Homeowners assocations can be both good and bad

There are an estimated 6,000 homeowners associations (HOAs) in San Diego County, and 43,350 statewide. They do a lot to help maintain property values in their communities. However, even though we've been in a Level II Drought Alert for almost a year, saving water does not seem to be a priority for many HOAs.

While some HOAs have taken to xeriscaping their common areas by planting drought-resistant and native vegetation, other HOAs not only have balked but have also forbidden their members from doing anything to the landscaping on their own properties that "detracts" from the overall appearance of the condominium community.

The disagreement gets even more disagreeable when it comes to artificial turf. Replacing 1,000 square yards of grass with artificial turf would save about 112-156 gallons per day depending on coastal or inland location. That's 41,000-57,000 gallons a year! If just one thousand people converted to artificial turf, the savings could be as much as three million gallons of water a year. With just an annual savings of 30,000 gallons, one could:

1. do 1,200 loads of laundry with an Energy Star washing machine, or
2. flush a low-flow toilet 18,750 times

Not that I'm suggesting you do more laundry or flush your toilets more to make up the difference! 

Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña from San Diego has introduced Assembly Bill 1793 that would require HOAs to allow artificial turf installations while also allowing the HOA to establish design and quality standards for such turf.

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If you're looking for a great San Diego Realtor, well,
let me Google one for you.

I'm available 24/7, so feel free to contact me by phone or email.

Jim Frimmer, Realtor
Century 21 Award Mission Valley
California DRE License #01458572
619-729-5701
jimfrimmer@century21award.com
Mission Valley Condos Information

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