Fequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a homeowners association and why do they exist?

A:  Condominiums, cooperatives, planned communities and other forms of homeowners associations ("HOA") are to allow the owners to administrate and manage their community. One of the main purposes of the HOA is to enforce a set of covenants (promises) which bind all owners. The covenants are usually contained in a document called a Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions ("CC&Rs"). Many HOAs include common property, such as pools, greenways and private roads and in the case of condominiums, usually building structure, walls, roofs, plumbing, wiring and other aspects of the building. Individual property owners are required to pay assessments (usually monthly) to enable the HOA to operate the association and maintain the common property.

Q: Do I have to be a member of the Belle Ridge Homeowners Association?

A: Yes. When you purchased your home/lot you automatically became a member. Information on this can be found in your Master Deed.

Q: Who serves on homeowners associations, what do they oversee and how are such associations governed?

A: HOAs are usually governed by a board of volunteer owners elected by the remaining owners. The board holds regular meetings to enforce the bylaws, to establish a budget, authorize expenditures, collect assessments, problem solve, and oversee maintenance of the common property. The board acts in much the same way as a corporate board of directors. Many HOAs also utilize committees to help administer the association. For example, Architectural Control Committees are commonly used to maintain architectural consistency in the neighborhood.

Q: What kind of legal power does the association have to enforce the rules?

A: The main source of legal authority allowing an HOA to enforce its rules comes from the recorded Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) and Bylaws. Because the documents are recorded on the county real estate records, home buyers become legally bound by the valid provisions of these documents when they purchase their homes. Condominium and Planned Community HOAs also have the additional backing of state law, which clarifies legal authority in many ways. HOA laws may also provide additional legal authority not contained in the HOA's documents. All condominium HOAs and many subdivision HOAs are governed by specific state law. HOA actions are usually upheld in court if the authority is provided in the documents or by statute and the board acts reasonably in carrying out the authority.

Q: A homeowner is requesting copies of all books, minutes, financials, etc. What is the Board of Directors required to provide this homeowner?

A: The Belle Ridge HOA is not required to produce copies on demand but the members are entitled to review most but not all records. Set up an appointment to review specific records during the business hours listed on the contacts web page. Personal files for other members will not be made available nor will material on sensitive issues like pending litigation or contract negotiation. There is a charge for making any copies of requested available documents.

Q: Who is responsible for making sure the lot owners of Belle Ridge keep their weeds cut during the summer?

A: Currently there are no Belle Ridge bylaws regarding weed control or lawn maintenance, this is however covered under the Village of Dryden blight ordinances #23, 23.1, and #23.2. Complaints should be directed to the Village of Dryden. A list of Dryden Village Ordinances can be viewed here:
Ordinances #23, 23.1, and #23.2 Dryden village Ordinances

Q: Where can I get a printed copy of the Master Deed?

A: You should have received one when you closed on the purchase of your property. If you didn't get one or would like the latest version, you can contact the board of directors and get one for the cost of copying (~$20 in 2008).