Dear Homeowners/Residents,

We are pleased to present our proposed restated Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) and Bylaws for our community. This project is the result of years of effort by your HOA membership and past and present boards, all dedicated to protecting our community, reserve funds, and the value of our homes. Every aspect of these documents has been carefully considered because, like you, we call this community home.

Please understand these documents are entirely new rather than red-lined. A red-lined version would have been cost-prohibitive due to the extensive legal analysis required for compliance with current California laws. As a result, there are many changes, so please take the time to review the restated documents in full.

The board wanted to highlight some changes you may find notable:

• Legal Compliance: Our governing documents now align with all relevant California codes, reducing legal risks for our HOA and its members.

• Common Area Utilities: The HOA remains responsible for common area utilities, including electric, drains, and water.

• Short-Term Rentals: The revised CC&Rs include restrictions on short-term rentals, such as AirBnb, that reflect Hermosa Beach’s Municipal Code, enabling us to maintain community integrity even if city enforcement lags.

• Unit Improvements: Non-HOA improvements are now clearly outlined as homeowner’s responsibility, safeguarding HOA reserves from costs related to repairing & maintaining owner customizations.

• Window Responsibility: Homeowners are fully responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of their windows. While previous practices may have caused confusion, the original CC&Rs have always assigned this responsibility to homeowners. Many upgraded windows come with extended warranties. This shifts maintenance obligations to vendors and prevents the HOA from inadvertently voiding warranties.

• Rental Cap: A new rental cap has been introduced to maintain a healthy mix of vested homeowners. Existing owners are exempt.

• Smoking Restrictions: Enhanced rules limit smoking to protect neighbors from second-hand exposure and promote a healthier living environment.

• Pet Policy Updates: Oddly worded pet restrictions have been revised to better reflect modern community needs while maintaining reasonable regulations.

• Parking Updates: Revisions to parking regulations provide the community with greater flexibility in managing parking lots through our Rules & Regulations allowing us to adapt as our needs change over time.

• Garage Doors: Homeowners are now responsible for the entire garage door, except for the exterior surface. Because they are protected by the shaded alley, these doors endured really well. This was a strategic choice to divert reserve savings to line items of  critical community needs.

• Responsibility Chart: A new, easy-to-reference chart outlines HOA and homeowner responsibilities, providing clarity and reducing disputes.

• Quorum requirements: Updates follow current best practices by adjusting quorum requirements to prevent roadblocks from non participatory membership.

• Board Governance: Staggered board terms have been introduced to facilitate smoother transitions and preserve institutional knowledge.

Additionally, we have strategically structured the CC&Rs to serve as a stable, long-term framework, while enabling flexibility through our Rules & Regulations. This ensures that evolving community needs can be addressed without requiring costly document amendments.

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out!

Your voice matters in shaping the future of our community! We invite all residents to actively participate in the CCRs and Bylaws update project. This is a unique opportunity to ensure that our governing documents reflect our collective vision and address modern needs. Join us in informational sessions, Q&A forums, and feedback surveys to share your ideas and concerns. Together, we can create a well-governed, legally compliant, and vibrant community that enhances the quality of life for everyone. Get involved and help us make a positive impact!

This effort is being speaheaded by both Alex and Wally. If you'd like to be more actively involved, please let us know! 501ccrs@googlegroups.com