Palo Alto, CA HOA Rules: Board Procedures (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- Davis-Stirling Act
- Regular notice
- 4 days
- Emergency notice
- 2 days
- Minutes deadline
- 30 days
- Secret ballots
- Required
Summary
HOA boards in Palo Alto follow the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act, which sets rules for meetings, notice, quorum, voting, and open-session requirements.
4920. (a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the association shall give notice of the time and place of a board meeting at least four days before the meeting. (b) (1) If a board meeting is an emergency meeting held pursuant to Section 4923, the association is not required to give notice of the time and place of the meeting. (2) If a nonemergency board meeting is held solely in executive session, the association shall give notice of the time and place of the meeting at least two days prior to the meeting. (c) Notice of a board meeting shall be given by general delivery pursuant to Section 4045. (d) Notice of a board meeting shall contain the agenda for the meeting.
Full Breakdown
Palo Alto condominium and townhome associations are governed by the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act at California Civil Code 4000 through 6150. Boards must meet in open session with at least four days of posted notice for regular meetings and two days for emergency meetings, and executive session is limited to defined topics such as litigation, personnel, and member discipline. Minutes or a summary must be made available within 30 days and detailed agendas posted in advance. Directors owe fiduciary duties to the association and must act in good faith. Elections for directors must use secret ballots and an independent inspector of elections as required by Civil Code 5100 et seq. Annual policy statements, budget disclosures, and reserve studies are mandatory. Members have broad rights to inspect records under Civil Code 5200.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palo Alto
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