Common interest developments: discipline.
What changed between versions
The bill now amends Sections 5850 and 5855 of the Civil Code (Davis-Stirling Act) in addition to Section 3281, expanding its scope from a nonsubstantive civil code edit to a full framework for HOA/condo association penalty and discipline procedures.
Associations must adopt and distribute a schedule of monetary penalties to all members. Penalties are capped at the lesser of the scheduled amount or $100 per violation, with no late charges or interest allowed on penalties.
Boards must give members at least 10 days written notice before a disciplinary meeting, including the date, time, place, nature of the alleged violation, and the member's right to attend and address the board. The board must meet in executive session if the member requests it.
A new provision states that a member engaged in habitual, repeated, or continuing violations is not deemed to have cured a violation simply because it is not occurring at the time of the hearing, closing a potential loophole for repeat offenders.
Boards may exceed the $100 cap only for violations that may result in adverse health or safety impacts, specifically enumerated: fire/environmental hazards (flammable storage, fire lane obstruction, disabled fire equipment, smoking, open flames, chemical discharge, fire hardening violations, drones), architectural issues (unauthorized construction, non-compliant wiring, removed safety features), animal issues (dangerous or vicious pets, uncontrolled pets, pet waste, prohibited animals), maintenance issues (stockpiling, trash accumulation, mold, standing water), common area damages (tree removal, dangerous vehicle use, fluid dumping, personal items in common areas, toys/sports equipment placement, obstructed tree limbs), violent acts (physical threats, weapon discharge), and short-term rental violations of 30 days or less.
Members have the right to cure a violation before the disciplinary meeting. The board cannot impose discipline if the member cures the violation or, if curing would take longer than the notice period, provides a financial commitment to cure.
Before imposing a penalty above $100, the board must make a written finding specifying the adverse health or safety impact at a board meeting open to members.
If the board and member disagree after the meeting, the member may request internal dispute resolution under Section 5910. If they agree, the board must draft a written resolution signed by both parties that is judicially enforceable. The board must provide written notification of any disciplinary decision within 14 days, and no disciplinary action is effective unless all procedural requirements are met.
The original nonsubstantive change to Section 3281 (removing the redundant 'Every' before 'A person') is retained but renumbered as Section 3 of the bill rather than Section 1.