Condominium, homeowner (HOA), and townhome community associations rely on a volunteer board of directors to oversee the governance and operations of the community. However, managing a community effectively often requires additional support, which is where committees come in.

While the structure, authority, and requirements for committees can vary by state laws and individual association governing documents, this article provides a broad overview of how committees function, their role in assisting the board, and their limitations.

 

What Are Community Association Committees?

Committees are groups of volunteer community members who assist board members and property managers in handling specific tasks or projects within the association. Committees generally serve in an advisory or task-oriented capacity based on the association’s needs.

Each committee operates under the guidance and authority of the association’s board. The board decides which committees to form and appoints members by seeking volunteers from the community.

Committees may research issues, provide recommendations, or assist with specific events or projects. They typically meet as needed and provide updates to the board and management. Reports may be in the form of written summaries, presentations at board meetings, or recommendations for board consideration.

 

How Do Community Association Committees Assist Board Members?

Committees help lighten the association’s board’s workload by handling specific tasks, including:

  • Architectural Review Committees: Help enforce the community’s architectural standards by reviewing homeowner modification requests and making recommendations to the board.
  • Budget & Finance Committees: Assist in reviewing financial reports, analyzing budgets, and making recommendations regarding association funding.
  • Rules & Compliance Committees: Evaluate existing rules, propose changes, and assist with enforcement procedures.
  • Social & Events Committees: Plan and organize community activities such as holiday events, garage sales, and community clean-up days.
  • Welcome Committees: Help welcome new homeowners into the community by providing important information, hosting orientation meetings, or delivering welcome packages.
  • Landscaping & Maintenance Committees: Monitor common areas, provide feedback on landscaping projects, and suggest improvements to enhance the community’s appearance.
  • Election Committees: Oversee the election process, ensuring fair procedures, and compliance with association rules.

 

Understanding Community Association Committee Limitations

While committees can be valuable assets to an association, it’s important to recognize their limitations. Committees serve in an advisory role and their decisions are generally defined and authorized by state laws and the association’s governing documents.

Without clear expectations and guidance from the board, committees may overstep their boundaries or develop conflicts with board members, management, or other community residents. Regular communication and defined responsibilities help mitigate these risks.

 

Legal Resource

Community association committees provide essential support to board members, assisting with everything from financial oversight to organizing community events. However, it’s crucial to define their authority and ensure they operate within the legal and governance framework of the association.

Boards should work with the association’s attorney to ensure that the governing documents accurately reflect the community’s needs and comply with legal requirements regarding committees. This proactive approach helps prevent disputes and ensures committees function within the proper legal framework.

Do not hesitate to contact our law firm if your community association has questions regarding committees, board member responsibilities, updates to your governing document, or other legal concerns.

Please call 855-537-0500 or visit www.ksnlaw.com.

Since 1983, KSN has been a legal resource for condominium, homeowner, and townhome associations. Additionally, we represent clients in real estate transactions, collections, landlord/tenant issues, and property tax appeals. We represent thousands of clients and community associations throughout the US with offices in several states including Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

 

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