The holidays are here and there will be a lot of joy and festivity in Mission Viejo, CA. According to the latest U.S. Census, over 90,000 people live in Mission Viejo. Most of the local population participates in the holiday season, whether they celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, or Kwanza.
For members of a homeowners' association (HOA), it is important to follow community rules when decorating. This way, the community can look great with minimal disruptions to members.
Read on for a comprehensive guide to HOA holiday decorating. Explore topics such as seasonal décor tips and managing homeowners' association celebrations.
Who Sets the Holiday Decoration Guidelines?
The residents of an HOA are the ones that set the rules. They elect residents to a volunteer board of directors.
The board is responsible for overseeing the community and setting policy. Often, they hire a property manager to help run the community since residents are merely volunteers.
The HOA's Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R) is the place to look for community rules. The CC&R will have a section explaining holiday decorating guidelines.
Some HOAs may not have guidelines in place yet. In this situation, the HOA board may turn to a property manager to leverage their expertise.
What Are Some Common Decorating Rules?
The HOA board wants its members to decorate and enjoy the holidays. They must ensure that the community remains peaceful and is not disruptive to its residents.
One common restriction is to prohibit loud decorations. Some Christmas and Halloween decorations play loud music or make disruptive noises.
The HOA board also worries about the timeline of decorations. They understand that holiday decorations are bright and may affect a neighbor's sleep. Holiday decorating rules often set a timeframe for lights to be on and off.
HOA members can only decorate their properties. They cannot install decorations on public sidewalks, roads, and common areas.
There may be restrictions on rooftop decorations. Some HOA boards prohibit large inflatable decorations that are unsightly or present a safety hazard.
Are There Safety Regulations in Place?
Safety is one of the top reasons that an HOA regulates community decorations. There are electrical and physical hazards present. The HOA has a responsibility to prevent electrical fires, shocks, and other accidental injuries.
For example, the CC&R document may require that inflatable decorations anchor into the ground. This prevents them from going airborne in heavy winds and causing damage.
You may also need to use extension cords rated for outdoor usage. Many homeowners make the mistake of using products rated for interior use. They are not able to get wet and do not have the proper safety features for outdoor usage.
Your Guide to HOA Holiday Decorating
Your HOA is now ready to start decorating. Each community is different and it is important to check the rules and regulations.
PMI Mission Viejo has been helping HOA communities decorate for more than two decades. If you need assistance with HOA holiday decorating, contact us at PMI Mission Viejo to speak with an expert.
