About HOAs
A homeowners' association (or HOA) is the governing body of the development or complex, usually comprising homeowners who have volunteered to serve on the HOA board. Most neighborhoods in Ridgefield have an HOA, and new subdivisions are required to have one. See RMC 18.620.145
HOA's have rules called covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) that apply the all homeowners and homes in the neighborhood. The CC&Rs might cover requirements about maintaining homes and landscaping, how many cars a homeowner can park, and whether property can be rented to someone else. Rules differ between different HOA-governed communities. The HOA has the authority to enforce the CC&Rs and to impose penalties for violations.
Homeowners are typically required to pay dues or association fees to the HOA. The dues are primarily used to maintain common areas such as walking paths or parks.
HOA's benefit homeowners in a number of ways. If all the homeowners follow the rules, problems that plague some neighborhoods are avoided - such as trash piling up in someone's yard or poor maintenance of gardens. Also, homeowners' property values, based partly on neighborhood condition, remain stable.