Neighborhood Associations

A neighborhood association is a voluntary association of homeowners, renters, apartment dwellers, and representatives from businesses, churches and schools who work together to improve and maintain the quality of life in their neighborhood. Membership is open to all residents but participation is optional; the association determines it boundaries. Dues are voluntary. There is no legal authority to enact or enforce maintenance or design requirements.

To ensure a visibly democratic process, the organization usually has bylaws that provide for at least one general membership meeting each year and require the annual election of officers. Association position statements are reached through consensus.

What is a homeowners association? A homeowners association, unlike a neighborhood association, is a formal legal entity created to maintain common areas and enforce private deed restrictions and covenants. Membership is mandatory for all property owners within the boundaries of the association. Members are required to pay established maintenance and carrying fees. Homeowners associations have the legal authority to enact and enforce maintenance and design standards above and beyond those required by City ordinance. Homeowners associations are corporations with formal bylaws and a governing board. Typically homeowners associations hire a property management company to handle maintenance and enforcement issues.