Government as Partner Rather Than Roadblock? It’s Possible.

From relocating an invasive flock of peacocks to reducing fire fuel and dealing with the effects of coastal erosion, community associations increasingly are working with government officials to resolve problems.

“There are a lot of opportunities for managers and boards, before they start going the road on an issue, to step back and ask agencies for help,” says Jeffrey Beaumont, a partner with Beaumont Tashjian in Woodland Hills, Calif.

A government agency can provide valuable assistance in a variety of circumstances.

For example, Kevin Hirzel, managing member of Hirzel Law, PLC, a Michigan-based firm that works with numerous community associations, says municipalities might lend a hand in the short-term rental context: “If the rentals also violate a zoning ordinance or registration requirement, the municipality might carry the water to try to get the owners to stop.”

Beaumont has found government intervention helpful when confronted with hoarding. “I’ve had several clients over the years be hit hard by a hoarder in their community. The board gets complaints about pest infestation, odors, staining on the ceiling from the hoarders upstairs; it can cause significant trauma to neighbors.

“Most of the time, the person has a mental disability, so it helps to reach out to adult protective services and the health department or fire department. Some fire departments have special units dealing with this.”

Read the full article now and learn about other situations where a collaboration with government officials could be helpful for an association – and when such partnerships may not work out:

Partner vs. Impediment: 4 Tips for Working with Government Officials

Best regards,
Matt Humphrey
President