Showing ordinances that apply to Bethesda, MD
Bethesda is an unincorporated community (population 68,056) in Montgomery County, Maryland. Because Bethesda is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Montgomery County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The board procedures rules below are the ones that govern your area.
HOAs in Montgomery County are governed by the Maryland Homeowners Association Act (Real Property Article 11B) which requires open board meetings, annual meetings with quorum, advance notice of meetings, and financial transparency. Board elections must follow the procedures in the governing documents and Maryland law.
The Maryland Homeowners Association Act, codified in the Real Property Article Title 11B of the Annotated Code of Maryland, governs HOA board procedures for communities in Montgomery County. The Act requires boards to hold an annual meeting of the membership with at least 21 days written notice. Board meetings must be open to members except for executive sessions addressing legal, personnel, or individual owner violation matters. Meeting minutes must be recorded and made available to homeowners upon request. Board elections must follow the procedures outlined in the communitys bylaws, and Maryland law requires that elections be conducted fairly with adequate notice. The Act mandates that the board provide annual financial statements and operating budgets to homeowners. In Montgomery County, many newer communities such as those in Clarksburg, Germantown, and North Bethesda have large-scale HOAs with professional management companies handling day-to-day operations. The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection can assist homeowners with complaints about HOA governance issues.
HOA boards that fail to comply with the Maryland HOA Act can face legal action from homeowners. Courts can void improperly conducted elections, require financial disclosures, and award attorney fees to prevailing homeowners in enforcement actions.
See how Bethesda's board procedures rules stack up against other locations.
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