can owners build walls around limited common areas

They need to get the HOA permission before they proceed. If not, the HOA can remove the walls and send the owners the bill. If they do not pay that bill, they can place a lien on the member. That is the aggressive stance.

The HOA needs to check with building codes for allowances. Plus the 3 foot rule is most likely fire code. Which these walls could be subject to. Something you all should be aware of as you are all part of the HOA. It will not be the individual fined but the whole HOA that would be.

Do you all want the responsibility of these walls? Then approve it. Otherwise I would say no to the request.

if the garage has a fire suppression system (sprinklers, wet or dry) said room would cost at least $35,000.00 to construct in a code compliant manner

tie in to existing concrete - suppression system - lighting - electric - etc.

only the registered holder of the present certificate of occupancy (probably the HOA) could apply for the required building permit in any case

if all else fails call for the men with the white coats

Bonnie,

typically, a building may be grandfathered until renovations occur. Once renovations occur, the City/County may require you to bring the renovation portion or the entire building up to current code.

I have to agree with Larry - Most docs say that the vehicle must be properly tagged/licensed, valid inspection sticker, etc. Parking is scare enough as it is. If he has an old car that he wished to store, then are many other off site options to storing automobiles.

If your documents are like ours and many others with garages such as yours, Bonnie, they state that the garage itself is common area and the stalls are limited are exclusive or limited use common areas.

Your documents most likely state, then that no residents may place, erect, etc., anything in the comma areas. This would include the areas in the garage like the drive aisle(s) and spaces between the stalls. This probably is in your covenants, but maybe in your Rules & Regs.

Your HOA also can make rules about your limited use common areas. We, for instance, do not permit the storage of any items in our parking spaces (all are deeded to owners) with the exception of personal shopping carts and one car.

(Our CC&Rs also state that cars must be in working order, and that only automobiles can be kept in the stalls.)

Bonnie, do your governing documents actually permit residents keeping items in their stalls. Without a fire suppression system, along with JohnB's point, I'd worry a lot that residents are storing gas-filled cans, etc in your garage. We very occasionally see them in our garage parking spaces, but they are removed immediately by staff.