Can HOA regs override zoning ordinance re ADUs?

[paulosfm]

Yes. Simple answer. Before considering OR buying read a HOA's guidelines and read carefully.

[saralee]

Isn't a simpler answer to purchase in a neighborhood without an HOA, especially since you'd probably want a larger-than-typical lot?

[fromCT]

Originally Posted by saralee

Isn't a simpler answer to purchase in a neighborhood without an HOA, especially since you'd probably want a larger-than-typical lot?

Hi, Saralee. Yes; based on the responses I've gotten in this thread, no doubt.

Do you know, by the way, if there's any easy way of determining whether a community has a HOA? I've been browsing through various real estate websites (remotely from here in Connecticut), and whether or not a HOA exists doesn't seem to be a standard attribute in whatever database they are using to generate these listings, or at least is not one which is routinely reported. I sometimes see references to a HOA in the free-form descriptive section of a listing, but haven't found a realtor site where it is a searchable field.

[saralee]

I honestly don't know the answer to that. We focused on neighborhoods that weren't in a subdivision. I believe if the homes are newer and it's listed as being in a subdivision, you're almost guaranteed an HOA. It wouldn't be difficult to call (or shoot an E-mail) the Realtor listed on the homes that interest you and pose your inquiry. Ultimately, we purchased in a "neighborhood" but the lots have acreage and it's very small (less than 20 homes) - both typically indicative of no HOA.

We were able to do an addition by just having the county come out. My memory is going but I believe they were checking to see if the land would perc for an additional bedroom/bath. Once we got their approval, we moved onto obtaining quotes from contractors.

Lovesmountains may be able to answer your question more directly. Why not send her a DM?

We moved here from NJ almost 6 years ago. Haven't regretted it once.

Good luck!