Category Archives: Incorporation, unincorporated municipalities, & Annexation

Three outrageous HOA lawsuits (March 2019)

Posted on by
scales-of-justice-court-legal

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities This month: an Oregon HOA wants to end mandatory contributions to a builder’s nonprofit; a Pennsylvania homeowner appeals a case that seems like an obvious condo board conflict of interest; and the Texas AG fights an HOA’s attempt to incorporate as a city. Do you know what those closing fees are for? Buying  a home is expensive. In addition to the purchase price, a buyer is likely to pay Continue ReadingThree outrageous HOA lawsuits (March 2019)→

Sometimes HOAs transform their planned communities into cities

Posted on by
estate homes houses for sale pond lake

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Homeowners frequently debate whether homeonwers’ associations are “real” government, or merely private organizations. So the topic of incorporation — creation of a new town or city — is often misunderstood. Many readers assume that, if an HOA decides to become a city, the HOA ceases to exist. Usually, that’s not the case. There’s no legal requirement for an HOA (or POA) to disband or dissolve once a city or Continue ReadingSometimes HOAs transform their planned communities into cities→

Will homeowners support a new special tax district?

Posted on by

River Place HOA supports establishment of Limited District following annexation to the City of Austin By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Austin’s recent annexation of the River Place subdivision has temporarily shifted certain maintenance responsibilities from a Municipal Utility District (MUD) to a Limited Improvement District (LD). In River Place, the HOA and LD serve different functions, as explained here. In short, the LD provides maintenance of recreational areas and facilities and waste removal. Continue ReadingWill homeowners support a new special tax district?→

Recreation districts as an alternative to HOAs

Posted on by

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Slowly but surely, homeowners’ associations are beginning shift costs and liabilities for assets and amenities back to public entities, including special tax districts. Today, let’s look at two examples of Recreation Districts (also known as Park Districts) as an alternative to HOA maintenance of amenities. City commission votes in favor of parks and trails special district Posted: Feb 27, 2018 8:43 PM EST Updated: Feb 27, 2018 8:43 PM Continue ReadingRecreation districts as an alternative to HOAs→