The primary task of an association, through its board of directors, is to maintain, repair and replace the common areas, which protects the property values of its members. Even though homeowners associations are often viewed as quasi-governmental in nature, they are not pure democracies where members can vote on all issues. Instead, powers are delegated to elected representatives (the board of directors) with some powers are reserved to the membership. This is the model used throughout much of the world (see blue areas on adjacent map). Membership Rights. The rights/powers reserved to association members are described in the governing documents and generally include the right to:
1. Access their property (ingress-egress)
2. Amend the CC&Rs and bylaws
3. Approve significant capital improvements
4. Approve regular assessments over 20%
5. Approve special assessments over 5%
6. Approve exclusive use easements to members
7. Attend open meetings of the board
8. Call special meetings of the membership for a lawful purpose
9. Display noncommercial signs
10. Display US flag
11. Dissolve an association
12. Elect a board of directors
14. Inspect the association's records
15. Install drought tolerant plants
16. Install electric charging stations
17. Install a satellite dish
18. Install solar panels
19. Modify common areas for disability access
20. Own a pet
21. Petition the board
22. Receive disclosures
23. Receive due process for rules violations and reimbursement assessments
24. Receive the membership list
25. Remove directors from the board
26. Reverse a rule change
27. Right to improve property
29. Use the common areas
30. Exercise any other powers reserved to the membership via the governing documents or applicable laws.
No Veto Power. Because of the division of power between the membership and the board, members do not have a direct veto over the board's decisions (except for rule changes). Rather, the power to veto is indirect. If members are unhappy with board actions (or inaction), they have various options available to them. Association's Authority. "Unless the governing documents provide otherwise, and regardless of whether the association is incorporated or unincorporated, the association may exercise the powers granted to a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation, as enumerated in Section 7140 of the Corporations Code." (Civ. Code §4805(a).) Corporations are required to have a board of directors who conduct the affairs of the corporation. (Corp. Code §300.) Because of their positions of authority, boards (and individual directors) are held to a higher standard as fiduciaries. Unless the governing documents provide otherwise, boards can:
1. Adopt and enforce rules and regulations
2. Appoint committees
3. Appoint directors to fill vacancies
4. Borrow money
5. Call membership meetings and appoint inspectors of election
6. Communicate with the association's attorney
8. Disburse reserve monies
9. Elect and remove officers
10. Enforce the CC&Rs and bylaws
11. Enter into contracts
12. Establish architectural standards
13. Exercise the powers of a corporation (Civ. Code §4805; Corp. Code §7140)
14. Hire and fire employees and vendors
15. Initiate and defend lawsuits
16. Insure the association
17. Invest funds
19. Make limited capital improvements
20. Manage the association
21. Pay expenses incurred by the association
22. Prepare and adopt budgets
23. Repair and maintain the common areas.
Judicial Deference. Courts will defer to board decisions, even if the decisions are not the "best" decisions, provided the board made a reasonable investigation and its decision was in good faith with the best interests of the association in mind (Business Judgment Rule). Members who are unhappy with board decisions always have recourse. ASSISTANCE: Associations needing legal assistance can contact us. To stay current with issues affecting.
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