Re: newbie question: How do they get started in an area in the first place?

In article <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, trent <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> How do they get started in an area in the first place? 
> Is it just in new developments? Do established neighborhoods form them?
> How do you join, or refuse to join one, if you're in an area that wants
> one introduced?

"Genuine" HOAs or CIDs [1] are generally established, and the initial 
rules (CC&Rs) governing the HOA or CID are initially written, by the 
initial land developer.  

The existence of the CID is written into the property deeds; and you 
become legally bound by the initial CC&Rs at the time you purchase your 
residence, as part of the act of purchasing.  (Check before you buy!) 

You and your neighbors can only change these CC&Rs later on by following 
whatever procedures for change are written into the initial CC&Rs.

Setting up an HOA in an established or non-CID neighborhood -- one that 
will have a legal existence and  legally bind *all* its residents -- is 
less common, and probably much harder to do legally.


[1] The jargon in California for any type of condo, townhouse, or other 
legally established neighborhood association or development is "CID" for 
"Common Interest Development".