HOA Fines & Enforcement: Richmond vs San Ramon

Richmond HOAs may impose monetary fines for violations of CC&Rs only after adopting a written schedule of fines, providing advance written notice, and offering a hearing, as required by California Civil Code §5855. Fines must be reasonable, cannot be treated as assessments for lien purposes, and excessive or discriminatory fines are unenforceable.

HOA fines in San Ramon must follow the due process requirements of California Civil Code 5850 and 5855. Fines must be reasonable, set forth in a published schedule, and imposed only after written notice and an opportunity for the member to be heard at a board hearing. Continuing violations can incur accumulating fines but cannot become liens for the fines alone (except for safety-related violations).