Who governs the associations of Common Interest Communities in Virginia?

In Virginia, associations of Common Interest Communities (CICs) are primarily governed by their individual legal documents, such as bylaws and declarations. These documents outline the rights, responsibilities, and governance structures for the community. They serve as the foundational rules that dictate how the association operates, how decisions are made, and how disputes are resolved among the residents.

While local government authorities have some level of oversight concerning zoning and building codes, their role does not extend to the internal governance of CICs. Similarly, while the state’s Department of Housing may influence regulations affecting housing in general, it does not dictate the specific operational rules for individual associations. Real estate appraisers, on the other hand, are professionals involved in property valuation and do not govern CICs.

Therefore, the legal documents crafted by each association are essential in establishing the framework for governance, ensuring that residents adhere to agreed-upon rules and guidelines within their community.