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.

The Difference Between Board Members and Officers

There is often confusion about the difference between directors and officers in condominium and homeowner associations.  Much of the confusion stems from the business world, where typically the board members of a corporation are different individuals than the officers.  For example, IBM has 13 individuals on its board of directors, and nearly 20 officers--all different individuals. In community associations, however, the individual board members are usually the same individuals who serve as officers.  There are distinctions between the roles.

First, board members are almost always elected by a vote of the association's owners.  And (usually) may only be removed or recalled by a vote of the owners.  Officers, on the other hand, are typically elected or appointed by the board members, without a vote and without the input of the ownership.  Most governing documents provide that officers can be removed by a majority vote of the board members--without a vote of the ownership.

You may have heard that the chair of the association only votes in the event of a tie.  This is true--especially in the corporate world.  However, at an association board meeting, the board members are voting in their capacity as board members, not in their capacity as officers.  Assuming the chair of the association is also a board member, the chair has a duty to vote!

Lastly, many governing documents outline specific duties of board members and officers.  Review those provisions carefully and look for differences between the roles.

[As always, your association's governing documents may have provisions which are different than the general information provided above.  Consult legal counsel if questions arise.]

Renters and Rental Amendments

There are usually three types of occupants in condominium or homeowner associations:

1. Owners - motivated to maintain value and foster relationships

2. Investors - motivated by profit; usually less interested in quality of community

3. Renters - often view community association living as apartment living

The term “renters” often carries a stigma in condominium and homeowner associations. Not all renters are bad (and not all owners are good). If renters are a problem in your community, your best bet is to deal with the behavior rather than attempting to ban or limit rentals. If renters are causing parking issues, adopt a parking resolution. If renters are causing noise, enforce the noise or nuisance provisions in your governing documents.

In some cases, adopting a rental amendment makes sense. For example, prospective buyers in community associations may find it difficult to secure financing if the number of rentals is too high.

Adopting a rental amendment is no easy task. In most cases, at least 75% of the ownership must vote “yes” on the amendment. Grandfathering existing rentals will often increase the amount of yes votes. In addition, a good explanation to the ownership about why the board is proposing the amendment and the benefits to the community will go a long way in receiving support for the amendment. Have a lawyer draft or review any proposed amendment to your governing documents.

Here are some things to consider when contemplating a rental amendment:

1. Minimum lease periods - typically a 30 day minimum.

2. Grandfathering existing rentals - any owner renting their unit or lot when the amendment becomes effective is exempt from the rental cap unless that owner sells or transfers their interest in the property.

3. Tenants must receive governing documents - consider requiring owners to put a provision in the lease agreement mandating that tenants receive copies of the association’s governing documents.

4. Contact information - owners should be obligated to provide contact information of each tenant to the association or management company.

5. Hardship provision - think about including a hardship provision allowing an owner to rent their property in excess of the rental cap if circumstances require. A good example of a hardship is military service.

Proxies for HOAs and Condominium Associations

Many community associations rely on proxies to meet quorum requirements for ownership meetings. Proxies are especially critical in communities where many of the owners may live elsewhere, or in communities where it’s difficult to get owners to attend meetings. Always check your governing documents and state law for specific proxy requirements. That said, here’s a general overview of proxies:

A proxy is a power of attorney between the "proxy giver" and the "proxy holder". The proxy holder attends the ownership meeting and can act on behalf of the proxy giver. This includes making motions, voting, and engaging in debate.

When to Use Proxies

Note that proxies are typically exclusive to membership meetings, and in most cases should not be used for board meetings. Oregon, for example, explicitly prohibits the use of proxies in board meetings. (ORS 100.419 & 94.641)

Types of Proxies

There are many types of proxies: general proxies, directed proxies, proxies for the purpose of establishing quorum, and combinations of general and directed proxies. General proxies are the most common type in community associations.

Who May be a Proxy Holder

Unless restricted by the governing documents, the proxy holder may be any individual, including individuals who may not even live in the same community. For example, I could give my proxy to my grandmother who lives in another town. What’s important is that I give my proxy to someone I trust, and who will exercise good judgment.

Proxies vs. Voting

Keep in mind that giving a proxy to the proxy holder does not cast a vote. It merely authorizes the proxy holder to attend the meeting and then cast votes on behalf of the proxy giver. Proxies are not absentee ballots, and there is no such thing as a "proxy ballot”.

If the proxy giver wants the proxy holder to vote a certain way, then a “directed” proxy may be used. But there are downsides to directed proxies. Suppose I give my neighbor a directed proxy which instructs my neighbor to vote for Emily Almberg for the board. However, as the meeting begins Emily decides not to run for the board, and Jane Smith steps into Emily’s place. Now, my directed proxy is useless (not quite useless, it still counts toward the quorum requirement).

General Proxy Requirements

A proxy should contain the following information:

1. Name of association 2. Name of proxy giver 3. Proxy giver’s unit, lot or address 4. Name of proxy holder 5. Date when proxy giver signs 6. Expiration date 7. Signature

Again, always consult your governing documents and state statute for specific proxy requirements.

Click here for a sample proxy: Sample Proxy

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.

Oregon HOA Annual Review Checklist

As the year comes to an end, take a few minutes and assess the health of your association.  Use the flowchart below to help you get off to a good start at the new year. Some things to Consider:

Insurance

• Oregon law requires the board to review its insurance policies and coverage annually.  ORS 100.417(3) & ORS 94.640(3).

Reserves

• ORS 100.175(3)(a) & ORS 94.595(3)(a) require that: "The board of directors of the association annually shall conduct a reserve study or review and update an existing study to determine the reserve account requirements."

Finances

• ORS 100.417(4) & ORS 94.640(4) require an association to file annual tax returns if necessary.

The Importance of the Plat Map

The significance of the plat map is often overlooked in community associations.  Put simply, the plat is a graphical depiction of lot boundaries, easements and other ownership interests.  Here's an example:

This is a plat map for a planned unit development subdivision. Condominium plats are slightly different, and include building elevations, unit boundaries, and common elements locations.

Notations on plats are important, too.  Examples of notations include: maintenance obligations, common area ownership, and utility company easements.  These notations are just as significant and important as provisions in your CC&Rs.

Now that you know how important your plat map is, you may be wondering how counties or municipalities keep track of who owns what and where property is located.  Plats contain very specific location information, starting with township, then range, and then section, like this:

We can tell that the subdivision is located in the east 1/2 of Section 28, Township 1S, Range 1E, W.M. (Willamette Meridian).  This coordinate system is attributed to Thomas Jefferson, and was formalized in the Land Ordinance Act of 1785.  The Act called for the creation of townships 6 miles by 6 miles, with 36 square sections containing 640 acres.  Every township referenced a meridian, like the image above, which references the Willamette Meridian.

If you don't have a copy of your plat, many county recorder or survey offices provide the files online.  Here are links to access your plat map in the tri-county area:

Multnomah County: https://multco.us/surveyor/sail-survey-and-assessor-image-locator

Washington County: http://www.co.washington.or.us/AssessmentTaxation/GISCartography/maps-online.cfm

Clackamas County: http://www.clackamas.us/surveyor/