Architectural Committee and Approval Process...Follow the Rules

Architectural Committee and Approval Process...Follow the Rules

AMG is pleased to share with you two blog posts from the Black, Slaughter & Black law firm.

The first discusses the necessity of following formalities outlined in the association’s governing documents. In particular, approvals or denials must follow the express language of the declaration, including a properly appointed committee.

https://lawfirmcarolinas.com/blog/dont-screw-up-your-architectural-committee-approval-process/

The second blog highlights the difficulty in recovering the association’s legal costs (even when the association seems to prevail on relevant points). 

https://lawfirmcarolinas.com/blog/new-architectural-review-decision-from-the-court-of-appeals-martin-v-the-landfall-council-of-associations-inc/

AMG believes the takeaways from these two blogs are that it is: 

1. Important to follow the formalities outlined in the governing documents for the community related to approving and  enforcing architectural controls; 

2. Educating community members on the importance of following the governing documents is crucial;

3. If the association does not approve an application, guidance should be given to the owner if possible (and not just a “declined”); and

4. The importance of communicating with owners to effectively gain compliance, before legal intervention is needed. 

Not only will following these steps lead to happier communities; it will prevent the high and likely unrecoverable legal costs. AMG recommends community leaders discuss the architectural approval criteria and process (for their community) with legal counsel prior to taking action. 

Association Management Group (AMG) Unveils College Scholarship Program

Association Management Group (AMG) Unveils College Scholarship Program

School May Be on Disrupted, But Planning for the Future Doesn’t Have to Be

Application Deadline May 15, 2020

Senior year in high school this year is unlike any in recent memory. Schools are closed. Students are participating in “distance-learning,” and missing all the fun things of their final year. Although students may be “stuck at home,” they are likely still thinking of the future and the opportunities of college.

“As an association management company, all of us at AMG recognize that the term community is not just a group of buildings. It is also closely held relationships,” says Paul Mengert, AMG president. “The importance of community and the value of education go hand in hand. To help share our ideas of community with the next generation, we are proud to announce the following new scholarships, which will be available for use in the 2020/2021 school year,” he adds.

In keeping with AMG’s emphasis on community, these three scholarships honor the memory of three individuals who demonstrated community by making a difference in the lives of others.  You can learn more about them at amgworld.com/scholarships.

To apply and learn more about AMG’s new scholarships, please visit https://www.amgworld.com/scholarship-application.

In addition to completing the application, applicants can select to apply for one or more the scholarships. The final component of the application is a 300-word essay on one of three topics about community.