When running a community association, your CC&R documents – Covenants, Conditions And Restrictions – help to define what rules people have to follow. The regulations and obligations are laid out clearly, and people who are considering buying a home can decide if they want to abide by them. If they choose to live in that community, they have to sign documents guaranteeing that they will follow these provisions.
But what provisions should be in those documents to begin with? Every situation is unique, but here are a few common examples.
Home businesses
Some people like to run businesses out of their homes. But this can be problematic in family-oriented communities because it creates a lot of extra traffic. Some community associations will then decide to regulate it or prohibit commercial use of residential property.
Aesthetics and design
Some of the most common provisions are those revolving around the exterior aesthetics and the way that your house appears to the public. Communities may require homes to follow a certain style or color scheme. The goal here is to create a uniform look and a good sense of curb appeal so that all of the homes retain a high value.
Rules about pets
Pets are certainly going to be allowed in most communities, but some restrictions may be in place. These could include restrictions on the types of pets that can be owned or simply the systems that have to be used to contain them – such as requiring certain types of fencing for dog owners.
Neighborhood gatherings
Finally, some associations will regulate parties and social gatherings. There may be restrictions on how loud they can be or how late they can go. There may also be regulations about where these can take place, such as limiting parties in areas that are visible to the street.
Setting up your paperwork
These are just a few examples, but it’s very important to understand all of the legal steps to take when setting up the regulations for your community. You also need to be aware of the options you have if you enter into a dispute or a disagreement with a resident.