Registrations are maintained by the Communications & Engagement Department (C&E). The registry is available to the public through the City’s website.
Grievances
Associations and organizations shall maintain and submit an up-to-date set of bylaws with the Communications & Engagement Department via the Registry Forms. An association’s or organization’s bylaws will include provisions for governing and resolving any grievances and disputes, including but not limited to elections. Each association and organization is responsible for developing and following its bylaws. The City of San Antonio does not review, approve, endorse, or enforce an association’s or organization’s bylaws, nor investigate claims of misconduct.
Grievances against associations and organizations are a civil matter and are the sole responsibility of the group. The City of San Antonio does not mediate disputes among groups and/or its members. Associations and organizations can contact the Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center directly to inquire about mediation services.
Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center: bcdrc@bexar.org, 210-335-2128
Definitions
Neighborhood Association: a group of residents who organize to meet specific goals or to improve and maintain the quality of life in their neighborhood.
NOTE: Membership is open to all property owners, residents (either homeowners or renters), business owners, school faculty or staff, church officials and members of non-profit organizations in the neighborhood. Membership is voluntary.
Homeowner Association (HOA): a group whose members primarily consist of the owners of the property.
NOTE: A governing body manages the association. Examples can include condominiums, townhomes and subdivisions. Membership is mandatory.
Community Organization: a voluntary, non-profit group such as a city-wide organization such as a governmental or public service agency; a board or commission; a council district neighborhood alliance; or a group representing the needs of special populations.
Housing Unit: A house, an apartment, a group of rooms, or a single room intended for occupancy as separate living quarters. Separate living quarters are those in which the occupants live separately from any other individuals in the building, and which have a direct access from the outside of the building or through a common hall.
Consistency
The SA Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan recognizes that neighborhoods are one of the major building blocks of the San Antonio. Associations and organizations are valuable partners in planning and implementing the comprehensive plan.
General
- Why does the City require this information for registration?
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The Unified Development Code (Section 35-408) requires certain information. Additionally, other information helps us connect residents or staff with the association.
The information is published online and you can view it on the MuniCode website. Other information may be made public through an Open Records Request.
- I have an issue with my association and cannot afford to hire an attorney. What are my options?
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Keep in mind that attorney fees vary and you should contact multiple attorneys.
You should also consider free mediation through the Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center. Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid is a nonprofit that provides free legal services in over 30 areas to residents who qualify.
- My association is registered with the City, but I wasn’t made aware of a project in my neighborhood. Why haven’t I received notice?
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The City will notify associations of public hearings within 200 feet of the neighborhood boundary.
This notification is mailed to the point of contact on file, who is must handle information distribution. Notices are not sent to every individual property owner in the neighborhood association.
Please review the registry to ensure that your association's point of contact's information is correct. If you need to update the information, submit an update form through our website.
- Who regulates neighborhood or homeowners' associations?
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No city or state agency regulates home or property owners’ associations. The office of the Secretary of State does not have the authority to investigate or regulate internal activities of home or property owners’ associations.
- What powers does the City of San Antonio have to regulate a management company, board members, or an HOA?
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The City of San Antonio does not have authority to regulate or enforce an association’s bylaws. The City also does not have authority to enforce arrangements with a management company.
Home Owners Associations (HOA)
- What are my rights as an HOA member?
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Refer to the Texas Residential Property Owners Protection Act, Chapter 209 of the Texas Property Code.
- What are my rights as a condominium association member?
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Refer to the Uniform Condominium Act, Chapter 82 of the Texas Property Code.
- Is my HOA board allowed to discuss HOA business through email and vote on issues without discussing them publicly at a meeting?
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Yes. But, under the Texas Business Organization Code, they must disclose e-mails upon request.
- Which takes precedence: state law, city ordinances, or a neighborhood’s Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs)?
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State law, then city ordinances, then CC&Rs, in that order.
- What can HOA members do when there is a dispute involving board members?
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Members may choose to seek free mediation through the Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center. They may also elect new board members, or hire a private attorney to take legal action.
- What is an HOA’s role in relation to noise complaints or vehicles parked on public streets?
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The City will address complaints if they are violating any ordinances. You can report noise complaints to the SAPD non-emergency line, 210-207-7273.
You can report a vehicle complaint by calling 3-1-1.