Term Tuesday: CC&R's

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CC&R's stand for Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions. These are rules that apply to limitations on the use of real or personal property in a specific neighborhood as outlined by the homeowners' association. Restrictions are generally included in the Homeowners' Associations' By-laws or can be requested from the County Recorder's office.

Here are several examples of provisions that may be outlined in a community's CC&R's:

• Construction guidelines, such as a height restriction of a wall surrounding a home
• Parking guidelines, such as no street parking
• Pet allowance or limitations
• Exterior decoration, such as flags or signage

CC&R's apply to homeowners as well as their guests or rental tenants, and unless a specific guideline conflicts with federal, state or local law, these rules are legally enforceable. Failure to abide by these rules may result in fines, forced compliance or lawsuits by the association.