FAQs

 

The Bridges at Gilbert Community Association is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors of seven (7) homeowners. Elected by the homeowner membership, the Board oversees the association's administration and works to enhance and protect the community's assets.

 

For details about Board meetings or to learn more about current Board members, please visit the Board of Directors page. To communicate with the Board, you may email them through the Community Manager at thebridges@ccmcnet.com.

A Homeowners Association (HOA) is a legal entity established by a real estate developer to develop, manage, and maintain the overall aesthetics and functionality of a community's common areas.

 

The HOA is responsible for enforcing the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), which help ensure that community standards are upheld and that the neighborhood remains desirable.

The governing documents are legal guidelines that the Board of Directors and homeowners must follow. They outline how the association operates, the homeowners' responsibilities, and the rules for maintaining the community's standards.

 

The primary governing documents include:

• Articles of Incorporation: The developer files these with the state to create the HOA as a nonprofit organization. They are typically brief and include basic information, such as the association's name, location, and purpose.
• Bylaws: Outline how the HOA is run, including the structure and duties of the Board of Directors, voting rights, elections, meeting procedures, budget preparation, and rules enforcement.
• Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions (CC&Rs): These documents regulate the use, appearance, and maintenance of properties within the community. They often include rules on home upkeep, architectural standards, acceptable paint colors, parking restrictions, and more. These are binding for all current and future homeowners and may include enforcement measures such as fines or legal action.

Understanding the governing documents is essential for all homeowners and prospective buyers, as they define the rights and responsibilities of living in the community.

Assessments (also known as HOA dues) are collected to fund the repair, maintenance, and upkeep of all common areas and shared amenities within the community, such as landscaping, parks, trails, and recreational facilities.

 

These funds also cover other necessary expenses, including insurance, utilities, legal services, and payments to management and maintenance contractors.

 

Each year, the Board of Directors creates a budget based on projected expenses and divides the total cost among all homeowners to determine the monthly assessment. Whether or not a resident personally uses the amenities, all homeowners are legally required to pay their share of the assessment in full.

An association management company is contracted by a Board of Directors or community to provide a variety of services in the day-to-day operations of the community. Common expectations might be:

• Advisement on legal and other property-related matters
• Collecting assessments
• Financial advisement and statement/reports preparation and analysis
• Oversight of general maintenance and provide problem resolution
• Staying current with local, state and federal laws pertaining to HOAs
• Supervising HOA maintenance contracts to ensure they are performing per the expectations of the Board of Directors, community members and contractual obligations.

The Bridges at Gilbert design guidelines are unique to our community. 

 

The most visible changes to your home require advanced approval by the Design Review Committee (DRC).  Visible is defined as "seen from the street, neighboring property or through an open view fence."

 

For more detailed information, please see the Community Design Guidelines.

The Board of Directors typically solicits committee volunteers to serve on a committee designed for a particular function. The Board appoints the volunteers and outlines their function and authority in a document known as the Committee Charter.

 

Learn more about our active committees. 

 

 

The community allows a reasonable number of generally recognized house pets, such as dogs, cats, and indoor caged birds, reptiles, rodents, rabbits, and fish. Pets must not be a nuisance, create excessive noise, or roam freely. The Board has the authority to determine whether an animal is a permitted pet, whether it poses a safety concern, or if the number of pets on a lot is excessive. Aggressive or vicious dogs may be restricted from common areas or removed entirely. All pets must be leashed outside, waste must be promptly cleaned up, and structures for housing pets must not be visible without prior approval. These rules do not apply to assistance or service animals protected under Fair Housing laws.

Communication with residents is a key initiative of the Board of Directors and management. We send a bi-weekly eNewsletter to all residents. If you are not already signed up, please contact the management team via email at thebridges@ccmcnet.com to have your email added. 

 

The Bridges website is also a good way to stay informed regarding community events, governing documents, assessment info, etc.