GOVERNANCE
ATLANTIC BEACH
&
RULES
REGULATIONS
WHY WE HAVE RULES AS A BASIS FOR ENSURING A HARMONIOUS
LIFESTYLE FOR RESIDENTS IN A RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY
Introduction Management rules
All institutions in the world have rules and regulations It is important for all members and residents to know
that govern the operation, use and participation in that how the company, in this case the HOA, is managed.
institution. Residents living outside a residential estate The HOA is reliant on all levies being paid by all
are governed by municipal laws relating to noise, the members on time in order for the HOA to meet its
keeping of animals, the use of estate agent boards, financial obligations to its creditors. Rules relating to
the driving of vehicles in the suburb, etc. Hospitals, who can vote and how to vote for resolutions to be
libraries, universities, golf courses, sports clubs, airports adopted ensure that all members understand how their
and shopping centres have rules and regulations too, rights are exercised. The processes adopted for board
and residential estates are no different. decisions to be made must be clearly stated to give
Rules and regulations approved by the members of
a Homeowners’ Association (HOA) are also designed
to govern the use and enjoyment of the residential
community and are always intended to serve the best
interests of the community rather than individuals or
groups of individuals in the community.
It is not the board or management that approves
good corporate governance. Members also need to be
fully informed of how directors/trustees are elected
and how they can participate in the election of the
directors/trustees and, of course, how they themselves
can be nominated to serve.
Security and safety rules
the rules, but rather the members themselves. It is While the ultimate responsibility for security rests with
the responsibility of the board and management to each homeowner, most people who choose to live in
implement and enforce the rules as well as the penalties a secure estate do so because of the added security.
for breaches. Controlling access and egress ensures accountability.
Management rules, rules for the security and safety of
the community, aesthetic guidelines, rules pertaining to
the use of facilities and common areas, environmental
rules and, of course, conduct rules are important to all
members of a residential community. If these rules are
communicated, properly stated and lawful, there is no
reason why most if not all members of the HOA will buy
into these as an integral component of community living.
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all members of the HOA peace of mind relating to
While access to individuals who have a rightful purpose to
enter cannot be denied, it is important to have information
relating to the reasons why people are entering the
community. Rules pertaining to the use of roads, speeding
and dangerous driving are there to protect residents and
their families, and in some cases the wildlife. Other safety
rules, like the storage of hazardous goods, the lighting of
fires and setting off fireworks, for example, are designed
to protect the community and property.