FAQs

No, our membership dues are voluntary. 

There are several developments located within the Cypress Improvement Association that have mandatory HOA dues; these developments were constructed after our  community association was originally founded in the 1920s.  

Yes, members can pay dues online using a credit card or PayPal funds. Alternatively, members can make a check, payable to Cypress Improvement Association to PO Box 146, Severna Park, MD 21146. 

Yes, the CIA maintains the pier at the end of Cypress Creek Road for members, which can be used for fishing, swimming, and water access (i.e., kayaking). 

There is a private marina located within the community that is not associated with the CIA; this private marina is located off Amoss road. 

Yes, the CIA can require proof of membership for people attending community events or accessing community amenities. According to ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP, Section 2 of the bylaws:

"Members of the Association, their immediate families and bona fide guests shall be entitled to participate in all of the recreational, athletic, or social activities conducted, sponsored, or provided by the Association, except as may be limited by the By-Laws or provided for by any other rule or regulation established by the Board of Directors. Any person not a member of the Association but who is otherwise eligible to become a member shall not be regarded as a bona fide guest for the purpose described in this section."

This means that participation in community events is a benefit reserved for members, their immediate families, and bona fide guests. You can therefore require proof of membership to ensure that only eligible individuals participate in the events, as long as this is in line with any additional rules or regulations established by the Board of Directors.

Members of the Cypress Improvement Association (CIA) have full entitlement and access to community amenities and events, including the pier, beach, and Halloween party. Bona fide guests, who are genuine invitees not eligible for membership, can use these amenities when accompanied by a member. Eligible non-members, who have not joined the Association, are neither entitled to nor allowed access to these amenities or events, even if invited by a member.

Community Pier/Beach

• Members:

  • Entitlement: Members are entitled to full access to the community pier and beach.

  • Access: They can freely use these amenities, subject to any community rules and regulations.

• Bona Fide Guests:

  • Entitlement: Bona fide guests, invited by members, are entitled to use the pier and beach.

  • Access: They can access these amenities when accompanied by the member who invited them.

• Eligible Non-Members:

  • Entitlement: Eligible non-members are not entitled to use the pier or beach.

  • Access: They are prohibited from using these amenities even if invited by a member.

Community Events:

• Members:

  • Entitlement: Members are entitled to attend all community events.

  • Access: They have full access to events and can participate without restrictions.

• Bona Fide Guests:

  • Entitlement: Bona fide guests can attend community events as invited by members.

  • Access: They can participate in events when accompanied by the member who invited them.

• Eligible Non-Members:

  • Entitlement: Eligible non-members are not entitled to attend community events.

  • Access: They cannot attend events even if invited by a member, as they are not considered bona fide guests.

Entitlement is the formal right to use amenities, while access is the actual ability to use them. Members and their bona fide guests have both entitlement and access, whereas eligible non-members do not.

• Entitlement refers to the right or privilege granted to someone based on their membership status. It is a formal recognition of their eligibility to participate in or use certain community amenities and activities.

  • Entitled individuals are usually members and their immediate family members. They have comprehensive rights to community amenities like the pier/beach and to attend community events.

• Access is the physical ability to use or participate in community amenities and events. It involves the actual use of the privileges to which someone is entitled.

  • Access can be controlled through physical measures (e.g., gates, locks) and regulations (e.g., guest policies, member verification). It can be granted or restricted based on the rules set by the Association.

A member is someone who meets the eligibility criteria, pays the dues, and is formally enrolled in the Association. Members have full access to all community amenities and activities. Members can participate in all Association activities, vote in meetings, hold office, and have their immediate family members enjoy community benefits.

There are mutliple categories of non-member; guest, bonafide guest, eligible non-member

• A guest is someone invited by a member to participate in community activities or use amenities. They do not have any formal association with the community. Guests typically have limited access and must follow community rules; they also need to be accompanied by the member who invited them.

• According to the bylaws, a bonafide guest is a genuine guest invited by a member, who is not eligible to become a member of the association. Bona fide guests can participate in all recreational, athletic, or social activities of the Association, except where limited by the bylaws or other rules. 

• According to the bylaws, eligible non-members cannot be considered bona fide guests.

At the general membership meeting on September 19, 2022, the Cypress Improvement Association hosted a discussion of an annual dues increase, beginning in 2023 (to $75), and presented a long term sustainability effort for the preservation of our community's assets, most notably - the pier.  

Update: As of Sept 2023, phase 1 of the plan has been implemented with an increase in annual dues. The increased funds will be saved in a "pier infrastructure fund" until needed.  Subsequent phases are on hold until additional additional CIA volunteers are identified to spearhead these efforts. Email cypressassoc@gmail.com if you would like to take a leadership role.