car break in, chg look of yards

Couple questions

We have a homeowner that wants to let another family move in with them with kids and their car won't fit in driveway. How do we tell them nicely this isn't a good idea? Are there rules for single family dwelling verses multiples? I thought we pay HOA dues to keep this from happening?

We have started to change from pinestraw to pinebark which alters the look of all the street. Do we tell the board or the homeowner about this?

We have recently had some stolen items out of cars and police were notified and the police have offered to come to our next HOA meeting next wk. Any suggestions on questions for them?

Fran

Fran

you can tell the owners what the rules and regs are for the association. If the regs say all cars must be parked in the driveway or garage, then tell them that.

If the regs don't say, then the best you can do is go to them as a neighbor and offer your opinion that a car out of a driveway is unsightly.

Are you the neighbor, a member of the Board or just a concerned member of the Association?

What do you feel isn't a good idea - having another family move in for a little while, the car in the driveway or both?

As a neighbor, you could just talk to the owner and discuss your concerns in the hope of working out a compromise (vs. my way or the highway).

As a member, you could read your governing documents and see if this is an actual violation or not. Then bring your concerns to the board.

As a board member, you should wait until a complaint is filed as I suspect you have zero proof that the family is moving in permanently or "just visiting" (as guests are typically allowed).


Most cities/counties have occupancy limits and laws. You can contact the appropriate department and register a complaint if you believe that the individual is in violation of these laws.


You entered into a contract (CC&Rs/Deed Restrictions) to agree to comply with specific items.

You pay assessments for the upkeep of the common elements and the administrative costs of the Association to maintain those common elements, hold elections, etc.

Typically, members (in addition to the Association) may enforce the covenants through the court system. If this is what you wish to do, you will need to consult an attorney. As a side note, this may or may not make you popular with the rest of the community.


Fran, I'm confused. Are you the homeowner making the change or a member of the Board and this change is throughout the community?

If your the homeowner, I suspect that changes to the exterior of your home must be approved. Therefore, you should submit a request to use a different kind of mulch. Failing to request and receive permission could place you in violation of the covenants.


There are many questions you could ask the local police. The question is, how involved do you wish to become in the process?
If you what to know knowledge of the area, I'd suggest having a list of areas of concern, listen to the presentation and then ask about those areas not covered in the presentation.

If you want to be part of the solution, you might ask about neighborhood watch program.

If it were me, my area of concerns would be:

Thanking them for their service!

Gangs - what gangs are active and in what areas. How to tell if gangs are present. When should police be informed. What can citizens do to prevent activity while remaining safe.

Crime - where is the main crime activity and where is it moving toward? What can citizens do to prevent while remaining safe.

etc.

I repeat, lock your cars! Many people feel safe and don't.
I would add to that, don't leave things like GPS, radar detectors, purses or anything of value in the car in plain sight.