Category Archives: Environmental Protection

Three outrageous HOA lawsuits (March 2019)

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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)→

Colorado HOA legislation – manager licensing, xeriscape (March 2019)

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Xeriscape drought tolerant landscape

By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Highlights of two important HOA-governed, common interest community bills in Colorado Legislature: Extension of manager licensing and xeriscaping of limited common elements. HOA property manager licensing law The Legislature is considering an extension of community association manager licensing, which became active in 2013, under the “COLORADO COMMON INTEREST OWNERSHIP ACT” (CCIOA), ARTICLE 33.3 OF TITLE 38. As previously explained here on IAC, July 2018 was the start of a Continue ReadingColorado HOA legislation – manager licensing, xeriscape (March 2019)→

HOA Realities — living next to a retention pond or wetland

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Have you ever seen a real estate ad for a home boasting its “water view” or a “lake” view? Today’s post is a Buyer Beware message. Unless you’re viewing a home near a recreational lake — a real lake used for boating, fishing, swimming and other water sports — that ornamental “lake” is nothing more than a retention pond. Its primary purpose is to collect stormwater runoff for environmental Continue ReadingHOA Realities — living next to a retention pond or wetland→

HOA, condo & co-op legislation report (Feb 2019-Part 2)

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Arizona Highlights of new and pending state legislation as of Feb. 2019, featuring Arizona, California, Idaho, and South Carolina. HOA would get paid last with new priority of payment proposal SB 1531 is a bill proposed by Arizona HOA trade group attorneys, sponsored by Senator David Farnsworth. It would change the priority of payment terms for both condominium and planned communities, to the advantage of HOA management companies, attorneys, and collection firms. Currently, Arizona statute Continue ReadingHOA, condo & co-op legislation report (Feb 2019-Part 2)→