Skye Bridge

When answering this question, we first have to look at the purpose of a Community Association.

Purpose of A Community Association: To create a sense of harmony in the Community amongst neighbors, while maintaining and enhancing property value.

When one looks at how you can promote Harmony or Maintain/Enhance Property values, guidelines, or Rules, need to be established. A Rule will indicate what is or is not permitted.

All Homeowners (and Renters) moving into a Community Association are provided with a copy of the Governing Documents and all Rules, Regulations, Policies, Procedures, and Resolutions of the Association. This is included in the Resale Package for Homeowners, and should be issued by an assigned party (Community Manager, Committee Member, or Board Member) to renters when they move in. Homeowners are also assigned the responsibility if a tenant moves into their property, that they are charged with ensuring that their tenant complies with all of the Governing Documents, Rules, Regulations, Policies, Procedures, and Resolutions of the Association.

So What Does a Rule Do?

• What you can do, without approval from the Board. A rule (like an architectural rule) may state what standards of maintenance are permitted. For example, there may be a pre-approved list of shutter and door colors that residents may use to repaint these areas, without filling out an Architectural Request.
• What the standards are, for the Association. A rule may also indicate specific standards such as what screen door is permitted, the type of door knob to be used, colors of fences, types of fences, manufacturer and color for siding or roof, etc.
• A reminder to maintain your home. Rules such as power washing, gutter cleaning, grass trimming, snow and ice removal – are all good reminders as to how a Homeowner should maintain their home. This is a great guide for first time home buyers who many not be used to performing maintenance on their home. Maintaining the homes, helps maintain and increase property value.
• Tries to prevent nuisances from occurring. If everyone moves into a Community, and agrees to the Rules from the start, less quarrels should occur between neighbors. What may bother you, may not bother another, and visa versa. Examples of common nuisances between neighbors include:
  • Noise. A time for quiet hours if often published to prevent loud noises at certain times of the day/night.
  • Odor. A rule will indicate that noxious odors are not permitted to offend neighbors.
  • Not allowed to create a nuisance. Sometimes, as a neighbor, we don’t even realize that the activity that we (or someone in our house) is doing, is creating a nuisance to another. This rule provides the ability for a Community Manager (or assigned party) the chance to “mediate” between neighbors, to let one neighbor know that they are creating a nuisance for another neighbor.
  • Parking. A lot of rules will address where a person is permitted to park their vehicle.
  • Permitted Vehicles. Some rules will indicate what types of vehicles are allowed to be parked in a driveway, parking lot, or street. A lot of times, RV’s, boats, and commercial Vehicles may have restrictions. Some communities do not permit motorcycles, either.
  • Storage. Some communities prohibit sheds or outside storage. Decks, patios, and balconies are often permitted outdoor furniture or similar structures, but can’t be used for storing of items like a storage locker. This outdoor clutter decreases property values and becomes an eye-sore to neighbors.
  • Structures. Not everyone likes fences, or sheds. One may think that as you drive through a community, if fences are installed, it breaks the line of site and detracts from property value. A fence may also affect the view of another. Decks may intrude onto a neighbor’s view too, decreasing their property value. An exterior structure cannot be built unless it complies with the Rules and Regulations.
  • Towing Policy. The Towing Policy may be in effect if you park in an incorrect area during a snow storm, or in a no parking zone. Vehicles that are not permitted are also subject to towing.
  • Trash and Recycling: This policy will indicate when trash and recycling can be set outside of the home before trash/recycling pick up, and when cans have to be returned to their storage location. It will also indicate to a Homeowner where Trash and Recycling bins/cans can be stored. For example, sometimes they are allowed on the side or back of the house (but not the front or at the curb), or they must be stored inside except the night before pick up or the day of.
• Maintains Property Values. Everyone living in a Community Association is required to maintain their homes at the standards as set forth in the Governing Documents and Rules and Regulations of the Association. By ensuring that the homes are maintained, this enables property values to be maintained, if not increased.
• Increases Property Values. A peaceful, harmonious community with a good reputation is going to increase the desire to live in the Community. Increased desire drives values for homes higher. Additionally, when upgrades are performed in the community and homes are in great condition, this increases property values.

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Summary: Rules and Regulation are created in Community Associations to provide a guideline to Homeowners as to what is expected (behavior) to promote harmony, and to maintain and enhance property values. By maintaining one’s home according to the Rules and Regulations and approved Architectural Specifications, homeowners will not only maintain but enhance property values.