Skip to content
Propty
Governance

Resolution

A formal decision, policy statement, or directive adopted by the board of directors through a vote and recorded as an official action of the association. Resolutions are the mechanism by which the board exercises its authority to govern the community. Common uses include establishing or amending community rules and regulations, adopting a collection policy, setting assessment amounts, approving the annual budget, authorizing major contracts or expenditures, adopting election rules, and establishing enforcement procedures. Resolutions are typically recorded in the meeting minutes and may be assigned a number and date for easy reference (e.g., "Resolution 2026-03: Adoption of Updated Pool Rules"). Some associations maintain a resolution book or register that compiles all active resolutions in one place for reference. Not all resolutions are created equal — some require only a board vote, while others may require member approval depending on the subject matter and what the governing documents specify. For example, in California, adopting or amending operating rules (Civil Code Section 4360) requires the board to provide 28 days' notice to members before the rule takes effect, and members holding 5% of the voting power can call a special meeting to reverse the rule change. Understanding the distinction between board-level resolutions and those requiring membership action is critical for avoiding procedural errors that could render a resolution unenforceable.

Example in Context

The board adopted Resolution 2026-05, establishing a new guest parking policy, after providing 28 days' notice to the membership as required by California Civil Code Section 4360.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a motion and a resolution?

A motion is the procedural act of proposing that the board take a specific action — it is the vehicle for making a decision. A resolution is the formal outcome of that motion once it passes — it is the documented decision itself. In practice, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but technically a resolution is the result of a successful motion. Important resolutions should be documented as standalone records, not just buried in meeting minutes.

Understanding HOA terms is step one. Propty makes management simple.

See How Propty Works