Santa Ana HOA boards must follow the Davis-Stirling Act (CA Civil Code 4900-4955) for open meetings, notice periods, elections, and member participation rights.
California Civil Code Sec. 4900-4955 requires HOA boards to conduct meetings in open session with limited exceptions for litigation, personnel, and member discipline. Boards must provide at least four days notice of regular meetings and two days notice of special meetings to all members (Sec. 4920). Emergency meetings may be held without prior notice only when circumstances could not have been reasonably foreseen. Members have the right to attend and address the board at all open meetings. Boards may not take action on items not listed on the agenda except in response to brief statements by members. Elections must follow the secret ballot procedures of Sec. 5100-5145, including use of an independent inspector of elections. AB 2159 (effective 2025) authorized secure electronic voting for HOA elections provided the association adopts rules protecting ballot integrity. Executive session is limited to specific topics including litigation strategy, formation of contracts with third parties, member discipline, and personnel matters.
Board decisions made in violation of open meeting requirements may be voided by a court under CA Civil Code Sec. 4955. Members may file a request for internal dispute resolution (IDR) or seek injunctive relief. Attorney fees may be awarded to the prevailing party.
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