Living in an HOA community, I understand firsthand the benefits of residing in a well-organized neighborhood. While homeowners' associations (HOAs) often receive criticism, a well-managed HOA can significantly enhance our quality of life and foster a sense of community. I strongly support HOA communities that prioritize neighborhood care without falling into power struggles or greed. In this blog post, I will discuss a proposed amendent to our community's bylaws based on my own experiences.
HOAs can vary significantly depending on their governing documents and the state laws they must follow.
In my community, the Board of Directors (BOD) has proposed several bylaw changes, and I am pleased with some of these proposals. However, one amendment concerns me. This amendment would allow the BOD to be involved in selecting paint colors for our community, a task currently handled by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC).
To provide some context, the ARC is a group within the HOA responsible for maintaining the community's aesthetic and architectural integrity. They review and approve property change requests, ensuring modifications align with the community's standards and guidelines. The ARC plays a crucial role in preserving the neighborhood's look and feel.
Returning to my concern with the proposed amendment, my issue isn't with the BOD's participation in decisions, rather with the current makeup of the ARC, which is limited to three members.
Two of the three ARC members are also on the Board of Directors, creating an unbalanced setup. It makes the decision-making process seem less fair and inclusive. When most ARC members are also on the BOD, a small group of people makes decisions that affect everyone, without giving the broader community a chance to provide meaningful input.
To ensure fairness and inclusivity, I suggested to the BOD in writing that the ARC should only include one board member, with the other positions filled by non-board members. This change would give residents who are not on the BOD a voice in important decisions, making the process more transparent and encouraging community involvement.
Unlike the ARC, Florida mandates that the Grievance/Fining/Violations Committee have three members and prohibits BOD members from joining. Applying a similar principle to the ARC would provide residents with more opportunities to participate, with the only exception being that the board chair must be knowledgeable about construction and related specialties.
Including more non-board members in the ARC would ensure that different perspectives are considered, making the decision-making process more democratic and representative of our community's diverse interests and preferences.
I'm eager to see the results of the special election on the amendment. In the meantime, I will share my perspective with my community, hoping they see the importance of these changes. Hopefully, my email to the board will prompt them to reconsider the current makeup of the ARC.
If you live in an HOA or condo association community, being an involved homeowner is crucial. Attend meetings, stay informed about community issues, and actively participate in the decision-making process.Your participation helps ensure that the community's governance reflects the views and needs of all residents, not just a few.
About the Author: Liz Kenneally is a seasoned real estate agent in Miami with extensive experience in the city's dynamic market. Specializing in coveted neighborhoods such as Coral Gables, Dadeland, Continental Park, East Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, South Miami, and The Falls, Liz ensures smooth transactions for her diverse clientele. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she can be contacted at 786-423-3348 or through the EMAIL AGENT form provided alongside this blog.