Our Community
Award Winning
Cascades Community Association received the "Finest for Family Living" award for 1993 and 1994, the Best Large Association Award in 2002, the Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute's (WMCCAI) 2011 Humanitarian of the Year, and the management team won Legum & Norman's Onsite Team on the Year in 2023!
Benefits of Living in a Community
The rise in the number of community associations from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands over the years can be attributed to several factors. Homeowners particularly appreciate the following benefits:
- Preserved Property Values. The Community Associations Institute reports that homes in managed communities tend to be valued at 5% higher than those in traditional neighborhoods.
- Amenities and Services. Homeowners gain significant value for the investment in a homeowners association.
- Building Community. Our community cultivates a feeling of belonging in a world that often feels isolated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Community Association?
It is a non-profit corporation registered with the State and managed by a duly elected Board of Directors. Its purpose is to maintain all common areas and to govern the community in accordance with the provision of the legal documents: CC&Rs, Bylaws, and Articles of Incorporation. The corporation is financially supported by all members of the community association. Membership is both automatic and mandatory.
What are Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs)?
The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) are the governing legal documents that set up the guidelines for the operation of the planned community as a non-profit corporation. The CC&Rs were recorded by the County recorder's office of the County in which the property is located and are included in the title to your property. Failure to abide by the CC&Rs may result in a fine to a homeowner by the Association.
What are the Bylaws?
The Bylaws are the guidelines for the operation of the non-profit corporation. The Bylaws define the duties of the various offices of the Board of Directors, the terms of the Directors, the membership's voting rights, required meetings and notices of meetings, and the principal office of the Association, as well as other specific items that are necessary to run the Association as a business.
What is the Board of Directors?
The Community Association again is a corporation and therefore a governing body that is required to oversee its business. The Board of Directors is elected by the homeowners, or as otherwise specified in the bylaws.
Are there any other rules?
Most associations create Rules and Regulations based on CC&Rs and approved by the Board of Directors to guide homeowners on common courtesies such as parking, pets, and pool hours. They also establish Architectural Guidelines for submitting requests for exterior changes like landscaping or color modifications. These rules aim to maintain community aesthetics and protect property values. Violations may lead to fines or required corrections for unapproved changes.
What is my assessment?
The assessment is the periodic amount due from each homeowner to cover multiple operating expenses such as common areas, amenities, trash collection and provide for reserve funds for replacement of common facilities in future years. Your assessments are due on the first of the month of each quarter. Statements will be sent for assessments as a reminder of the amount due.
How is the amount of my assessment determined?
The Department of Real Estate requires developers to submit an initial budget for each proposed community, adhering to guidelines for utilities, landscaping, and administration. Reserve funds are allocated for future expenses related to items like street resurfacing, pool equipment, etc., divided by the number of units in each development phase. Subsequent budgets are created by the Board of Directors and adjusted as needed to cover anticipated expenses.
What happens if I don't pay my assessment?
The maintenance and management services incurred by the Association are dependent upon timely receipt of the assessments due from each homeowner. Late payments will result in a late charge as assessments are due on the first of the month. In addition, the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions allow the Association to charge late charges and interest and proceed with a lien on your property, or foreclosure proceeding for nonpayment of assessments.