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Does anyone have any advice on where to find any kind of plans, blueprints, elevation drawings or permits for a condo building in MV that was built before the city was incorporated? The county says they sent all of their records to the city when it incorporated but they weren't sure what they were and the city says they don't have anything but I'm welcome to go down there and look. It was built in 1973.

Here's the issue: The wretch who runs the association says that my patio fence was extended, so repairs to it are my responsibility. I say it's the original size, since so many in the complex are identical to it and since the association has always done the repairs in the past.

Not that its being original would matter to these people. They're also telling my neighbor that her patio cover doesn't conform and she'll have to remove or replace it, even though it extends into the roof and is obviously part of the original structure.

I'm going to try to go to a meeting today, hoping to run into a lady who is an original owner and might be in contact with the original owners of my condo so, maybe, I can come up with some pictures or something. But I'm not sure if that would even help.

Anybody have any ideas?

Best of luck with that JQP. Dealing with associations can be a real pain.

Shouldn't the burden of proof be on her? Let her show you the documents she is basing her opinion on.

I thought so, too. So I asked for about 5 documents, like an Architectural Application, work orders, invoices, etc. and all they sent me was a copy of the "Fence Policy" which, it turns out, was created just 3 weeks before they started sending out the letters. And even then, it it only says something like "13 X 8 concrete patio with fence" and doesn't give any dimensions for the fence.

I agree. If the thing ends up in court, she would certainly have to show proof her claims are valid and justifiable.

I think your intuition about checking with other owners is a good way to go.

Failing that, take an afternoon or a morning and go to the city and "look through" what they have.

Failing that, any idea who the builders were (or if they're still in business)?

I wish I had some ideas for you JQP. I absolutely hate HOAs. Things can be going along just fine and then you get some board member in there who wants to "take charge" and "make things better" and the next thing you know you have a flurry of paperwork arriving at your door.

Whatever you do, take this seriously. HOAs have quite a bit of authority as it turns out and the burden of proof for compliance is often left with the homeowner and not the HOA.

Look around and see if you have any pictures that might have your old fence in the background. You may be able to use these to prove something, if it comes down to that.

Is the issue just over who is paying for it or are they trying to get your to remove some of the fence?

Don't all HOA's need to file CC and R's with the county? They must exist somewhere.

You are supposed to get a copy of your CC&Rs as part of escrow if you are purchasing. If you are a renter, the landlord should have them. You are also supposed to be able to get a copy from the HOA upon request.

HOA's and the so called community board of directors are a joke in most cases.....the last one I had to belong to decided to pay $50,000 to have some trees removed,,,,come to find out the Vice President of the association's Son owned the tree removal company...Big kick back to Dad

But god forbid they do anything about all the dog crap in my frt yard form other peoples dogs.