Northern California HOA Rules

Northern California HOA rules are all about keeping neighborhoods looking great, maintaining property values, and ensuring everyone stays on the same page to maintain a happy and peaceful community.

Many HOAs are also turning to electronic voting. However, state law requires a California HOA inspector of elections to oversee the process to ensure it is done fairly. This rule is part of an update to the Davis-Stirling Act, put in place at the state level and designed to ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency in how California HOAs operate.

Breaking Down The Davis-Stirling Act

Let’s break down the Davis-Stirling Act. As we know, it’s the basis for HOA regulation in the state. 

It was introduced in 1985 to make sure HOAs are run fairly and transparently, and it covers everything from how meetings are held to how finances are managed and elections are conducted. 

Here are a few examples of activities they cover:

• Meetings: California HOA meeting rules dictate that HOA board meetings must be open to all members (with limited exceptions for private, executive sessions regarding legal matters). Members must also be kept in the loop and notified about meetings well ahead of time. This helps members stay informed and participate in community decisions.

• Elections: The act requires secret ballots for HOA elections, whether it’s done on paper or electronically, to protect voter anonymity and fairness.

• Financial transparency: The act mandates regular financial disclosures and budgets to promote accountability for how HOA funds are managed.

The act also protects members’ rights to attend meetings, observe elections, and request HOA records. It lays out a consistent set of rules everyone must follow whether you’re in Northern California or trying to figure out Los Angeles HOA guidelines, making life easier for both HOA boards and members across the state.

Individual HOA Regulations

While every HOA across the state must follow the Davis-Stirling Act, some HOAs have additional rules that cater to specific needs and preferences in the community. These rules can regulate a variety of neighborhood elements, such as:

• Architectural changes: Guidelines may exist that control how the exterior of homes can be altered. Examples of exterior architectural changes are adding fences and decks, or making other changes to the outside of the home. The HOA wants the community to look uniform, rather than a hodgepodge of styles.
• Noise regulations: Communities could implement noise restrictions to maintain a peaceful living environment. These rules might include quiet hours and limitations on loud activities.
• Parking rules: Residents may need to park in designated areas or spots for safety reasons and to avoid congestion.
• Pet policies: Rules related to pet ownership may cover animal size limits, leash requirements, or restrictions on certain types of animals to keep the community comfortable for all.

HOAs can also address issues like landscaping, how common areas are used, trash disposal, and holiday decorations. The rules all depend on the preferences of the community. It's important for homeowners to be aware of both statewide laws and HOA specific rules to avoid unexpected fines or unpleasantries.

Electing Change

Rules don’t just come out of nowhere–they're often the result of many community discussions, direct feedback from residents, and decisions made during HOA meetings. 

Just like elections for new board members, implementing or updating these rules typically involves member engagement and voting. All members can use their voices to have a say in how they live and the community is run. Consider using a platform that is made to make the process as easy as possible.

ElectionBuddy can help streamline your entire election. This easy-to-use platform is available to all HOAs, regardless of whether they vote by paper ballot or electronic means. It simplifies everything from organizing votes to communicating with members, and is a solid way to keep your community engaged and involved, without any extra hassle!