1.

Q:

A:

Does the City of Santa Clarita affect OO1?

OO1 is located within the City of Santa Clarita.  Therefore, all city ordinances and codes apply.

2.

Q:

A:

How is OO1 governed?

OO1 is operated as a non-profit California corporation.  A five-member Board of Directors governs OO1.

Directors serve for two year terms.  Elections are held at the Annual Meeting of Members in February. 

3.

Q:

A:

Who are the current Board Members?

Frank Schranz, Judd Figatner, Pat Kelley, Kathy Voice, and Karen Rees.

4.

Q:

A:

When does the Board meet?

Meetings are generally held the First Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM at the clubhouse.

5.

Q:

A:

How can I contact or communicate to the Board?

Members are always welcome to attend any Board meeting.  Time is set aside at every Board meeting for Members to speak to the Board.  In addition, Board Members can be reached by phone or mail.  Phone numbers are on the back of the Acerca.  The mailing address is:

Old Orchard I
Homeowners Association
Board of Directors
P.O. Box  55522
Valencia, CA 91385

6.

Q:

A:

Is the Board friendly?

All Board Members live in OO1 and work very hard to improve the OO1 quality of life.  Homeowner suggestions, comments and constructive criticism are always welcome.

7.

Q:

A:

How much are Board Members paid?

Board Members are volunteers.  They are not paid.

8.

Q:

A:

How much are Association assessments?

For the year 2011, regular assessments are $488.00. This averages $40.67 a month.

9.

Q:

A:

What are regular assessments used for?

Regular assessments, in part, pay for the maintenance, operation and repair of the clubhouse facility.  In addition, regular assessments are used to cover the costs of various legal requirements including, but not  limited to, reserves, mailings required by law, annual audit, and preparation of a reserve study.

10.

Q:

A:

What are "reserves"?

Reserves are the monies that are set aside to pay for the replacement of major common area components such as clubhouse roofs and to pay for the maintenance of common area components such as the exterior painting of the clubhouse buildings.  A portion of your assessment is set aside each year as reserves.  The Board performs a formal Reserve Study every three years.  Directors review the Study annually and update it as appropriate.

11.

Q:

A:

Do assessments cover the maintenance of the paseo system?

No.  The maintenance of the paseo system is paid for by a tax that is collected by the County as part of your property taxes.

12.

Q:

A:

Are there other Association fees?

There are fees associated with the clubhouse rental.  There is also a nominal fee in connection with a Member or family member bringing guests into the clubhouse facility.

13.

Q:

A:

How can I rent the clubhouse?

Contact the Clubhouse Manager, Kathy Plasterer, at 259-2192 for more information.

14.

Q:

A:

Why isn't the clubhouse open year round?

There are several reasons.  The main reason is cost.  Lower costs mean lower assessments.  Higher costs mean higher assessments.  Other reasons deal with liability concerns and crime such as vandalism.  (Note:  the clubhouse is generally available for rent throughout the year.  Contact the Clubhouse Manager for more information.)

15.

Q:

A:

What is the process to request changes to my property?

The Architectural Standards describes the procedures and standards to be followed in connection with changes to your property.  If you do not have a copy of the Standards, go to the Association website at:

www.oldorchard1.org

16.

Q:

A:

How do I get permission to modify the exterior of my house or property?

You must complete an Architectural Change form and submit it, along with all other required information, to the Architectural Committee.

17.

Q:

A:

Where can I obtain an Architectural Change form?

A copy of this form can be obtained from the Association website.

18.

Q:

A:

Do I need approval every time I want to modify the exterior of my house or property?

No.  Refer to the Architectural Standards.

19.

Q:

A:

Can I begin an improvement before receiving approval?

It depends on what you plan to do.  Refer to the Architectural Standards and question 20 below.

20.

Q:

A:

What can happen if I make an improvement without the approval of the Architectural Committee?

You could be ordered to remove the unauthorized improvement at your expense.  In addition, you could be fined.  You would also be liable for all legal fees and costs the Association incurs in connection with any unauthorized improvement. 

21.

Q:

A:

How long do I have to wait until the Architectural Committee makes a decision?

Although the Committee has 60 days to respond, the time is generally less than three weeks.

22.

Q:

A:

I am planning on improving my property in the same or similar way that another homeowner has done.  Do I still need to get the approval of the Architectural Committee?

Absolutely.  The Architectural Committee can decide that any improvement or component is unacceptable even if the same or similar improvement has been previously approved.

23.

Q:

A:

What can I do if the Architectural Committee turns my request down?

Amend your request and resubmit it to the Architectural Committee.  You could also appeal the Committee's decision to the Board.  However, you only have 15 days following the Architectural Committee's final decision to file your appeal in writing, so do not wait.

24.

Q:

A:

I just received Architectural approval.  What does this mean?

Architectural approval means that the submitted improvement conforms to current architectural and aesthetic standards.

25.

Q:

A:

I just received Architectural approval.  What does it not mean?

Architectural approval does not mean that the improvement complies with any governmental code.  Owners are solely responsible for complying with all governmental codes including, but not limited to, building and fire codes.  Architectural approval also does not mean that the improvement complies with other sections of the CC&Rs.  Owners are solely responsible for complying with the CC&Rs including, but not limited to, use restrictions dealing with view obstructions and nuisances.

26.

Q:

A:

I just received notice that I am in violation of the CC&Rs.  What should I do?

Correct the violation.  Do not ignore the notice.

27.

Q:

A:

What can happen if I do not correct the violation?

You could be fined and have your voting rights suspended.  In addition, the Association could expend Association funds and correct the violation.  The Board, however, would have a responsibility to recover any monies expended to correct the violation.  This could lead to a lien and the foreclosure of your property.  In addition, you would be liable for all legal fees and costs the Association incurs in connection with any violation.

28.

Q:

A:

What if there is a good reason that I cannot presently correct the violation?

Contact the Architectural Committee in writing.  If there is a satisfactory reason why you cannot presently correct the violation, the Architectural Committee will attempt to work with you.  The determination of a "satisfactory reason" is, however, at the sole discretion of the Architectural Committee.

29.

Q:

A:

What if I believe the Committee was wrong regarding a notice of violation?

Contact the Architectural Committee in writing.  The Committee will review its decision.

30.

Q:

A:

What do I do if I see a violation of the CC&Rs?

Report it in writing to the Architectural Committee or Board.

31.

Q:

A:

Can I file an anonymous complaint?

You are required to sign your complaint and you may be required to attend any hearing held in connection with your complaint.