FAQ

Got questions? Find the answer to the most frequently asked questions below.

Architectural Guidelines and Approval Process

What requires submitting an architectural application?

Any exterior change requires submitting an architectural application and obtaining approval before beginning work.  Installing a patio cover, a swimming pool, exterior paint, landscape enhancement, planting trees, or any other exterior improvement requires an architectural application (CC&R’s, Article VIII, Section 8.3). Refer to the Architectural Guidelines for submittal requirements for a complete application packet. Mail or email the packet to Action Property Management. Architectural Committee review is completed within thirty (30) days from receipt of the application. You will be notified of the Committee’s decision in writing. For any questions regarding the application packet requirements or submittal process, please email Action Property Management, Emmeline Fernandez at efernandez@actionlife.com

I want to paint my home; what is required?

Exterior painting requires prior architectural approval.

*If your home is stucco, you may not even need to paint it!  Refer to this stucco care sheet for more information.

Refer to the Architectural Guidelines for submittal requirements for a complete painting application packet. Mail or email the packet to Action Property Management. The Architectural Committee review is completed within thirty (30) days from receipt of the application. You will be notified of the Committee’s decision in writing. For any questions regarding the application packet requirements or submittal process, please email Action Property Management, Emmeline Fernandez at efernandez@actionlife.com

I was denied . . . how do I appeal an Architectural Committee decision?”

You must submit a letter of appeal in writing to the Board of Director within thirty (30) days from the date of notification of the Committee’s decision (include Architectural Appeal Process/Procedures document).  (The date of the correspondence you receive notifying you of the Committee’s decision is considered the date of notification.)  If an appeal is not received within thirty (30) days after notification, the Committee’s decision is considered final.  Your appeal letter must include supportive documentation to substantiate the reason you believe the improvement is within the Architectural Guidelines. Your appeal may be emailed to Community Manager, Susan Elmorabit selmorabit@actionlife.com. Appeals are considered by the Board of Directors at the next scheduled Board meeting.  The Board will determine if the Committee’s decision will stand; or may override the decision.  The Board’s decision is final.  You will be notified of the Board’s decision in writing.

Payments

Where do I send my HOA payment?

Mail payments to: Orangecrest Country Community Association; c/o Action Property Management; PO Box 25013; Santa Ana, CA 92799

Checks are made payable to Orangecrest Country Community Association.

You can also make payments online by visiting the Resident Portal.

Will I be charged a late fee for a late payment?

A $10 late fee is charged for a payment not received by the 15^th of the month.  Assessment payments are due on the 1^st and considered late if not received by the 15^th.  A late fee is  charged by the Association, as provided for in the Association CC&R’s (CC&R’s, Article VI, Section 6.10).   A late fee is a hard cost to the Association and is not typically waived by the Board of Directors once charged.

How do I avoid late fees, collections activity and the associated costs?

If you cannot make your monthly payment due to a financial hardship send a written request to the Board of Directors to request a payment plan agreement.  The Association has an aggressive Assessment Collection Policy.  In addition to the monthly late fee of $10 and monthly interest charged on the outstanding balance, collection activity will begin on an account with a delinquent balance.  Substantial collection fees ($300-$400) will be charged to the account once it has gone into the collections process.  To avoid collections status and incurring collections costs, you must send a written request to the Board of Directors to request an approved payment plan as soon as possible after a missed payment.  Include the reason for the payment plan request, and a proposed monthly payment and the length of time for a payment agreement.  Send the request to Community Manager, Susan Elmorabit, at selmorabit@actionlife.com.   Your request will be considered by the Board of Directors at the next scheduled Board meeting.  You will be notified of the Board’s decision in writing.  Collection costs are hard costs to the Association and are not typically waived by the Board of Directors once charged.

How do I dispute a fee charged to my account?

To formally dispute a fee charged to your account you must send a written request to the Board of Directors to request the fee be waived and the reason for the request.  Send the request to Community Manager, Susan Elmorabit at selmorabit@actionlife.com.  Your request will be considered by the Board of Directors at the next scheduled Board meeting.  You will be notified of the Board’s decision in writing.  Late fees, interest or other collections costs are hard costs to the Association and are not typically waived by the Board of Directors.  However, the Board will consider any formal dispute without prejudice.

Why is a fine charged to my account?

Fines are imposed for violation of Association CC&R’s, Architectural Guideline requirements and/or violation of Association rules and regulations.   Fines are imposed by the Board of Directors at a scheduled Hearing meeting.  You will receive correspondence with a scheduled Hearing date to attend to meet with the Board of Directors prior to a fine imposed.  Fines range from $250 to $750 per month; and you are subject to a monthly fine for as long as a violation remains unresolved.  Click for a copy of the Enforcement Policy.  For additional  information regarding a specific fine charged to your contact Community Manager, Susan Elmorabit, at selmorabit@actionlife.com.

How do I dispute a violation and a fine charged to my account?

To formally dispute a violation and fine charged to your account you must send a written request to the Board of Directors to request the fine be waived and the reason for the request.  Fine waiver will only be considered if the violation has been resolved.  Send the request to Community Manager, Susan Elmorabit at selmorabit@actionlife.com.  Your request will be considered by the Board of Directors at the next scheduled Board meeting.  You will be notified of the Board’s decision in writing.

Non-Compliance

“Violation Notice”… What happens when it goes ignored?

If you receive a violation notice you are being requested to resolve an issue noted at your property within a certain timeframe.  When the notice goes ignored and the item is not resolved, a second reminder notice will be sent.  If both notices go ignored and the item is still not resolved, a hearing is scheduled to meet with the Board of Directors to discuss resolving the issue.  If the issue goes ignored and is not resolved by the hearing date, you are subject to a fine being imposed for non-compliance.  Fines range from $250 to $750 per month; and you are subject to a monthly fine for as long as a violation remains unresolved.  The Enforcement Policy can be found under Governing Documents when you log into your Resident Portal.

Association Documents – Important Information

CC&R’s – What are they?

Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R’s) – The CC&R’s is a legally recorded document that governs the Association.  CC&R’s define the requirements for use restrictions, powers and duties of the Association, funds and assessments, architectural control, etc.  As part of the escrow process, a buyer is required to sign for receipt of the Association CC&R’s. Please log in to Resident Portal and view the CC&R’s on the Documents tab.

Association Bylaws – What are they?

The Bylaws set forth Association regulations for voting by Association members, administration, powers and responsibility of the Board of Directors, Officers of the Corporation, obligations of members.  As part of the escrow process, a buyer is required to sign for receipt of the Association Bylaws. Please log in to Resident Portal and view the Bylaws on the Documents tab.

Architectural Guidelines – What are they?

The Board of Directors has the authority to adopt Architectural Guidelines to outline and define specific design criteria for home improvements.  The Guidelines are intended to help establish a high quality of appearance, to assure compatibility, to direct character and form, and to enhance overall value.  Architectural Guidelines may be modified from time to time by the Board of Directors. You can view the Architectural Guidelines here.

What does my Association dues pay for?

The monthly assessment is established at the level required to operate the Association, and monthly dues are paid to cover expenses incurred for the operation and maintenance of the Corporation and common area(s).  Examples of these costs include: utilities; landscape maintenance, irrigation, mitigation area maintenance, gate operation (Autumn Ridge gated community), jogging trails, fencing and walls, monuments, mailboxes, etc.  Other administration costs include:  audit and tax returns; insurance; collections; legal; management; etc.  The Board of Directors reviews expenses monthly; and adopts an annual budget.  Autumn Ridge residents also pay a second monthly assessment referred to as a “cost center” assessment that covers items exclusive to Autumn Ridge residents, i.e. gate operation, park maintenance, etc. Copies of the budget for Orangecrest and the Autumn Ridge Cost Center can be found by logging into Resident Portal and clicking on the Documents tab.

What is the Association’s Collection Policy for delinquent assessments?

Your Board of Directors takes very seriously its obligation to enforce the members’ obligation to pay assessments pursuant to the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act and the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R’s).  The Board has adopted a Collection Policy in an effort to discharge that obligation in a fair, consistent and effective manner. You can view the Collection Policy here.

What is the Association’s Enforcement Policy and fine structure?

The Association has the right to enforce governing documents, and rules and regulations.  This right includes requesting the violator cease the offending action, imposing of fines, and/or taking legal action against the violator after due process has occurred, and in accordance with Association CC&R’s.  The Rules Enforcement / Fining Schedule has been adopted for consistent and effective enforcement of governing documents. Click here to view the policy.

Board Meetings

When are Association Board meetings?

Board of Directors meetings are held monthly on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Orange Terrace Community Center.  The meeting notice can be found posted at the Community Center a week prior to the meeting and is also emailed to owners who provide an email address to the community manager.  Open Forum is scheduled at the beginning of the meeting to allow Homeowners in attendance to address the Board on any topic not already an agenda item.  Homeowners will sign in and note the topic for discussion and are allowed three (3) minutes to speak on each different topic.  The Board can only take action on scheduled agenda items.