Continuing on with our series on Rule Development and Enforcement for Communication Associations, this week we delve into the development of Architectural Guidelines. Next time we will go into greater detail about Board Resolutions, so stay tuned!
Development of Architectural Guidelines: Development of architectural guidelines should begin with a review of the governing documents to determine in what areas the board can allow a change. Usually, a community association’s declaration, CC&Rs, or master deed provides for architectural changes.
It is in the community’s best interests for a board to establish written architectural guidelines for two reasons:
1. Written guidelines indicate to owners what types of changes will be allowed under normal circumstances.
2. Written guidelines are a way to avoid claims of arbitrary or selective treatment of owners.
It is in the board’s best interests to establish an architectural guidelines committee. A committee can concentrate its effort and attention on this major task alone. It can also act as a buffer between the requesting owner and the board.
Missed the first part of this series? Click here to read Part 1 of Rule Development and Enforcement.