Any good HOA has a consistent set of rules and regulations that homeowners must follow in the community. Parking is usually regulated pretty heavily. It’s not going to help your property value to have broken-down cars, and large trailers scattered throughout the community. No one wants to see so much street parking that it’s nearly impossible to navigate the neighborhood.
HOA parking rules are intended to keep the community looking good and to provide convenience and direction for homeowners and their guests when it comes to where and how to park cars.
Here are some of the common issues we see as a Winston-Salem association management company, and how you can resolve them.
Parking Restrictions in Winston-Salem HOAs
There are several restrictions that your HOA will likely have on what types of vehicles can be parked and where they are permitted to be. Here are the most common restrictions that you can expect and, as an HOA board, enforce:
- Vehicle Types
Most HOAs will not allow commercial vehicles. Recreational vehicles, trailers, and heavy-duty trucks can also be restricted. You may not allow boat parking or camper parking. If your community has a designated space for these types of vehicles, make sure it’s clearly marked. Offer those spaces on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Resident vs. Guest Parking
You need to allow your homeowners to park at their own properties. For example, it does not make sense to say that residents cannot leave a car in their driveway. Some HOAs will issue parking decals to identify residents who may park in common areas or, if permitted, on the street.
Guest parking needs to be addressed. Is there a specific lot or a set of parking spaces dedicated to guests? If so, mark them clearly and make sure you’ve documented the penalties for guests who park in unauthorized spaces.
- Street Parking
Many HOAs will restrict street parking. In private neighborhoods, where streets are owned by the HOA, this is acceptable. If your building or community is along public roads and streets, however, local laws will mandate what type of parking is permitted.
Enforcing HOA Parking Restrictions
Often, residents and guests will complain that there’s not enough parking. Sometimes, they’ll complain about unauthorized people parking in their assigned spots. Communication is essential, as is the documentation of your community’s parking rules. Here is what you should do to effectively enforce your parking rules:
- Post Signs. No Parking signs are especially necessary for areas where you don’t allow any parking at all.
- Indicate fire lanes and disabled parking by painted lines and additional signs.
- Updated residents and keep them informed of parking rules and potential changes. If you have a website, post parking rules there. Reference parking in your rules and regulations.
- Provide warnings when there are parking violations. Written warnings can alert residents and their guests that a parking rule has been violated. A simple notice is a good opportunity for them to come into compliance before you issue a fine or have them towed.
You don’t want to enter into conflicts with your homeowners, but you also don’t want a sense of chaos when it comes to parking in your community. If you’d like some help establishing and enforcing rules around parking, please contact us at Capstone Realty Consultants. We provide residential property management and Winston-Salem association management.