HOA Terms Glossary

Confused by HOA jargon? This glossary explains every term you will encounter in your CC&Rs, ARC applications, and HOA communications in plain English.

A

ARC (Architectural Review Committee): The group of volunteers appointed by the HOA board to review and approve or deny exterior modification requests. Sometimes called the ACC.

ACC (Architectural Control Committee): Same as ARC. Different HOAs use different names.

Assessment: A fee charged to homeowners for community expenses. Can be regular dues or special one-time charges.

B

Board of Directors: The elected group of homeowners who govern the HOA. They set policies, approve budgets, and oversee the ARC.

Bylaws: Rules that govern how the HOA operates — elections, meetings, board structure. Different from CC&Rs.

C

CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions): The legal document defining what homeowners can and cannot do with their property. This is what the ARC uses to evaluate your submission. Recorded with the county, legally binding.

Common Area: Property owned by the HOA that all residents can use — pools, parks, clubhouses.

D

Declarant: The developer who originally created the HOA and recorded the CC&Rs.

E

Easement: A legal right for someone to use a portion of your property. Can affect where you build fences, sheds, and structures.

F

Fine: A monetary penalty for violating CC&Rs or HOA rules.

G

Grandfather Clause: A provision allowing existing structures to remain even if they do not meet current rules.

L

Lien: A legal claim against your property for unpaid HOA dues or fines. Can prevent selling or refinancing.

S

Setback: The minimum distance a structure must be from property lines or streets.

Solar Access Rights: State laws protecting your right to install solar panels. Many states prohibit HOAs from banning solar.