article……………………………….
Recent storms stir up a nasty issue in Las Vegas valley channels (NV)
“It’s very difficult to keep all of it cleaned, and I can’t even estimate how much trash is going to be thrown out of our windows today that ends up back into the system,” Neff said. “If it’s a private-owned facility, we really don’t have a responsibility to keep it cleaned, so a homeowner’s association […]
Building standards: Improving structural integrity requirements for condominiums
Authorities in Miami-Dade County identified the final known victim of the tragic collapse of Champlain Tower South condominium in Surfside, Fla., earlier this week, ending a month-long search and recovery operation. Ninety-eight people were killed after the building fell in the early morning hours of June 24. Since the tragedy, standards of practice and legal […]
Hallandale Beach condos The Hemispheres in need of repairs but city has been slow with approving permits (FL)
There was concern and harsh words aimed at a South Florida building department Monday. An engineer called the City of Hallandale Beach Building Department dysfunctional and incompetent in the wake of the Champlain Towers South collapse. Residents of The Hemispheres want to get repairs done as soon as possible, but one of the biggest obstacles […]
Johns Creek residents say new fee won’t fix complex, costly stormwater problems (GA)
Jian Ma, who has lived in Medlock Bridge for 20 years, points out one of several trees that have been removed or have fallen into the expanding waterway Saturday, July 17, 2021. Ma has to regularly remove debris, fallen trees and anything blocking the waterway; he has tried installing rocks and has rebuilt access to […]
Lake Anne’s Aging Infrastructure Reviewed By Fairfax County (VA)
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn briefed Lake Anne residents Wednesday night on Fairfax County’s efforts to assess the aging infrastructure within the community, identify problem areas, and propose possible solutions. Read the entire article……………………………….
Community saddled with median costs (FL)
With the Suncoast Parkway coming through and more people moving to Citrus County, what better way to showcase the Sugarmill Woods community than by beautifying the U.S. 98 highway leading there? So in 2019, community leaders approached the county with an offer: The state has landscape grants available. If the county applied for one, received […]
Brandon neighborhood’s planned fireworks show under scrutiny by FWC due to nesting bird regulations (FL)
A neighborhood’s plans for the Fourth of July aren’t going over well with bird advocates. Residents of Twin Lakes in Brandon are planning to shoot off fireworks by Lake Michaela, but the area is a nesting site for birds and, therefore, protected by federal law. Read the entire article……………………………….
Jacksonville leaders meet with state regulators on child drownings in retention ponds (FL)
After the drowning deaths of two children with autism this year, Jacksonville City Council members are meeting with state regulators to figure out how to move forward with new safety requirements for retention ponds across Duval County. It’s an effort that could touch hundreds of neighborhoods. Read the entire article……………………………….
Trussville homeowners complain construction runoff flooding and damaging their property (AL)
Despite high prices, there is a building boom in new construction. But some neighbors say it’s coming at a high price for them with erosion, storm water runoff and flooding. Read the entire article………………………………. Update
Deal would make Lakewalk more accessible, enable residents to fight erosion (MN)
The proposed ordinance would grant the residents of an upscale waterfront housing development called the Ledges on Lake Superior access across city-owned land, providing a homeowners’ association with a perpetual easement, so that mutually acceptable erosion control measures can be implemented and maintained. The homeowners’ association would bear the cost of those shore-side improvements. Read […]
East Austin park plan moves forward despite resident, land use board concerns about privatization (TX)
At issue in the case of the proposed 0.97-acre Senate Hills Park at 5406 Connally Lane was the Senate Hills Homeowners Association’s request to see the park developed as a private place open only to residents of the surrounding neighborhood. Senate Hills is not a gated community, and the park would be accessible on public […]
Poinciana residents seek action as trash piles up in neighborhood (FL)
A representative from the HOA, Trish Moore, sent a statement to 8 On Your Side. “We are equally frustrated over the piles of trash that have been illegally dumped in our community. Trash removal is handled by the county, not the HOA,” she said. “As a homeowner’s association we are not equipped to handle trash […]
A Keys Yacht Club Needed A New Roof — The Fix Disturbed A ‘Colony’ Of Protected Birds (FL)
One day last spring, a roofer arrived at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center with a bin containing chirping chicks and eggs, not such an unusual delivery for the center during nesting season. Read the entire article……………………………….
Hikers undeterred by HOA gates on public trail in Laguna Niguel (CA)
While Laguna Niguel officials continue a months-long effort to remove two homeowners-association gates blocking a popular oceanview trail, hikers and bikers have simply created makeshift detours. Read the entire article……………………………….
Divided Western Springs Condo Group May Be Ready To Deal (IL)
Last summer, a Western Springs condo subdivision appeared ready to sign an agreement with the village for a drainage project. But then a few members of the condo association came forward to oppose the costs under the agreement. The project was derailed. Read the entire article……………………………….
Sprawling condo complex seeks ‘last resort financing’ through city (MN)
The homeowners association of Ridgeview Condominiums in Burnsville is seeking city financing to fund an estimated $12 million to $16 million in badly needed rehabilitation. Two banks have rejected loan applications from the sprawling, 402-unit complex built in the 1970s and prominently located west of Nicollet Avenue and south of Burnsville Parkway. Read the entire […]
State is asked to intervene in Kakaako housing dispute (HI)
Owners of the most affordable homes in Kakaako’s tony Ward Village neighborhood have asked a state agency to intervene in a dispute over costs to maintain their units. The association of homeowners in the 2-year-old Ke Kilohana condominium tower earlier this week appealed to the Hawaii Community Development Authority to help resolve claims that the […]
Understanding the Zoning Ordinances That May Impact Your Community
There are hundreds of zoning ordinances in effect in many municipalities across the United States, including the city and county you live in. They cover a wide range of architectural, health, and safety standards that can help your homeowners’ association (HOA) protect and enhance its property values. While HOAs aren’t responsible for creating these ordinances, […]
Orinda police chief reports that cameras have led to arrests, convictions (CA)
Orinda has agreed to a memorandum of understanding with Flock Group, a Georgia-based company, that allows the Orinda Police Department to access data from community cameras stored in the Flock system. The action was taken by the city council, authorizing the city manager to enter into the MOU, following an update on March 16 by […]
In Rossmoor, governance again becomes an issue (CA)
The Rossmoor Community Services District has signaled a retreat just weeks after asking a local legislator to file a bill seeking to pave the way for more control over the unincorporated area. Read the article………………………………………..
Why Community Associations Should Check Their Zoning and Entitlement History (FL)
Zoning laws are enacted by villages, towns, cities, or counties to control the types of uses and the parking ratio, intensity, density, and dimensions of those uses. This is for the purpose of preserving property values, managing growth, preserving the character of a community This facilitates the adequate provision of transportation, and promotes public health […]
City paves the way for HOA park project (KS)
Times, and plans, change. In regards to a certain tract of land in Derby’s Stone Creek Addition, both brought a potential property ownership change before the Planning Commission at its March 18 meeting. Originally dedicated to the city for use as a public park, Reserve S (northeast of the new elementary school at the corner […]
Condo Complex to Rise Above Flood Level in $3 Million Project (MD)
An Ocean City condominium complex often inundated by stormwater will be getting a lift – literally – to elevate it above flood levels. The city has been awarded a $3 million federal grant to raise the seven-building Ocean Aire condos at 43rd Street and West Avenue in the south end of town. Read the article……………………………
School System, HOA Bring in USDA to Chase Out Vultures (VA)
Broadlands Association General Manager Sarah Gerstein said the HOA consulted with the USDA only after Read the article………………………………….“numerous complaints” from residents and local businesses.
County to split storm water repair with Verna Hills HOA (KY)
The Clark County Fiscal Court approved a joint project with a home owners association to split the costs of repairing a failed storm water system in the Verna Hills subdivision. Verna Hills Homeowners Association president Shelby Gill told the court Wednesday morning repairs would cost nearly $6,000 to repair the drainage system, which has sent […]
Condominium complex to disconnect from Lisle (IL)
A 15-building condominium complex will soon be disconnected from Lisle following years of disputes between the village and the condo association. The disconnection of the Lisle Place Condominiums along Blackhawk Lane is part of the settlement of a lawsuit the condo association filed against the village. Read the article……………………………………
Rancho Palos Verdes Expands Security Camera Program Into 2021 (CA)
Rancho Palos Verdes is stepping up neighborhood security and expanding its homeowner’s association security camera grant program into 2021. Homeowner’s associations and neighborhoods can purchase Flock Safety cameras to monitor vehicles on neighborhood streets. It’s part of the city’s public safety strategic plan to keep people safe and help eliminate non-violent crime. Read the article…………………………………….
Private lakefront association in Lake Zurich amends deal with village for policing services (IL)
The deal comes at the request of the Lake Property Owners’ Association. While the center of the lake is owned by the Lions Club, the LPOA has been responsible for the private lake’s rules enforcement since the 1980s, officials explained Read the article……………………………….
Fishers HOA, residents and developer partner to save Gray Eagle Golf Course (IN)
The proposal is the culmination of several years of work by the Gray Eagle HOA to keep the Gray Eagle Course open. In September 2018, the Gray Eagle Golf Course owner’s group announced its intent to close the driving range, which many residents didn’t want to see happen. Read the article…………………………………..
Oakmont Commons flooding solutions dependent upon grant approval (PA)
Flood mitigation projects proposed for the Oakmont Commons housing plan are contingent upon grant funding, Oakmont officials said Tuesday. The borough applied for $500,000 through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Flood mitigation Program last July. Read the article………………………………….
HOAs, Santee Cooper still searching for compromise on street light costs (SC)
Santee Cooper’s street light policies may be in line with other utilities, but some Grand Strand HOAs insist that doesn’t make them equitable. Last week, a group of Horry and Georgetown county HOAs met with the utility for the third time to discuss ways to reduce the cost of their street lights. Read the article……………………………………..
Lake Charlene residents worry over flooding threats (FL)
A FEMA-funded project to reduce the likelihood of flooding in the Lake Charlene area has a second chance at approval if the County Commission and Lake Charlene Homeowners Association can approve a new easement agreement. Read the article……………………………..
Longtime Sandstone Ridge streetlights issue in Berea to be resolved (OH)
A longstanding situation involving the lack of streetlights in one section of the Sandstone Ridge housing development in Berea will be resolved in 2021. Read the article…………………………………..
Residents of Wellington Hills search for answers, worry about what could come next Pt.2 (NC)
The residents of building 200 love living in the Wellington Hills community and they’re ready to be back in their condos. But the terror of what could’ve happened during the flood, or what might happen during the next one, will make it a timid return. Read the article………………………………..
Morro Bay City Council determines seagulls a public health issue for condo complex (CA)
Seagulls can be a nuisance in everyday life, but at one condominium complex in Morro Bay, they’re more than that; the gulls are a threat to public health. The Morro Bay city council voted, once again, to allow residents at Bayshore Village to ultimately remove them. Read the article………………………………..
Houston, county consider $14M buyout of unfinished Kingwood subdivision blamed for flooding (TX)
Houston city council on Wednesday will consider paying $4 million to acquire an unfinished housing development in southeast Montgomery County, part of a joint plan with Harris County officials to redevelop the parcel to better protect nearby flood-prone homes. Read the article……………………………………
From condo owners to the town, how Carolina Beach claims ownership of Freeman Park’s entrance (NC)
Property records show the land the town claims as its own was owned by individual condo owners at Spinnaker Pointe. The property in question is 48-acres of beachfront property as well as land in the marsh-like area to the west of Freeman Park in between the neighborhood and the park. The land, according to property […]
Homeowners association requests financial help from city (IA)
The Dyersville Street Committee will soon explore a request by a local homeowners association about possibly aiding in the maintenance and care of a couple of streets. On Oct. 21, members of the current executive committee of the Country Club Estates Homeowners Association asked the Dyersville City Council for assistance, citing the mounting costs of […]
Lake Linganore residents want traffic to slow down; homeowners association will consider (MD)
Woodridge Road is a fairly common looking residential street that runs off Gas House Pike downhill and slightly snakes before connecting to other eastern parts of communities that make up the Lake Linganore Association. It’s also where, according to some residents, speeding motorists have been a huge issue during the past several months, as new […]
Lake Dow homeowners get reimbursement (GA)
The Henry County Board of Commissioners voted to refund $35,000 to the Lake Dow Homeowners Association that was paid in connection with an application for a special service district to cover maintenance and repair on a dam in the community. Read the article…………………………