While Associations should generally not be involved in the politics of its members, there is one area where an Association’s role frequently intersects with the broader political climate – yard signs and displays.  As both primary and general elections approach, many Directors, managers, and residents have questioned what can be regulated by their residential Association, and how to know if a stated rule is valid.

The use and popularity of electric vehicles is on the rise, and with it, the increased need for electric vehicle charging stations. Both Maryland and D.C. have recently passed legislation establishing standards and guidelines for electric vehicle charging equipment in Community Associations. Although the jurisdictions are addressing the same issue, they have taken very different approaches.  Maryland’s law is modeled after “right-to-charge” laws that have been enacted in several states across the country (including Virginia in 2020). The District, on the other hand, has focused on requiring building owners to accommodate electric vehicle infrastructure in future planning.

With COVID-19 and its economic impact dominating both news cycles and Community Association agendas, it is important not to lose sight of other developments in the field.  One important development is the passage of Maryland House Bill 254, which will take effect October 1, 2020 and will affect the budgets of Condominiums, Homeowners’ Associations and Co-operatives Housing corporations in Prince George’s County.  HB-254 modifies the Real Property Article and the Corporations and Associations Article of the Maryland Code.

Montgomery County, Mayland has set forth a reopening plan that is not only slower than the state as a whole, but that also imposes more stringent regulations. The county has issued advanced notice of what will be required for public pools to operate within the county in 2020. The county’s announcement bulletin regarding all public pools can be found here. The following is a non-exhaustive list of requirements that will be most important and pertinent to Community Association facilities.