3 minute read
Ask Abbey: What is a homeowner association?
Ask Abbey
What is a homeowner association, or HOA?
A homeowner association is a legally recognized, nonprofit entity with automatic, mandatory membership for its homeowners. A developer or a group of property owners creates an HOA.
Most planned communities in South Fayette Township operate under a homeowner association (HOA), community services association (CSA) or similar organization that aims to preserve neighborhood characteristics and enrich property values.
Homeowner groups usually assess dues to pay for operations and maintenance of shared property. Members must comply with their HOA’s rules and standards, which are established when the homes are purchased.
Active homeowner associations enforce their own rules on their own property. South Fayette Township, the local government, is unable to enforce private HOA rules. However, the township can enforce its own laws and regulations within neighborhoods that have an HOA.
Here are answers to some questions that homeowner groups frequently ask:
Who maintains the roads in my neighborhood?
South Fayette Township maintains only public roads. Streets in a new housing plan are privately owned and maintained by the developer or HOA until they are completely built to construction standards and accepted by the township as public streets.
Do I need a building permit?
Contact your homeowner association before acquiring building or zoning permits through South Fayette Township to ensure you are meeting HOA-specific guidelines and regulations. Your HOA likely will want a copy of your building permit once it is issued by the township building inspector. You can find more information about permit requirements at southfayettepa.com/building.
Can we hold a block party?
Neighborhood gatherings are a great way for neighbors to meet and connect. To temporarily close a road for pedestrians during a block party, the homeowner group must contact public safety personnel—police, fire and ambulance— at least two weeks in advance for approval. Roads must remain accessible in case of emergency, so any barricades must be readily movable.
Can I park on the street?
To leave vehicles on the street overnight where parking hours are regulated, residents must request permission in advance from the South Fayette Township Police Department by calling the business office at 412-221-2170 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How can HOAs help build a strong community?
Homeowner associations can help build a sense of community in housing developments, share information with neighbors and play a vital role in resolving property disputes. Well-functioning HOAs can be a great asset to the township as a whole.
Should I contact my HOA or the township about issues?
If you have a question or problem within your neighborhood, please check with your homeowner group first.
HOA Roll Call
Stay connected with news that affects your neighborhood! Update your HOA contact information with the township by visiting southfayettepa.com/rollcall.
Abbey Scheerer is an administrative assistant with South Fayette Township.
