What is the difference between code enforcement and a homeowner’s association?

The primary function of the City of Edgewater Code Enforcement Division is to educate the citizens about City codes. The codes apply to each and every property within the City. The purpose is to ensure that all neighborhoods and properties are maintained to a minimum standard.

Homeowner’s associations are private organizations that are paid by designated neighborhoods to oversee maintenance standards, as established by written codes, covenants and restrictions for the properties within specific neighborhoods that were designed to be managed by a homeowner’s association. Homeowner’s associations have the right to enforce and assess fines to home owners in accordance with the homeowner’s association’s codes, covenants and restrictions. Every property owner within these designated neighborhoods signs documents agreeing to the standards that have been established and will abide by any penalties assessed.

A homeowner’s association may establish maintenance standards that require a higher standard of upkeep than the City codes. Neighborhoods that are within homeowner’s association are required to abide by City code requirements.

Code Enforcement can enforce City code standards within a homeowner’s association area. However, a code enforcement officer does not enforce home owner’s association requirements. Homeowner’s associations only may enforce maintenance standards within their designated neighborhood.