HOA covenants & plan reviews

Homeowners' associations (HOAs) are organizations that are responsible for managing and maintaining common areas and amenities in a community. One of the key responsibilities of an HOA is to develop and enforce covenants, which are rules and regulations that govern the use and appearance of properties within the community. In this blog post, we'll explore what to consider when developing HOA covenants and how to manage the plan review process for new homes.

Factors to consider when developing HOA covenants

There are several factors that HOAs should consider when developing covenants, including:

• The purpose of the covenants: Covenants should be designed to achieve specific goals, such as maintaining property values, preserving the aesthetic character of the community, or ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.

• The needs and preferences of the community: Covenants should be developed with the needs and preferences of the community in mind. This can involve soliciting input from residents and considering their feedback when drafting the covenants.

• Legal considerations: Covenants should be legally enforceable and should not discriminate against any particular group or individual. It's important for HOAs to seek legal advice when developing covenants to ensure that they are in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Managing the plan review process for new homes

Once covenants have been developed, it's important for HOAs to manage the plan review process for new homes to ensure that they are in compliance with the covenants. Here are some steps that HOAs can take to effectively manage the plan review process:

• Develop a clear and comprehensive plan review process: The plan review process should be clearly defined and communicated to developers and homeowners. This can help to ensure that everyone is aware of the requirements and expectations for new homes.

• Establish a plan review committee: A plan review committee can be responsible for reviewing plans and ensuring that they are in compliance with the covenants. This committee should be composed of knowledgeable and experienced individuals who can provide objective and unbiased reviews.

• Communicate effectively with developers and homeowners: It's important for HOAs to communicate effectively with developers and homeowners throughout the plan review process. This can involve providing clear feedback and guidance on any changes or modifications that are required to bring the plans into compliance.

Overall, developing HOA covenants and managing the plan review process for new homes are important responsibilities for HOAs. By considering the purpose of the covenants, the needs and preferences of the community, and legal considerations, and by establishing a clear and comprehensive plan review process and effective communication with developers and homeowners, HOAs can effectively enforce covenants and maintain the integrity of their communities. If you have questions in any of these areas, we are here to help!