Condo Media - September 2024 - 40

The Region VERMONT
Rule Enforcement
The Engineering Perspective [By Andrew Dudka]
As a condominium unit owner,
it's not uncommon to feel defensive
about the rules and their enforcement.
Several reasons contribute to this sentiment,
which can stem from personal
perceptions, misunderstandings, and
the inherent nature of living in a shared
community, especially if condominium
life is new to you.
We all have varied experiences in our
lives, and it would not be uncommon
to think that homeowner association
(HOA) rules infringe on personal freedom
based on negative past experiences,
unfair treatment, privacy concerns, lack
of input in rulemaking, cultural differences,
and the big one: fear of change.
BENEFITS AND RULES
Perhaps at one time, you owned a singlefamily
home and could plant new trees
and put up fences, sheds, and decks on
your property without having to get
permission. (Of course, you pulled
town permits when necessary, right?)
Yet, condominium life has so many
incredible benefits; here are a few:
l Property value protection:
Roofs, decks, siding, asphalt
l Community amenities:
Pools, gyms, courts, clubhouse, events
l Safety and security:
Patrols, cameras, gates
l Maintenance of common areas:
Snow plowing, mowing,
cleaning, landscaping
l Legal and insurance protection:
Liability coverage of accidents
and damage in common areas
l Professional management:
Property manager
40 CONDOMEDIA September 2024
And I know these benefits are not free
and are paid through your monthly fees.
To make these benefits a reality for
everyone's enjoyment, a balance must
be struck. Imagine if we did not have
rules and warnings when driving in our
beautiful state of Vermont: no moose
crossing signs to take seriously; no signs
and arrows warning about a sharp curve
ahead (we have so many); and no speed
limits. These rules are all meant to keep
you safe. HOA rules were developed
and appropriately updated based on
common sense, safety, and for the enjoyment
of everyone.
ENFORCEMENT BENEFITS
From an engineering perspective, enforcing
HOA rules offers significant benefits,
including the preservation of structural
integrity, environmental sustainability,
enhanced safety, and effective community
planning. Let's explore these
advantages and how they contribute
to thriving neighborhoods:
l Structural integrity: One of the
primary benefits of HOA rule enforcement
is the preservation of structural
integrity. HOAs typically establish
guidelines for property maintenance,
ensuring that homes and common
structures remain in good condition.
This proactive approach prevents
minor issues from escalating into
significant, costly problems.
l Environmental sustainability: HOAs
promote environmental sustainability
through their regulations. By enforcing
rules on landscaping, waste management,
and energy efficiency, they help
reduce the environmental footprint of
the community.
l Safety: Safety is a paramount concern
for any residential community,
and HOA rules play a crucial role in
ensuring it. Through regulations on
construction practices, fire safety,
and emergency preparedness,
HOAs help protect residents
from potential hazards.
l Community planning:
Effective community planning
is another significant benefit of
HOA rule enforcement. By regulating
land use and architectural styles,
HOAs contribute to a well-organized
and visually appealing neighborhood,
which helps maintain market values
of units.
HOA rule enforcement offers
numerous benefits that extend beyond
mere aesthetics. By ensuring structural
integrity, promoting environmental
sustainability, enhancing safety, and
facilitating effective community
planning, HOAs play a critical role
in creating resilient and well-maintained
neighborhoods.
While the rules may sometimes
seem restrictive, their long-term
benefits are undeniable, contributing
to the overall well-being and stability
of residential communities. So next
time you see your HOA enforcing a
seemingly strict rule, remember,
they're just trying to keep the
community in top shape.
n ANDREW DUDKA IS PRESIDENT OF
CRITERIUM LALANCETTE AND DUDKA
ENGINEERS IN RUTLAND, VERMONT.
Condo Media - September 2024

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