Companies still illegally towing poor people’s cars, despite 2021 law
Lawmakers in Carson City, Nevada, are currently deliberating a bill aimed at strengthening regulations concerning the towing of vehicles with expired license plates in community associations and apartment complexes, including the implementation of associated fees. Two years ago, Nevada lawmakers prohibited towing companies from removing cars in apartment complexes and homeowners association neighborhoods solely based on an expired registration. However, despite this existing law, the practice continues to occur due to misinterpretations. The new bill seeks to clarify the restrictions while providing avenues for victims to recover any costs incurred from illegal tows. AB 303 not only clarifies the restrictions on towing but also enhances consumer protection for those who fall victim to an illegal tow. Under the proposed bill, individuals would have the right to file a claim in an attempt to recoup any expenses resulting from the unlawful towing, such as lost income due to missed work. Additionally, the bill expands access to the state's hardship tariff program, which currently offers a 30% discount to eligible low-income individuals. However, individuals can only apply for this program once per year. It's important to note that this program, overseen by the Nevada Transportation Authority, was established as part of a bill passed in 2021. The 30% discount provided by the hardship tariff program surpasses the profit margin earned by towing companies for these particular tows. Let us know your thoughts on towing vehicles by leaving a comment at HOACommunityLeaders.com.
You can now apply to live in this 3d-printed texas neighborhood
Georgetown, Texas, is witnessing the development of an innovative homeowners association concept tailored for numerous 3D-printed homes. These extraordinary dwellings are expected to be priced starting at $900,000, requiring a $5,000 deposit for applications. Within the HOA, residents will enjoy a range of impressive amenities, including a bathhouse, restaurant, hammam, and infinity pool. These amenities will be shared with a campground hotel also constructed using 3D printing technology, all situated on the same property. As part of the ongoing development, El Cosmico, currently occupying a 21-acre plot, will relocate to a newly constructed 3D-printed building on a vast 60-plus-acre property that it will share with the residential homes. The homes themselves will be printed directly on-site, encompassing layouts ranging from 1,200 to 2,200 square feet. These two, three, and four-bedroom homes have been meticulously designed to harmonize with the natural landscape, boasting soft shapes, curved surfaces, and domes, as stated in the press materials. The move-in date is projected to be sometime during the second half of 2024. To read the full story, go to HOACommunityLeaders.com.
Homeowners get revenge on HOA that tried to block their hurricane-proof roof: ‘Fine print gets you every time’
In Florida, a homeowner's battle against their HOA over home repairs has gained attention after their victory against restrictive rules. A Redditor shared the story of her parents, who faced a dilemma when their home was damaged by hurricanes, necessitating a roof replacement. The homeowners explored roofing options and decided on a metal roof for its durability and eco-friendly benefits. However, upon checking the HOA rules, they discovered that metal roofs were prohibited. Unconvinced that the 30-year-old rule applied to their modern and appealing choice, they dug deeper into the bylaws, realizing that the prohibition referred to older tin roofs. Seeking clarification, the homeowners contacted the HOA and patiently waited for two months for a reply. With no response, they proceeded with the metal roof installation. In response, the HOA swiftly imposed a staggering $25,000 fine and ordered the removal of the new roof. The Redditor attributed this harsh decision to the HOA's financial woes, prompting them to levy excessive fines on the neighborhood. Undeterred, the homeowners found a law in Florida that forbids HOAs from banning environmentally friendly upgrades. As their chosen metal roof generated heat passively and reduced energy consumption, it qualified under this legislation.
Residents complain about towing company hoa, apartment complex hired
Multiple homeowners' associations (HOAs) in northeast Charlotte have been complaining about a local towing company, sparking a wave of discontent among residents. One resident characterized the company as verbally abusive, highly aggressive, and remarkably rude, adding to the growing chorus of disapproval. The grievances have not been confined to HOAs alone; residents in other neighborhoods, including some apartment complexes, have taken to social media to vent their frustrations about the same towing company's practices. Over the past months, the situation has escalated, with six drivers filing police reports against the company since last October. Allegations suggest that the towing company has violated Charlotte's towing rules, such as only accepting one form of payment and failing to meet the required 45-minute release time for impounded vehicles. In response to these complaints, a reporter contacted the towing company and spoke with the alleged owner. The owner defended the company's actions, claiming that HOAs and apartment complexes had hired them to be aggressive in enforcing parking rules. He also refuted the payment-related allegations, stating that they accept multiple forms of payment after verifying their legitimacy. Regarding the 45-minute release time, the owner clarified that they do not monitor the lot around the clock but assured that if people call in advance, they make sure someone is available within the stipulated timeframe. The contentious situation has raised questions about the balance between enforcing parking rules and maintaining respectful practices in the community. As residents continue to voice their concerns and seek resolution, local authorities may play a critical role in addressing the issues and ensuring fair practices in towing operations within the area.
Man says hoa used drone to spy on his home
In a contentious legal battle spanning 17 years, a Michigan homeowner has become the center of controversy, raising concerns among neighbors and local officials. At the heart of the matter are the number of cars the homeowner keeps on his property, which sparked a legal challenge from the township in 2007. Over the years, the legal dispute has seen twists and turns, with the homeowner prevailing in the initial legal challenge. However, the township revisited its concerns a decade later and took a controversial step to gather evidence. According to court documents, the township hired a drone operator on multiple occasions in 2017 and 2018 to conduct aerial surveillance of the owner’s property, seeking to obtain a bird's-eye view to establish violations. The resident’s legal team argued that the use of drones crossed the line of unreasonable searches, infringing upon the Fourth Amendment rights of privacy. They contend that the vehicles on the property were not visible from the ground, and the drone surveillance constituted an invasion of their privacy. The case has seen varying views from different courts, culminating in a recent 2 to 1 legal defeat for the homeowner in the State's Court of Appeals. In response, they have filed an appeal with the Michigan Supreme Court, which has just announced its decision to take up the case. As the legal battle continues, both sides await the Michigan Supreme Court's decision, which has the potential to shape future discussions on the boundaries of privacy and drone surveillance in the state and beyond.
HOA Bills Seek To Prevent Bullying Of Board, Move More Communications Online
Lawmakers in Nevada are currently in the midst of reviewing several community association bills aimed at improving the operations of homeowners associations (HOAs) and ensuring the well-being of residents. These proposed measures encompass a wide range of areas, including records review, board service, false affidavits, bullying, and the digitization of elections. With common-interest communities experiencing significant growth across the country, these reforms hold great significance for the more than 500,000 Nevada residents residing in over 3,000 HOAs statewide. One of the proposed bills focuses on raising the rate for a records review to $25 per hour. By providing fair compensation for this service, the legislation aims to facilitate a more efficient and transparent access to HOA records, benefiting residents and enhancing overall governance. In addition, lawmakers are considering measures to restrict board service for individuals who have filed false affidavits with the state. If approved, members who knowingly submit a false or fraudulent affidavit to the Real Estate Division more than once could face a ban of up to ten years from running for an executive board seat in their HOA. This penalty, in addition to the existing maximum administrative fine of $1,000, aims to underscore the importance of honesty and integrity in HOA affairs. The initial bill also included provisions against bullying, which encompassed various forms of harmful behavior such as written, verbal, or electronic expressions, physical acts, and gestures directed at individuals or groups. However, the bill’s latest version no longer includes these specific provisions. Nonetheless, lawmakers remain committed to promoting safe and respectful environments within HOAs. Furthermore, a separate bill aims to facilitate the delivery of non-legally binding notices via email while enforcing robust cybersecurity measures for online payments. This proposal recognizes the prevalence of electronic communication and seeks to streamline administrative procedures while safeguarding sensitive information. As Nevada lawmakers continue to deliberate these community association bills, they are poised to shape the future of HOA governance, prioritizing transparency, participation, and cybersecurity. These reforms respond to the growing demand for effective residential governance models and reflect Nevada residents' evolving needs and aspirations in their common-interest communities.
Greensboro City Council Approves New Rules For Short-Term Rentals
Greensboro, N.C., has approved an ordinance to regulate short-term rentals listed on platforms like Airbnb. The newly introduced amendments encompass several provisions, such as a requirement for a minimum spacing of 750 feet between rentals, parking limitations, and the removal of the two-night minimum stay. It's important to note that the ordinance respects the authority of homeowners' associations to enforce their own rules. The effective date of the ordinance is slated for January 1, 2024, and while it is subject to potential future modifications, it currently lacks a specific policy for selecting short-term rental candidates within the 750-foot range. As a part of the new regulations, short-term rentals in Greensboro will now be required to register, allowing the city to have a clearer understanding of the number of such rentals within its jurisdiction.
Marshall Fire-Affected HOA May Be First In Colorado To Allow Metal Fencing
A homeowner’s association (HOA) comprising 2,800 homes in Boulder County, Colorado may be the first association in Colorado to make the switch to fire-proof fencing as a replacement for the charming cedar fencing. This decision comes as a response to a destructive wildfire that ravaged the community in 2021, causing extensive damage to numerous homes. The lengthy 15-month process leading up to this decision has been deemed courageous by town leaders in Superior, Colorado. Survivors of the Marshall Fire have been anxiously awaiting the outcome of the vote. Rebuilding efforts are currently underway along the path of the devastating fire. While progress has been made in terms of frames, roofing, and landscaping, fencing has often been put on hold. On December 30, 2021, just before lunchtime, hurricane-force wind gusts ignited dry grasses, which quickly spread the flames to the wooden fences surrounding every home in Superior's Rock Creek subdivision. The HOA had mandated cedar fences 25 years ago, and to this day, all fences stand at a height of six feet, painted in the color "Cabot dune grey." The decision to explore non-combustible materials for fencing has caught the attention of other HOAs facing similar concerns. They are closely observing the outcome of this pioneering initiative to determine the potential benefits of transitioning to fire-proof materials. This HOA in Colorado serves as a trailblazer in considering metal fire-proof fencing to enhance the community's safety and resilience in the face of future fire risks. By re-evaluating their fencing requirements, they aim to mitigate the destructive impact of wildfires and protect the homes and residents of the Rock Creek subdivision.
Louisville Residents Break Ground On Rebuilding Of Wildflower Condominiums Complex
In a heartwarming celebration, residents of a condo complex in Louisville, Colorado, rejoiced as they marked the beginning of the rebuilding phase after approximately 1,100 individuals were displaced by a devastating fire in December 2021. The groundbreaking ceremony, a symbol of progress achieved through the collaboration of the association, city officials, and community partners, held immense significance for the community. Overcoming the initial challenges of debris removal, the community obtained the necessary permits to commence construction, which is projected to take 12 to 15 months, coinciding with the expiration of most homeowners' insurance coverage for alternative living expenses. As they gathered for the ceremony, attendees expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the resilient community members, dedicated individuals involved in the project, and the courageous firefighters who bravely responded on the day of the fire.
More Scrutiny Over HOA Insurance Issue
Due to the risk of wildfires and other factors, insurers are increasingly denying coverage to HOAs in California, leaving them with no choice but to turn to the state's "last resort" insurance option. The FAIR (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) Plan, which offers "last resort" coverage for homes in wildfire-prone areas, has seen almost doubled participation in the last five years. “The plan was designed in statute as a life raft, intended to ferry folks back to the admitted market. It was not designed to be a cruise ship,” the President of the FAIR plan stressed. In an effort to address this issue, a State Assembly member and a state insurance representative recently met with a group of over 30 HOAs to discuss potential solutions and establish better lines of communication. However, it seems that finding effective solutions may take some time.
Sf's Millennium Tower Now Tilting More Than Ever To The West After Early Recovery
The Millennium Tower in San Francisco, infamous for its persistent sinking and leaning problems, is currently experiencing its most significant westward tilt to date. Despite attempts to stabilize the building through a $100 million repair plan and "freezing" measures, these efforts have proven unsuccessful, causing difficulties for residents and impacting the property's marketability. The tower's northwest corner, situated at Fremont and Mission streets, has witnessed a staggering tilt of over 29 inches, with much of the additional slant occurring during excavation work undertaken to reinforce the tower. Although initial progress was observed when the north side received support from six newly installed piles, recent rooftop-based monitoring data reveals that the tower is now tilting half an inch more towards the west compared to its pre-support state on the north side, contrasting its apparent stability on the Mission side.
Roswell Neighbors Fear Sinkholes, Stormwater Damage Will Lead To Roads Caving In
A Roswell, GA, community of only two streets where the residents have lived for more than 20 years asks their local government for help after rainwater causes a sinkhole, a road to collapse, and other flooding issues. Back in 2019, the quiet community of 30 homes had a one-acre greenspace at the center of the neighborhood that once served as a shared picnic area, until a 15-foot sinkhole that had been forming for two years prior caved in. Repairing a decades-old underground pipe could lessen the problems, but owners need help to afford the $300,000 cost. City officials are currently exploring ways to not only fund the pipe upgrade but how to tackle the stormwater problem that is common in private residential communities in Roswell. To read the full story, go to HOASolutionsToday.com.
How Often Does Our Board Need To Do A Reserve Study For Our Building?
Is having a reserve study really necessary? The answer is yes, if not more so. Since a reserve study provides critical information about the needed repairs and upgrades for HOAs, it should be important to conduct them every three to five years in order to stay up to date with the latest regulations. These studies are costly, not only because the work is thorough and gives an accurate reflection of the state of the building at that time, but also because they will require involving a mechanical engineer and other consultants or experts. In addition, tackling emergency repair jobs are always more costly than planned ones, so it makes sense for Fannie Mae, one of the government-backed loan buying organizations, to put buildings on its 'do not lend list' if they are not putting 10 percent of their operating budget toward a reserve fund each year as part of future planning efforts that can help prevent special assessments. Does your community have a reserve study? Let us know by leaving a comment at HOACommunityLeaders.com.
Waterfront North Bay Village Condo Building Targeted For Potential Buyout
A developer in South Florida expressed interest in buying out a nearly 60-year-old waterfront condo building in North Bay Village. The firm’s portfolio includes other older condos, which are becoming more common in South Florida. Now, developers are directing their buyout efforts towards older buildings located on land with favorable zoning. The process of condo buyouts and terminations can be lengthy. However, older properties are becoming increasingly expensive to maintain, leaving owners, including those on fixed incomes, struggling with the rising costs of insurance and construction, particularly when major upgrades are required. While the potential sale is still in its early stages, it remains uncertain if the majority of owners are willing to sell, especially given the high cost of real estate in the area and the reluctance of owners to do so.
Va. Program Helps HOAs with EV Charging Accessibility
Fairfax County, VA is looking to implement their “Charge up Fairfax” program, where the county would provide support to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Under the proposed program, the county would work with HOAs, large multi-family apartment buildings, and condo associations to install EV charging stations in publicly available locations, such as parking garages and designated parking spots owned by an HOA. The county hopes that by 2030, 15% of all light-duty vehicle registrations in the county will be electric vehicles. Let us know if this is a program you would be interested in your HOA implementing by leaving a comment at HOASolutionsToday.com
Greensboro, NC Homeowners Have Dispute with HOA Regarding Flags in their Yard
A married couple in Greensboro, NC were able to keep their flags in the yard after a dispute with their HOA. The homeowners displayed eight small American flags and were told they had to be removed. It had been reported the HOA allowed the flags for a short period of time but eventually sent a letter asking them to be taken down because they do not allow “political” flags. The wife stated that American flags are not considered political and that she had them up in support of her dad, who served in the military. After taking a closer look at the HOA covenants & guidelines, the couple discovered flags could indeed be displayed in front of homes. To read the full story, go to HOASolutionsToday.com.
Homeowner Faces Artificial Turf War with HOA
WBGN reports a homeowner in Paradise Valley, AZ installed artificial grass to her front and back yards in an effort to cut down on her water bill. While Arizona is currently in a drought, the homeowner stated they were saving around $1,100 a month, in water bills, by having the artificial grass. The HOA reportedly said, “they are an elite community and do not want artificial turf,” and fined the homeowner. This battle caught the eye of many state lawmakers, including, House of Representative, John Kavanagh, who proposed a bill that would stop HOAs from banning artificial grass. The bill passed through the committee and is headed to the full House for a vote. Let us know your opinion on having artificial grass, by leaving a comment at HOASolutionsToday.com.
KPRC 2 Investigates Years-Long HOA Debate Over Security Guard Gate
A HOA in Houston, TX reportedly advertised in their brochure a community with two guard sheds and gates. This sold many of the first homeowners to build in the community. Now 13 years later, the community still only has one gate with a guard shed at the main entrance and a regular gate at the middle and back entrances. Homeowners are expressing their frustration on having to pay $200 extra in HOA fees all this time for luxury they have never had. The HOA claims they did not make these promises and have no plans or guarantees to build this structure in the future. Click on the link to read the full article.
Hoarding Nightmare Plagues Val Vista Lakes
Residents and HOA in Val Vista Lakes, FL have waged a two-year battle to have a homeowner rid her property of countless items she has been storing in her backyard, on her driveway and other areas in front of her home. A neighbor across the street from the homeowner reported the junk slowly crept in over 20 years until it began to resemble a landfill. The HOA’s suit stated the owner broke the covenants of the CC&Rs by not maintaining her property, calling it a nuisance and hoarder house. After she failed to respond to the suit, the court filed a default judgment giving the HOA the right to go onto her property, fix the violations and charge her for the cleanup costs. Let us know how long it would take before you took similar action by leaving a comment.
Scottsdale City Council Passes First Known State Code Amendment Regarding Overseeding
Scottsdale, AZ’s City Council approved a code amendment stating that HOAs cannot mandate homeowners to overseed their lawns. Overseeding occurs in fall and is the practice of planting seasonal grass over the dormant, warm season grass. This new code gives homeowners the ability to now choose to not overseed, which is an effective way to save thousands of gallons of water per property. The results and efforts to reduce Scottsdale water footprint has received extremely positive responses from both homeowners and HOAs. Let us know your thoughts on overseeding by leaving us a comment.