RustyS1 (Colorado)
Posts: 5
Posts: 5
Posted:
First, thank you for reading this. I need some advice and hope that someone can help.
A few months ago, after moving to this community, I decided to volunteer to sit on the architectural committee (AC) for our HOA. I'm beginning to wonder why I did that, and think I should have waited longer to understand the HOA dynamics. I have never been involved in any HOA before.
Almost immediately after I joined the AC, we received a request from a homeowner to add a permanent structure to her land. Together with the other (long time resident) members of the AC, we considered other structures within the neighborhood. Although her proposal was unique, we approached the request in a "can we make this work" manner rather than a "can we deny this" manner. The AC rules are decades old, very vague, and (I have since discovered) have been interpreted in various ways since this neighborhood was created. Essentially, there is a limit on the number of buildings allowed per property, but over time, people have added to their existing structures in various ways, such as connecting existing buildings with breezeways or covered porches. The covenants do not address how additions are to be attached to existing structures.
Anyway, we determined that her argument to connect this structure to her existing building was as sound as any other previous request, that we should be flexible, and that the addition would not alter the appearance of the neighborhood in a negative manner or decrease existing property values. So it was approved.
The structure has already been built and now, a couple of other neighbors are displeased with the way the addition is connected to the other building and are insisting that we tell the homeowner that she needs to remove the structure. We have explained that we reviewed all pertinent information, and that we felt the proposal was appropriate.
These upset neighbors are now in the process of stirring up other members of the community and are asking to see the homeowner's proposal, any emails that AC members shared regarding the decision, and the final approval documentation. I assume that they are entitled to all of these records?
Forgive me for my inexperience, but I feel as though I have stepped into a huge hornet's nest.
What liability will I have if this thing gets nasty?
Thanks in advance and I hope you are all having a good day.
A few months ago, after moving to this community, I decided to volunteer to sit on the architectural committee (AC) for our HOA. I'm beginning to wonder why I did that, and think I should have waited longer to understand the HOA dynamics. I have never been involved in any HOA before.
Almost immediately after I joined the AC, we received a request from a homeowner to add a permanent structure to her land. Together with the other (long time resident) members of the AC, we considered other structures within the neighborhood. Although her proposal was unique, we approached the request in a "can we make this work" manner rather than a "can we deny this" manner. The AC rules are decades old, very vague, and (I have since discovered) have been interpreted in various ways since this neighborhood was created. Essentially, there is a limit on the number of buildings allowed per property, but over time, people have added to their existing structures in various ways, such as connecting existing buildings with breezeways or covered porches. The covenants do not address how additions are to be attached to existing structures.
Anyway, we determined that her argument to connect this structure to her existing building was as sound as any other previous request, that we should be flexible, and that the addition would not alter the appearance of the neighborhood in a negative manner or decrease existing property values. So it was approved.
The structure has already been built and now, a couple of other neighbors are displeased with the way the addition is connected to the other building and are insisting that we tell the homeowner that she needs to remove the structure. We have explained that we reviewed all pertinent information, and that we felt the proposal was appropriate.
These upset neighbors are now in the process of stirring up other members of the community and are asking to see the homeowner's proposal, any emails that AC members shared regarding the decision, and the final approval documentation. I assume that they are entitled to all of these records?
Forgive me for my inexperience, but I feel as though I have stepped into a huge hornet's nest.
What liability will I have if this thing gets nasty?
Thanks in advance and I hope you are all having a good day.