The Davis-Stirling Act encompasses California Civil Code sections 1350-1376. Although there are other various code sections that apply to common interest developments (CID's) the Davis-Stirling Act is discussed most often. The Davis-Stirling Act was promulgated with the hope that it would streamline the process and laws that affect CID's. Although some legal commentators would argue that it failed to cover very important issues and left much to be desired the Act has been amended several times since its inception to deal with on-going and current issues that community associations, board, and homeowners deal with on a daily basis.

Civil Code § 1351(c) defines a "common interest development" as any of the following;

• A community apartment project
• A condominium project
• A Planned development
• A stock cooperative 

Although Homeowner Association is still used in a variety of contexts and situations, many legal practitioners use the term Common Interest Development to describe community associations or Homeowner Associations.

Governing Documents

What are the governing documents of the community? This is a frequent question from both board members and homeowners. Civil Code § 1351(j) defines "governing documents" as;

• Declaration
• Bylaws
• operating rules for the community
• articles of incorporation or articles of association

Related Links

• The California Law Revision Commission's 
• California Code
• California Department of Real Estate
• The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing 
• The Community Associations Institute
• Executive Council of Homeowners
• Our Blog!