Beaumont Tashjian Law Blog

As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic remains very much a part of our lives at the time of this publication, community association leaders are undoubtedly straining to maintain a sense of normalcy while transitioning to virtual meetings, new common area rules and restrictions, sanitization and other health/safety protocols, etc. Complicating matters further, state and local health officials seem to be revising their pandemic guidelines, recommendations and/or mandates weekly (if not daily). Government orders are regularly either tightened or relaxed, depending on the rise and fall of the infection rate. These reactive responses are difficult to keep track of for community association boards and managers (and attorneys!). 

While the infection rate and government responses to the statistics are unpredictable, what can be controlled is the association’s preparedness for all scenarios.
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In recent years, the laws governing homeowners’ installation of Solar Energy Systems, or “SES” have been updated in order to address evolving technology and the increasing popularity of solar panels.  Under California Civil Code Section 714(a), owners’ associations are barred from adopting any regulations, restrictions or covenants that effectively prohibit the installation or use of a SES.  Any such restrictions are deemed “void and unenforceable” as a matter of law.

However, this does not mean that associations are unable to regulate the installation of SES in their community. Civil Code Section 714(b) allows associations to impose “reasonable” restrictions on the installation of SES.  “Reasonable” restrictions are those defined as “restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency or specified performance, or that allow for an alternative system of comparable cost, efficiency, and energy conservation benefits.”

With SES installations come a variety of concerns. These concerns can include risk of property damage, as well as roof access, workmanship, conformity with legal requirements, protecting existing building improvements, protecting existing roof warranties and effecting repairs – especially with respect to an association’s ability to repair common area roofs and building components that may be covered by SES installations.

As of May 26, 2020, Los Angeles County has issued a revised Order, also referred to as a “Resilience Roadmap,” to safely reopening various facilities within the County, in conjunction with the State Health Officer’s Orders. Of significance to your community association are the following:

• People leaving their residences are still required to wear cloth face coverings;
• Recreational sites, such as fitness centers, children’s playgrounds and movie theaters, must still remain closed;
• All events and gatherings remain prohibited;
• Homeowners association pools may be opened;
• Outdoor recreation activities at parks, trails, beaches and other open spaces are permitted, subject to “Social (Physical) Distancing”;
• Shared outdoor facilities are permitted to be used, subject to Social (Physical) Distancing, such as tennis and pickleball courts, model airplane areas, community gardens, bike parks and equestrian centers.

With this said, “Social (Physical) Distancing” remains defined as: a) maintaining six (6)-feet of physical distance from individuals who are not members of the same household; b) frequently washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty (20) seconds, or using hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol; c) wearing a cloth face covering when in contact with others who do not live in the same household; and d) avoiding all physical interaction outside the household when sick with a fever or cough, except for necessary medical care.

Significantly, based on Los Angeles County’s most recent guidance, community association boards and managers may begin to implement plans for reopening certain common area facilities as described above, including pools. But note, boards should continue to consult with legal counsel and factor in the demographics of the community as well as the feasibility of ensuring Social (Physical) Distancing, prior to making any decision on reopening.
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It is no secret that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has thrusted our community into the throes of an unprecedented situation, forcing community leaders to make timely, sweeping, and in many cases, inconvenient decisions. 

On the heels of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-33-20, which ordered all California residents to stay at home and practice safe social distancing to help “flatten the curve,” many managers and board members worked together to take immediate action and heed the directives of public health officials. This included effectively shutting down access to all association common facilities, such as fitness centers, parks, pools and spas, screening rooms, etc. 

As we have progressed through the pandemic and seen some state and local municipality officials suggest re-opening certain aspects of society to the public, community association residents may be taking note, wondering when their common area facilities will re-open as well. Re-opening facilities may be of particular concern, in light of the impending summer weather.

Senior Partner, Jeffrey A. Beaumont, Esq. and Partner, Lisa A. Tashjian, Esq., have been requested to speak at the 2020 CACM Southern California Law seminar & Expo