FLOWER PLANTINGS, P.2

If a resident plans to do a project that alters a common or limited common element, establish that he or she must obtain the proper request forms from the board before commencing work. The resident should include drawings, brochures and all others details about the project. Make clear that residents are responsible for any damage their actions cause to the common or limited common elements. More detail is better than no detail. This advice extends to such other landscape-related issues, such as patio work and satellite-dish installation.

Ultimately, boards must require residents to give written approval for any landscaping change they want to make.

Barbara A. Stites is a community-association manager with the Kramer Triad Management Group in Troy, Mich. She is a designated Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA), Association Management Specialist (AMS) and Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) with the Community Associations Institute. This is adapted from her article at AssociaLiving.com.

For articles going back to 2002, join our Archive >>