Amending Governing Documents

What We'll Cover

• What are the "governing documents"?
• Reasons to amend
• Amendment process
• Finalizing & Recording
• Q&A

Governing Documents

• Declaration / CC&Rs
• Plat
• Bylaws
• Articles of Incorporation
• Rules & Regulations

Declaration / CC&Rs

• Ownership interests
• Easements
• Authority to assess
• Use restrictions
• Developer rights

Bylaws

• Operating guidelines
• Meeting requirements
• Directors & Officers
• Use restrictions (Oregon condos)
• Quorum requirement

Rules, Regulations & Resolutions

• Generally adopted by board
• May not conflict with other governing documents
• Not recorded

Amendment v. Restatement

Reasons to Amend

• Legislative changes
• Ambiguous language
• Add or remove restrictions
• Remove developer provisions

Common Amendments

• Rentals
• Smoking
• Parking
• Number of Directors

Process

• Identify reasons
• Determine statutory and voting requirements
• Decide on method of voting
• Solicit feedback
• Vote
• Record!

Presenting the Amendments

• Provide reasoning for amendments
• Redline version if possible
• Commentary for certain amendments
• Solicit feedback
• Identify substantive changes

Electronic Voting

Advantages

• Increase turnout
• Easy record keeping
• Inexpensive
• Better accuracy
• Immediate results

Potential Issues

• Duplicate votes
• Revocation of vote
• Owners w/o internet
• Co-owners cast conflicting votes

Amendment Approvals

• Declaration / CC&Rs
• Bylaws
• Statutory voting thresholds

Certification

Recording

THANK YOU!