Drones in Community Associations

Drones are no longer exclusive to the military.  The prices continue to plummet and the technology has improved to allow even the not-so-tech-savvy consumer to easily pilot the flying devices.  But when drones land on the White House lawn or interfere with firefighting operations, public concern grows.

There are many practical uses for drones. Arial video and imagery are used by construction professionals, farmers, conservationists, and film makers. Most exciting: Amazon has announced that products will be delivered by drone in the near future.

But for many individuals, drones raise safety and privacy concerns. Federal laws impose some expectations and regulations on drone pilots.  For example, the FAA encourages recreational or hobby users to follow certain guidelines:

• Fly below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles
• Keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times
• Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations
• Don't fly within 5 miles of an airport unless you contact the airport and control tower before flying
• Don't fly near people or stadiums
• Don't fly an aircraft that weighs more than 55 lbs
• Don't be careless or reckless with your unmanned aircraft – you could be fined for endangering people or other aircraft

Oregon has adopted legislation governing the use of drones which may be used to regulate the flying of drones. ORS 837.380 allows property owners to sue a drone operator if (1) a drone has flown less than 400 feet above the owner’s property at least once; (2) the property owner has told the drone operator that they do not consent to the drone flying over their property, and; (3) the operator then flies the drone less than 400 feet above the property again. If these three conditions are met, the property owner can seek injunctive relief, “treble damages for any injury to the person or the property,” and attorney fees if the amount of damages is under $10,000.

What can community associations do to limit or regulate drones? The answer is: not much.  Some associations would like an all out ban.  Other associations have taken a more moderate approach, and amended the governing documents to allow the board to adopt rules and regulations which govern the flying of drones within the community.  This allows flexibility as technology changes and unanticipated uses arise. If the use of drones in your community creates a nuisance or violates other owner’s privacy, there may already be tools in your governing documents to handle those types of violations.

Stay tuned for a sample set of rules and regulations governing the use of drones in community associations.

Resolutions, Rules & Regulations

Rules, Regulations & Resolutions

This is a broad category, and refers to those documents that are typically adopted by the board of directors without a vote of the owners (note: some associations may have owner approval requirements). Examples include: architectural guidelines, collections resolutions, enforcement procedures, and house rules. These documents are not recorded, which is why it is critical that owners receive and are on notice of these documents. Keep resolutions simple, be sure to cite to the authority for adopting the rule or regulation, and make sure owners know the reasons for adoption.

1. Resolutions

Resolutions memorialize policies and procedures of the board of directors.  They are also used to enact rules and regulations.  Generally, resolutions, rules and regulations are adopted by the board without a vote of the owners. 

There are several types of resolutions:

Policy Resolutions - these affect the rights and obligations of owners.  Examples include enforcement resolutions and architectural guidelines.

Administrative Resolutions - these govern the operations of the association. Examples include collections resolutions and resolutions governing board and owner meetings.

Special Resolutions - this type of resolution is used for a specific circumstance. For example, if the board decides to take enforcement action against a specific owner, this may be recorded in a formal resolution.

2. Rules

Rules are specific guidelines governing the behavior and actions of the owners within the community.  Rules are often enacted via a policy resolution.

Typical rules in a community association include rules governing: pets, parking, solicitation, garbage and trash, and renting of homes or units. Architectural guidelines are a type of rule, but specifically govern the appearance of an owner’s lot or unit. 

When creating rules, make sure:

The rule does not violate federal or state law;

The rule is consistent with the other governing documents;

The rule relates to the affairs and operations of the community;

The rule is reasonable and capable of uniform enforcement; and

The rule is necessary. 

3. Rule Development

Follow the same steps each time a rule is considered and created.  Here are some guidelines:

1. Identify the need for the rule, and make sure that the issue isn’t already addressed in other governing documents.

2. Determine the authority to create the rule. Many governing documents provide specific authority to adopt certain rules.  State law also provides the authority to create certain rules.

3. Specify the scope of the rule, i.e. who and what it applies to. Don’t be vague and clearly list procedures, due process and enforcement. Rules should be brief and easy to understand. 

4. Solicit owner feedback about the proposed rule. Owners will often provide valuable feedback on proposed rules. Consider holding an owners meeting to openly discuss the rule.

5. Once the rule is adopted by the board, ensure that all owners receive notice of the rule.  Begin uniform enforcement immediately. 

Tips for Collections Policies

The authority to levy and collect assessments is found in the Declaration/CC&Rs of community associations.  However, there aren’t typically specific procedures to follow if an owner is delinquent in the payment of assessments.  Most condominium and homeowner associations adopt a separate resolution or policy which governs how the association will handle collecting from delinquent owners.  Here are a few things to consider when adopting a collections policy:

1. State the authority for collecting assessments

The policy should begin by citing to the appropriate authority to file liens, charge late fees and interest, and turn the account over to an attorney for collections.  The governing documents will contain the obligation for all owners to pay regular assessments.  The authority to charge late fees or interest (sometimes the amount is left open for the board to decide) will also be in the association’s governing documents.  In addition, cite to the appropriate state law which grants community associations the power to collect assessments, fines, late fees or interest.

2. Define the process

Most collections policies include the following steps:

a. Initial letter indicating delinquency and the amount of any late fees or interest

After 30 days from the due date, the Association will provide notice to the delinquent owner stating that a late fee and interest have accrued. The notice shall state that if the balance is not paid, the account will be turned over to a law firm for collections.

Any assessment which becomes delinquent will be charged a late fee in an amount equal to 5% of the unpaid assessment. In addition, the assessment will accrue interest at the rate of 9%.

b. Lien filed on lot or unit

c. Second demand letter stating that the file will be turned over for collections

Any assessment including late fees unpaid and past due for more than 60 days will be referred by the Board of Directors to its law firm  for collection.

d. Provisions to comply with the Federal Fair Debt Collections Practices Act

e. The type of garnishment tools which will be used once a judgment is entered against the owner.

After CALAW obtains a judgment, it will begin collection of the judgment by:

garnishing the owner's bank account; or

garnishing the owner's wages; or

executing a writ against the owner's real or personal property; or

any additional methods authorized by law.

3. Publicize the policy

The association will have a difficult time enforcing its policies if those policies aren’t publicized and distributed to owners. This puts owners on notice of the steps that will be followed for the collection of delinquent assessments.  Keep in mind that when new owners move to the community, copies of all resolutions, policies or other unrecorded documents need to be provided.

4. Enforce the policy consistently

Once the board of director adopts a collections policy it must follow the steps outlined in each and every circumstances.  Special arrangements or exceptions are not appropriate. The exact same procedures must be followed in each case.  If not, owners may challenge the application and enforcement as selective or unfair.

Legalese in Governing Documents

Consider the following disclaimer on a law firm’s website:

Material contained herein is not offered as legal or any other advice on any particular matter. Material included here is for informational purposes only and is not necessarily an indication of future results. Transmission of this information is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship between a lawyer and the user or browser. No client or other reader should act, or refrain from acting, on the basis of any matter contain in the Law Firm Home Page without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts at circumstances at issue.

Huh? It’s difficult to read and understand.  The following disclaimer, in plain English, accomplishes the same result:

Our website is for information only. We can’t give you legal advice through our website, and we can’t guarantee you a certain result. So don’t rely on anything on this website as legal advice.

Visiting our website does not make you our client. If you have a legal problem, see a lawyer and get legal advice for your specific problem.

Lawyers are known for being verbose, using legalese, and not explaining legal concepts in a way that most clients can understand.  There are many reasons for this. One reason is tradition.  Lawyers read legalese throughout law school and believe they are obligated to follow the same style. Another reason is that some lawyers believe that if they use lots of complicated words, they will sound smart. But at the end of the day, using complicated jargon doesn’t help the reader.

Governing documents in community associations are laced with legalese. Many resolutions start with “Whereas”. What does “Whereas” mean? How does it help? And why is it necessary?  The short answer is that “Whereas” is an archaic term that many drafters believe gives a sense of authority.  It doesn’t. The use of that term is unnecessary and mucks up the document.

Here’s a paragraph taken from a community association’s enforcement resolution:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, if proof of insurance is not provided within thirty (30) days as required above, the Association shall notify the Unit Owners they are in violation of this Resolution and, after a, hearing and an opportunity to be heard, will be subject to a fine in the amount of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) per month which will increase to $75.00 for sixty (60) days and $100.00 for ninety (90) days and continuing to increase an additional $25.00 thereafter for each additional thirty (30) days proof of insurance has not been provided to the Association pursuant to Article 8(f) of the Code of Regulations and Section 3302(a)(l 1) of the Act[.]

There are several problems with this section.  First, why is “BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED” necessary?  It’s not.  Second, how many times do you have to read the language relating to fines to actually understand the amount of the fines? Lastly, the authority cited in the final portion of the paragraph is cited twice in the resolution prior to this paragraph.  Is it necessary to cite the association’s authority to do something three separate times?

Here’s the same paragraph re-written in plain English:

1. Owners must provide proof of insurance within 30 days.  After notice of the violation and an opportunity for a hearing, the Association may fine Owners who do not provide proof of insurance. The initial fine is $50. After every 30 day period the fine will increase by $25 until proof of insurance is provided.

Much easier to read, isn’t it?

Granted, there are some legal concepts or words that have no plain English equivalent.  However, when drafting rules, regulations, and policies, consider the reader’s ability to easily comprehend and understand what you are attempting to convey.  And as always, have a qualified attorney review any governing documents prior to adoption.

8 Considerations for Community Rules & Regulations

Rules and regulations are an important part of the association’s governing documents. When properly adopted, rules carry the same weight as provisions in the CC&Rs or Bylaws. Here are some important things to know when adopting rules and regulations:

1) Rules and regulations must be consistent with the association’s other governing documents. You may not adopt a rule which conflicts with the CC&Rs, Bylaws or state law. In addition, an association may not adopt a rule for which it has no authority to do so. For example, if the CC&Rs do not contain any provisions related to the renting of units or lots, the board may not adopt a rule restricting the number of rentals in the community.

2) Rules and regulations are not recorded with the county recorders office. Because they are not recorded, it’s important that the association ensure that new owners in the community receive copies of all previously adopted rules, regulations and resolutions. If an owner never received a copy of a rule or regulation, it will be impossible to enforce.

3) When drafting rules, always cite to the association’s authority for adopting the rule, and include a statement of why the board is adopting the rule. Avoid legalese and make the rule clear, concise and readable.

4) Consider circulating the proposed rules before the board votes to adopt. Sometimes the board may receive constructive feedback from the owners which may prompt modifications.

5) Be consistent with the enforcement of rules and regulations. Follow the same procedures with all owners. This means applying the same fines for similar violations, allowing owners the opportunity for a hearing prior to levying fines, and equal application of each rule and regulation.

6) In general, boards may rescind rules, regulations and resolutions adopted by previous boards. However, if owners have relied upon a particular rule, the board may not retroactively apply a new, inconsistent rule against those owners. For example, suppose a board adopts a rule allowing white fences in the community and some owners construct white fences in compliance with the rule. If a new board decides only wood colored fences are allowed, the board may not require those owners who constructed white fences to comply with the new rule.

7) Make sure that owners receive due process when enforcing rules and regulations. Washington and Oregon both require that owners receive the opportunity for a hearing in front of the board of directors prior to levying a fine. Notice and the opportunity for a hearing should be built into all rules and regulations which include a financial penalty.

8) Don’t adopt needless rules or regulations. Always ask “why are we adopting this?” Rules and regulations should be adopted to address specific issues that arise in the community or to resolve ambiguities in the CC&Rs or Bylaws.

Enforcing Parking Restrictions on Public Streets

Many association CC&Rs prohibit owners from parking on the streets within the community. But what if those streets are public streets? Can the association still regulate parking? The short answer is “yes.” When owners purchase property in a community association, they do so subject to the restrictions in the governing documents. In a sense, it’s a contractual relationship between the owner and the association. The owner is agreeing to do (or not do) certain things on their property or within the community. With that in mind, ownership of the streets (whether public or private) doesn’t matter. The owner agreed, via the CC&Rs, not to park in a certain place.

Keep in mind that state law may control an association’s authority to tow a vehicle from public streets. Nevertheless, in most communities the association may still levy fines against an owner for parking violations occurring on public streets.

Several court cases address this issue. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

1. Verna v. Links at Valleybrook, 852 A.2d 202 (NJ Super 2004)

The owner in the association owned a small business. Occasionally, he would park his work vehicle on the street in front of his townhome. The association’s CC&Rs contained the following language:

No trailers or commercial vehicles shall be permitted to remain on any Lot or street in The Links without the written consent of the Board....

The owner claimed that because the streets were public, the association had no authority to regulate parking on those streets. The court rejected the owner's position, stating that the regulation of parking through the CC&Rs is “a matter of contract” which may impose greater limits on an owner’s use of property than governmental restrictions.

2. Maryland Estates Homeowners’ Association v. Puckett, 936 SW2d 218 (Mo. App. E.D. 1996)

In this case an owner within the community conceded that the CC&Rs prohibited him from parking his vehicle in the driveway on his lot. However, he argued, the association could not prevent him from parking on the public street adjacent to his lot. The court held that the CC&Rs are “a contract to which each homeowner becomes a party when acquiring property in the subdivision.” The court ruled in favor of the association and granted an injunction prohibiting the owner from parking on the public streets within the community.

3. Sui v. Price (Cal. App. 2011)

While not directly dealing with parking on public streets, this California case answered the question of whether an association may tow a vehicle which is in violation of the CC&Rs. The owner in this case stored a disabled vehicle on his lot. The CC&Rs prohibited the parking or storing of disabled vehicles anywhere in the community. Further, the association had the authority to enforce rules “by appropriate means.” The owner argued that towing his vehicle was outside the scope of the association’s authority. The court responded by stating “One wonders — how else would the prohibition on parking disabled vehicles be enforced against a recalcitrant homeowner?” Ultimately, the association prevailed in the lawsuit.

Governing Document Primer - Condominiums and HOAs

The term “governing documents” refers to a host of documents, some of which are recorded, some which are filed with the state, and others are merely distributed to owners. In general, governing documents include: the Declaration/CC&Rs, Bylaws, Plat, Articles of Incorporation, and Rules/Regulations/Resolutions. Understand that there is a hierarchy to these documents. For example, the board cannot adopt a rule or regulation that conflicts with provisions in the CC&Rs. See the attached charts to better understand the hierarchy:

Oregon

Washington

Let’s discuss each:

1. Plat

The plat map is the graphical depiction of the community. For planned community subdivisions, the plat is a birds-eye view of lot lines, easements, roads, and other property interests. Condominium plats are slightly different. Condo plats include the elevation drawings of the structures, and show the boundaries between the units, limited common elements, and general common elements. Often, plats will have notations regarding ownership of common areas, maintenance obligations, and references to the CC&Rs. Plats are recorded with the county recorders office.

2. Declaration/CC&Rs

Think of the CC&Rs as the constitution of the community. When you purchase property in a community association, you do so subject to the conditions in the CC&Rs and the other governing documents. The CC&Rs usually include: a description of the property, what you can and can’t do on your lot or on common property, the authority to assess regular dues, provisions related to insurance, and who is to maintain, repair and replace property throughout the community. Like the plat, CC&Rs are also recorded with the county recorder.

3. Articles of Incorporation

This document establishes the corporate structure for the community association. Typically, the association incorporates as a nonprofit corporation. Incorporation can provide protection against liability, allow the association to hold title to property, and simplify the process of securing insurance policies. Articles of incorporation are filed with the secretary of state.

4. Bylaws

The bylaws are the operating guidelines for the association and typically include: meeting requirements, quorum requirements, number of officers and directors, and provisions governing books and records. Usually, the bylaws are recorded in the county recorders office.

5. Rules/Regulations/Resolutions

This is a broad category, and refers to those documents that are typically adopted by the board of directors without a vote of the owners (note: some associations may have owner approval requirements). Examples include: architectural guidelines, collections resolutions, enforcement procedures, and house rules. These documents are not recorded, which is why it is critical that owners receive and are on notice of these documents. Keep resolutions simple, be sure to cite to the authority for adopting the rule or regulation, and make sure owners know the reasons for adoption.