Blog

 

 

Q: Why don’t we have enough parking?

A: Developers want to build the most homes possible to make the most money, so they often allot the fewest parking spaces required by law. Unfortunately, that leaves the association to deal with the shortage.

 

Q: Why can’t we park on the street?

A: The association’s roads are subject to local regulations that specify the space needed for access by emergency vehicles. When cars are parked on the street, there isn’t enough clearance for fire trucks to maneuver.

 

Q: Why do I have to register my car with the association?

A: The association’s registration system allows the manager to match vehicles with residents. In case of emergency we can contact you. It also allows the association to identify nonresidents who are parking in our spaces. Be sure your parking pass is clearly visible at all times.

 

Q: It seems the parking lot loses another space to handicapped parking every day. Why so many?

A: It may look like a disproportionate number of spaces are reserved for handicapped parking, but for each space there is a resident in need. The Fair Housing Amendments Act makes it unlawful to “discriminate against any person in the terms, conditions, or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling, or in the provision of services or facilities in connection with such dwelling, because of a handicap of that person.” The “provision of services or facilities” includes providing reserved parking. When a resident requests a handicapped parking space, the association makes every effort to reserve one. Not only does federal and state law require it, but it’s also the right thing to do.

 

Q: What gives the association the right to tell me where and how to park?

A: When you purchased your home, you entered into a contractual agreement with the association to abide by its covenants. Those covenants include bylaws that empower the board to adopt and enforce rules they believe are necessary for everyone’s good. The parking policy explains the parking rules and specifies procedures for enforcing them; not only is the board allowed to develop the policy, it’s legally obligated to do so.

 

Q: Why don’t we just assign reserved parking?

A:  Our parking spaces are a type of property called common elements. That means all spaces are owned commonly by everyone, and everyone has the right to use them. Another type of property is called limited common elements. Like parking spaces, limited common elements are owned by everyone, but not everyone can use them. They are limited to one owner. Patios and balconies are examples of limited common elements. By assigning reserved parking, we would effectively change the property status from common element to limited common element, which goes against our governing documents and our own property rights. Before we could assign reserved parking, we’d have to amend our governing documents. This process is complex, expensive, lengthy and it requires approval by all members.

 

Q: Why can’t I use my parking pass for an inoperable vehicle?

A:  Our parking rules disallow inoperable vehicles for the simple purpose of keeping the community looking nice. Even covered vehicles give the appearance of neglect.

 

Q:  Why was I cited for a vehicle that complies with all the association’s parking rules?

A:  Sometimes the association tickets vehicles considered a nuisance. These are vehicles that consistently leak oil on the common areas, emit excessive exhaust or gas fumes, are excessively noisy or are otherwise inconsiderate of others. These situations result when your vehicle is in poor repair.

One of winter’s great pleasures is relaxing in front of a warm, cozy fire. For most months of the year, however, the fireplace stands idle, and these long periods of disuse can lead to hazardous conditions when you light your first fire of the season.

 

Your fireplace needs regular care and cleaning to assure a safe and roaring fire. Creosote, a flammable, tar-like substance that accumulates in the firebox, chimney and flue, should be removed by a professional once a year, eliminating the worry of a potential fire hazard. Your chimney should also be inspected annually to ensure there are no structural problems.

 

Clean your fireplace and its accessories regularly to prevent the accumulation of soot, ashes and creosote tars. The following guidelines will help you keep your fireplace in good working order throughout the wood-burning season:

 

·       Vacuum or sweep the hearth weekly to prevent dust and soot buildup. Do not sweep or vacuum until all embers have been extinguished for at least 12 hours.

·       Burn only well-dried, seasoned wood to minimize dangerous creosote buildup and reduce the risk of toxic fumes and excessive smoke.

·       Don’t use water to drown a fire except in case of an emergency. Water will make a paste of the ashes, which is difficult to remove.

·       Don’t use an abrasive cleanser inside the fireplace; many such cleaners leave a flammable residue. Instead use a stiff-bristled brush to gently scrub the walls of the firebox.

·       When cleaning your fireplace, sprinkle damp coffee grounds over the cooled ashes to keep down the dust.

 

For more tips on fireplace care and maintenance, as well as kerosene heaters, wood-burning stoves and furnaces, download the U.S. Fire Administration brochure, Winter Fires: Safety Tips for the Home, at www.usfa.fema.gov/