Question: I attended a seminar which discussed the importance of maintaining uniformity of appearance of our units and how lack of uniformity can affect property values. Is there somewhere I could get more information or documentation about uniformity and property values?

Answer: The reason for the association maintaining control over the exterior appearance is two fold:

1. Common wall housing typically has a "theme" that if compromised, reduces unit value. To maintain the theme uniformity will help support the highest market values.

2. To control the consistency and quality of maintenance and repairs. If each owner is allowed to modify the common area, consistency and quality control are lost. Uniformity does not mean that changes can't be made. It only means that if an owner proposes a change, like the addition of storm door, the association should establish a standard for it that includes durability, color, style, make and model so that all such changes are uniform.

Some changes like air conditioners, whether roof mounted, on the ground or through the wall cause other problems in the common area like heat, noise, leaking in the walls, roof leaking, etc. The board should think through each new modification carefully as to both the curb appeal and maintenance issues.

Question: What are the powers of the board in regards to committees and appointments?

Answer: The board can appoint committees or positions like Clubhouse Director to manage certain aspects of the HOA's business. The board should provide those committees and positions with detailed job descriptions so there is no misunderstanding what their authority is. The board can approve a budget for a committee or position which allows it to spend money on behalf of the HOA. In other words, the board does not need to micro-manage, however, those committees and appointed positions need oversight. If the board has approved a budget for a committee, the board should pay the bills incurred.

Question: Have you published articles that deal specifically with towing illegally parked vehicles? We would like some guidelines.

Answer: Towing is a very emotional issue and requires an enormous amount of oversight on someone's part to track. Some tows are no brainers: If a car is parked in the Fire Lane, automatic tow. Reserved parking tows are less urgent except to the person whose spot has been commandeered. These events can happen 24/7.

Before any towing is done, you should have a formally adopted Parking Resolution that addresses the various violations and penalties. There is a sample policy at www.Regenesis.net under Policy Samples available to subscribers.

For more innovative homeowner association management strategies, see www.Regenesis.net