BEFORE YOU PAY THAT TICKET Before you pay that ticket or violation find out if it is legal. Were they charging you $50 for the first ticket and now it is $100 or $200 or $300? Your Board can't arbitrarily jack up the fees in the CC&R's unless you voted to raise the fees and fines. Ask to see when the fee hike took place and when the vote passed to amend the CC&R's. Your Association may need a 2/3 vote. FAIR? Are those tickets and violation fines fair or do they seem punitive?  Do you feel you are at the Parole Board trying to defend your ticket? You were unloading the grocery items from the trunk of your car parked in the garage. You pop the melting ice cream into the freezer. You return to the car for that last bag and find a ticket for leaving the garage door open. You appear at the Rules and Regulations meeting to explain. To make matters worse, months ago you set out your wilting African Violet for some sun, received a ticket, and now you are facing a second violation. No one seems to listen when you try to explain, and you are slapped with that big fine. Perhaps the Homeowners Association has lost sight of what the tickets and violations mean. You are not a trouble maker. Your garage door is not always open and your plants are not littering the walkways. Does your association only see this as the second ticket and therefore you deserve a fine? Do you get the impression you should be greatful you were not incarcetated for your near criminal behavior? When did the HOA move from overseers to judge, jury and executioners? Remind your HOA Board and those listening to violations that this is not the Parole Board. You are not a criminal wantonly violating condominium rules and deserve harsh punishment. Perhaps fees and fines belong more to those who repeatedly refuse to obey the rules, causing problems for the community. Even our highest courts respect the spirit of the law and not just the letter of the law, and know the difference. |