OK dummy here

I'm back....OK could someone give me a simple breakdown of how to tell the difference between bylaws, covenants, articles, rules/regulations, etc? My documents are so old everything looks jumbled up and I can't even tell if we have any bylaws!! Also, could you include how to either write, amend, vote on each catagory? thanks!!

Debbie

Tim provided a good link that does explain many thing. Allow me to add some information.

Typically to change CC&R's and Bylaws it will take a specific amount of owners voting to do so. Included in them will be how to change them. Generally it will take 51% of owners agree to change them. I have seen some requiring as many as 67% and someone on here said their docs could be chaged with 25% agreeing. Personally I believe it should be at least 51% and that being 51% off all owners in agreement.

Neither the CC&R's nor the Bylaws can overrdie any laws but they can shall we say "tighten" them. As an example. Local law says no fence can be taller then 8 feet yet an association could limit fences to no taller then 4 feet. Well within the rights of an association.

Rules and Regulations can be made by the BOD without owner approval but they cannot override CC&R's nor Bylaws. An example. The BOD could make a regulation defining the hours that the swimming pool is open. To take it a step further there is a discussion on this chat as to what constitutes a commercial vehicle in the eyes of the BOD. I say it is within the authority of the BOD to define such.

Rules and Regulations are often an area of contention. Some BOD Rules and Regulations did override the CC&R's, Bylaws and the BOD had to be taken to task.

Hope this helps.