Common interest developments have a number of documents controlling the development. Sometimes there are conflicts between documents. As provided for in Civil Code § 4205 (effective January 1, 2014) such conflicts are resolved as follows:
- Law (unless the particular statute defers to governing documents)
- CC&Rs
- Articles of Incorporation
- Bylaws
- Operating Rules. The exception to Rules being in last place is that Election Rules, a form of Operating Rules, (Civ. Code § 5105(a)) adopted pursuant to Senate Bill 323 (effective January 1, 2020) may contain provisions that supersede Bylaws and CC&Rs. (See Election Timeline and Candidate Qualifications.)
Internal Conflicts. Conflicts between provisions in the same document can often be resolved by applying general rules of interpretation.
ASSISTANCE: Associations needing legal assistance can contact us. To stay current with issues affecting community associations, subscribe to the Davis-Stirling Newsletter.