Hunter: There is a ‘new normal’ at SCHOA in Sun City

What a year we have all experienced! Lockdowns, isolation, masks, restricted travel and activities, sensational news almost every day, the frustration of not seeing friends or being able to be close to those you are close to.

At Sun City Home Owners Association, remarkably, this “new normal” in many ways does not look different from the “old” normal. While we have restricted traffic in the office and postponed non-essential committee meetings and events, we have continued to respond to community concerns and enforce our covenants, conditions and restrictions. In fact, we have had more reported concerns and violations of the CC&Rs since the pandemic than in the “old” normal days.

Our Compliance Officers continue to investigate every reported violation, and they continue to work with the homeowners to resolve violations. If it is important enough for you to contact us, it is important enough for us to take appropriate action.

Another thing in this new normal that has not changed from the old normal are the requests to SCHOA in matters over which we have no control. It seems timely to briefly review what we do at SCHOA, and what we do not or cannot.

SCHOA is in the value protection business. We protect our property values through the fair and consistent enforcement of the CC&Rs. Our CC&Rs have served us well, and they are not complex — five double-sided pages. Absolutely important, but limited.

Think of the reasons you moved to Sun City. Clean, well-kept properties? Clean and uncluttered streets? Low taxes, thanks to our age-restricted status? Great value for the dollar? Add in the incredible amenities provided to us through Recreation Centers of Sun City, and many of us feel there is no better community to live as active seniors. SCHOA’s enforcement of the CC&Rs protects that age-restricted status and insures that homeowners maintain their properties to community standards.

In addition to our compliance activities, SCHOA is an advocate for our homeowners in matters of government affairs and utilities.

That is the extent of what we do. That is all we are authorized to do. The list of what we do not or cannot do is longer.  For example, we do not referee neighbor disputes; we do not/cannot enforce traffic laws; we do not/cannot regulate air traffic, including drones; we do not/cannot deal with behavioral violations, like disturbing the peace or excessive noise; we do not regulate the placement of legitimate political signs; we do not enforce health regulations; we do not “fine” anyone, we do assess administrative fees in extreme cases; and we do not regulate commerce or prosecute scammers.

We can only deal directly with what is defined in our CC&Rs.

On some matters, we work together with other agencies to resolve violations; enforcement of the age overlay often involves the county, as an example. Another would be animal issues; the county has laws governing cleaning up after your dog, for example. Significant behavioral problems, like disturbing the peace should be reported to Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Often, we can refer homeowners to the right agency to deal with specific concerns; our personnel are well informed and willing to help in any way possible. Our Roads and Safety Committee brings several agencies — Arizona Department of Transportation, Maricopa County Department of Transportation, Sun City Posse, MCSO, etc. — together monthly to address community concerns.

So, new normal or old normal, SCHOA is here for you and we remain committed to protecting our values and way of life. We do this with a small staff including our compliance officers, some terrific volunteers and an all-volunteer board of directors.

Each year we elect some of our directors. The board election begins Monday, Nov. 2. If you have interest, please call us for a candidate package. The deadline for submitting a form from that package to be on the ballot is Monday, Oct. 5. This year, five of our nine seats are up for election, and we would love to see a few more candidates.  Enthusiastic and committed board members are needed for whatever version of “normal” we face going forward.

Stay well, and thanks for your support of SCHOA.

Editor’s Note: Mr. Hunter is SCHOA board president.