Tag Archives: CHDB Law LLP

Jeremy R Whittaker v. The Val Vista Lake Community Association (ROOT)

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Case Summary

Case ID 25F-H045-REL; 25F-H054-REL
Agency ADRE
Tribunal OAH
Decision Date 2025-08-08
Administrative Law Judge Adam D. Stone
Outcome total
Filing Fees Refunded $1,000.00
Civil Penalties $1,000.00

Parties & Counsel

Petitioner Jeremy R. Whittaker Counsel —
Respondent The Val Vista Lakes Community Association Counsel Joshua M. Bolen, Esq.

Alleged Violations

A.R.S. § 33-1805
A.R.S. § 33-1805(A)

Outcome Summary

The Administrative Law Judge granted both consolidated petitions (25F-H045-REL and 25F-H054-REL), finding that Respondent, The Val Vista Lakes Community Association, violated A.R.S. § 33-1805(A) by wrongfully withholding requested documents and failing to respond to records requests. Respondent was ordered to follow A.R.S. § 33-1805(A) for all pending and future requests, reimburse the Petitioner the total filing fees of $1000.00, and pay a total civil penalty of $1000.00.

Key Issues & Findings

Violation regarding failure to provide association records (Policies/Legal)

Petitioner alleged Respondent violated A.R.S. § 33-1805 by failing to provide requested records (including those regarding records policy and attorney fee information) within the ten-business-day deadline, and by conditioning production on an unenforceable ‘Records Request Form’. The tribunal found Val Vista wrongfully withheld the documents and violated the statute.

Orders: Petition granted. Respondent ordered to follow A.R.S. § 33-1805(A), reimburse the $500 filing fee, and pay a $500 civil penalty.

Filing fee: $500.00, Fee refunded: Yes, Civil penalty: $500.00

Disposition: petitioner_win

Cited:

  • A.R.S. § 33-1805(A)
  • ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 32-2199.01

Violation regarding failure to provide financial records (Bank Statements)

Petitioner alleged Respondent violated A.R.S. § 33-1805(A) by failing to provide requested operating and reserve bank statements. Val Vista failed to respond to the request. The tribunal found the failure to respond unacceptable and in violation of the statute.

Orders: Petition granted. Respondent ordered to follow A.R.S. § 33-1805(A), reimburse the $500 filing fee, and pay a $500 civil penalty.

Filing fee: $500.00, Fee refunded: Yes, Civil penalty: $500.00

Disposition: petitioner_win

Cited:

  • A.R.S. § 33-1805(A)
  • ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 32-2199.01

Analytics Highlights

Topics: HOA Records Request, Failure to Produce Documents, Statutory Violation, Civil Penalty, Filing Fee Refund, Consolidated Cases
Additional Citations:

  • A.R.S. § 33-1805(A)
  • ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 32-2199.01
  • ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 32-2199.02
  • Title 33, Chapter 16, Article 1

Decision Documents

25F-H045-REL Decision – 1315733.pdf

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25F-H045-REL Decision – 1316066.pdf

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25F-H045-REL Decision – 1316100.pdf

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25F-H045-REL Decision – 1316101.pdf

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25F-H045-REL Decision – 1318153.pdf

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25F-H045-REL Decision – 1324339.pdf

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25F-H045-REL Decision – 1324343.pdf

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25F-H045-REL Decision – 1324372.pdf

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25F-H045-REL Decision – 1328416.pdf

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25F-H045-REL Decision – 1337742.pdf

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25F-H045-REL Decision – 1342973.pdf

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Jeremy R. Whittaker vs The Val Vista Lakes Community Association

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Case Summary

Case ID 25F-H041-REL
Agency ADRE
Tribunal OAH
Decision Date 2025-06-05
Administrative Law Judge Velva Moses-Thompson
Outcome partial
Filing Fees Refunded $500.00
Civil Penalties $0.00

Parties & Counsel

Petitioner Jeremy R. Whittaker Counsel —
Respondent The Val Vista Lakes Community Association Counsel Josh Bolen, Esq.

Alleged Violations

Article IV, Section 3 of the Bylaws

Outcome Summary

Petitioner was deemed the prevailing party as Respondent admitted violating Article IV, Section 3 of the Bylaws. Respondent was ordered to refund the $500 filing fee and comply with the Bylaws. However, the request for a civil penalty was denied because Petitioner failed to meet their burden of proof.

Why this result: Petitioner failed to meet its burden to establish that a civil penalty should be imposed.

Key Issues & Findings

Failure to require Board Candidate disclosure of familial ties and conflicts of interest.

Respondent admitted that the 2023 Board Candidate Application form failed to comply with Article IV, Section 3 of the Bylaws by not requiring disclosure of familial ties, business, or conflicts of interest, as required for Board candidates.

Orders: Respondent ordered to pay Petitioner $500.00 (filing fee refund) within thirty days and directed to comply with Article IV, Section 3 of the Bylaws. Civil penalty denied.

Filing fee: $500.00, Fee refunded: Yes

Disposition: petitioner_win

Cited:

  • A.R.S. § 32-2199.01
  • Article IV, Section 3 of the Bylaws

Decision Documents

25F-H041-REL Decision – 1297701.pdf

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25F-H041-REL Decision – 1297767.pdf

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25F-H041-REL Decision – 1301723.pdf

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25F-H041-REL Decision – 1301746.pdf

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25F-H041-REL Decision – 1304724.pdf

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25F-H041-REL Decision – 1314414.pdf

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Sharon M. Maiden v. Val Vista Lakes Community Association

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Case Summary

Case ID 25F-H030-REL
Agency ADRE
Tribunal OAH
Decision Date 2025-06-02
Administrative Law Judge Velva Moses-Thompson
Outcome loss
Filing Fees Refunded $500.00
Civil Penalties $0.00

Parties & Counsel

Petitioner Sharon Maiden Counsel —
Respondent Val Vista Lakes Community Association Counsel Josh Bolen, Esq.

Alleged Violations

Article IV, Sections 2 and 3 of the Association’s Bylaws
Arizona Revised Statutes § 33-1804(A)

Outcome Summary

The Petitioner's petition is denied, as she failed to establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the Respondent HOA violated A.R.S. § 33-1804 (Open Meeting Law) or selectively enforced Article IV, Sections 2 and 3 of the Bylaws regarding term limits.

Why this result: Petitioner failed to meet her burden of proof on both issues. The closed board meeting was authorized for discussing legal advice, and the HOA's interpretation of the term limit provision aligned with the amendment's purpose to prevent Board members from serving long terms.

Key Issues & Findings

Selective enforcement of Bylaws regarding term limits.

Petitioner alleged Respondent selectively enforced the 2021 Bylaws amendment concerning term limits by retroactively applying the two-term limit to disqualify her 2024 candidacy.

Orders: Petition denied. Petitioner failed to establish a violation of Article IV, Sections 2 and 3 of the Bylaws.

Filing fee: $500.00, Fee refunded: No

Disposition: petitioner_loss

Cited:

  • A.R.S. § 41-1092.07(G)(2)
  • A.A.C. R2-19-119(A)
  • A.A.C. R2-19-119(B)(1)
  • Vazanno v. Superior Court, 74 Ariz. 369, 372, 249 P.2d 837 (1952)
  • A.A.C. R2-19-119(B)(2)
  • MORRIS K. UDALL, ARIZONA LAW OF EVIDENCE § 5 (1960)
  • BLACK’S LAW DICTIONARY at page 1220 (8th ed. 1999)
  • Powell v. Washburn, 211 Ariz. 553, 556 ¶ 9, 125 P.3d 373 (2006)
  • Lookout Mountain Paradise Hills Homeowners’ Ass’n v. Viewpoint Assocs., 867 P.2d 70, 75 (Colo. App. 1993)

Failure to hold an open meeting to decide candidacy disqualification.

Petitioner alleged Respondent violated open meeting laws by holding a closed executive session vote on October 11, 2024, to disqualify her candidacy.

Orders: Petition denied. Petitioner failed to establish a violation of A.R.S. § 33-1804(A).

Filing fee: $0.00, Fee refunded: No

Disposition: petitioner_loss

Cited:

  • A.R.S. § 41-1092.07(G)(2)
  • A.A.C. R2-19-119(A)
  • A.A.C. R2-19-119(B)(1)
  • Vazanno v. Superior Court, 74 Ariz. 369, 372, 249 P.2d 837 (1952)
  • A.A.C. R2-19-119(B)(2)
  • MORRIS K. UDALL, ARIZONA LAW OF EVIDENCE § 5 (1960)
  • BLACK’S LAW DICTIONARY at page 1220 (8th ed. 1999)
  • Arpaio v. Steinle, 201 Ariz. 353, 355 ¶ 5, 35 P.3d 114, 116 (App. 2001)

Analytics Highlights

Topics: HOA, Bylaws, Term Limits, Open Meeting Law, Selective Enforcement, ADR
Additional Citations:

  • A.R.S. § 32-2199(B)
  • A.R.S. § 33-1804(A)
  • A.R.S. § 41-1092.07(G)(2)
  • A.A.C. R2-19-119(A)
  • A.A.C. R2-19-119(B)(1)
  • A.A.C. R2-19-119(B)(2)
  • Vazanno v. Superior Court, 74 Ariz. 369, 372, 249 P.2d 837 (1952)
  • MORRIS K. UDALL, ARIZONA LAW OF EVIDENCE § 5 (1960)
  • BLACK’S LAW DICTIONARY at page 1220 (8th ed. 1999)
  • Arpaio v. Steinle, 201 Ariz. 353, 355 ¶ 5, 35 P.3d 114, 116 (App. 2001)
  • Powell v. Washburn, 211 Ariz. 553, 556 ¶ 9, 125 P.3d 373 (2006)
  • Lookout Mountain Paradise Hills Homeowners’ Ass’n v. Viewpoint Assocs., 867 P.2d 70, 75 (Colo. App. 1993)

Audio Overview

Decision Documents

25F-H030-REL Decision – 1272425.pdf

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25F-H030-REL Decision – 1272426.pdf

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25F-H030-REL Decision – 1282372.pdf

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25F-H030-REL Decision – 1282375.pdf

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25F-H030-REL Decision – 1284492.pdf

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25F-H030-REL Decision – 1288176.pdf

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25F-H030-REL Decision – 1288177.pdf

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25F-H030-REL Decision – 1293820.pdf

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25F-H030-REL Decision – 1313134.pdf

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Taylor Kidd vs Heritage Village III Homeowners Association (ROOT)

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Case Summary

Case ID 24F-H037-REL
Agency ADRE
Tribunal OAH
Decision Date 2024-08-23
Administrative Law Judge Adam D. Stone
Outcome full
Filing Fees Refunded $1,000.00
Civil Penalties $0.00

Parties & Counsel

Petitioner Taylor Kidd and Jerome L. Glazer Counsel Patrick T. Nackley
Respondent Heritage Village III Homeowners Association Counsel Tessa Knueppel and Mark K. Sahl

Alleged Violations

McCormick Ranch CC&R Article III, Section 4 and Heritage Village III HO CC&R Article VII, Section 1

Outcome Summary

The ALJ found that the Association violated its own CC&Rs (Article VII, Section 1) by failing to incorporate and follow Article III, Section 4 of the McCormick Ranch CC&Rs, which required a two-thirds vote of voting owners for a special assessment for capital improvements. Both petitions were granted, and the Association was ordered to refund the total filing fees of $1,000.00.

Why this result: Respondent failed to take the required vote regarding the special assessment for the Landscape Improvement Project, in violation of the controlling CC&Rs.

Key Issues & Findings

Violation of CC&Rs by approving a Landscape Improvement Project and potential special assessment for a capital improvement without the required 2/3 membership vote.

The Association violated its CC&Rs by failing to follow the McCormick Ranch CC&R provision requiring the assent of two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast by Voting Owners for a Special Assessment intended for construction, reconstruction, repair, or replacement of a capital improvement (the Landscape Improvement Project).

Orders: The petitions were granted. Respondent was ordered to reimburse both Petitioners' filing fees pursuant to ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 32-2199.02(A).

Filing fee: $500.00, Fee refunded: Yes

Disposition: petitioner_win

Cited:

  • McCormick Ranch CC&R Article III, Section 4
  • Association CC&R Article VII, Section 1

Analytics Highlights

Topics: Special Assessment, Capital Improvement, Membership Vote, CC&R Violation, Consolidation, Master Association
Additional Citations:

  • ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 32-2102
  • ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 32-2199 et al.
  • ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 32-2199.05
  • ARIZ. REV. STAT. §§ 32-2199(2), 32-2199.01(D), 32-2199.02, and 41-1092
  • ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 33-1803.7
  • ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 32-2199.02(A)
  • ARIZ. ADMIN. CODE R2-19-119
  • Title 33, Chapter 16, Article 1 of the Arizona Revised Statutes

Decision Documents

24F-H037-REL Decision – 1182719.pdf

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24F-H037-REL Decision – 1182767.pdf

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24F-H037-REL Decision – 1182769.pdf

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24F-H037-REL Decision – 1203525.pdf

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24F-H037-REL Decision – 1215299.pdf

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24F-H037-REL Decision – 1226570.pdf

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Aaron Solen & Anh Jung v. Power Ranch Community Association

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Case Summary

Case ID 24F-H036-REL
Agency ADRE
Tribunal OAH
Decision Date 2024-07-05
Administrative Law Judge Adam D. Stone
Outcome partial
Filing Fees Refunded $500.00
Civil Penalties $0.00

Parties & Counsel

Petitioner Aaron Solen and Anh Jung Counsel —
Respondent Power Ranch Community Association Counsel Charles H. Oldham

Alleged Violations

A.R.S. §33-1803(B) and Article 5.2.4 of the Association’s by-laws

Outcome Summary

The tribunal granted the petition, finding the Association violated ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 33-1803(B) and CC&R section 5.2.3 by failing to provide Petitioners an opportunity to be heard before imposing monetary penalties. The Respondent was ordered to reimburse the $500 filing fee. However, the tribunal denied all other requests for relief, including the reimbursement of fines, imposition of civil penalties, and forced approval of the modification, citing lack of statutory authority.

Why this result: The tribunal lacks statutory authority to erase fines imposed, force the Association to rewrite its CC&R’s, or force the Association to accept the planters without Petitioners going through the proper Design Review Committee processes.

Key Issues & Findings

Petitioner was issued fines as a result of a Design Review Committee decision and petitioner was not provided an opportunity to appeal to or be heard by the board of directors as required by A.R.S. §33-1803(B) and Article 5, specifically Article 5.2.4 of the Association’s by-laws.

Petitioners were fined for an unapproved modification (planter) without being granted a proper opportunity to be heard by the Board, as required by statute and bylaws, leading to a violation finding against the Association. The May 2023 meeting did not include the hearing, and the June 2023 Executive Session was not deemed a proper 'hearing' due to confusion over the closed session terminology.

Orders: The petition alleging violation of hearing rights was granted. Respondent was ordered to reimburse the Petitioner’s filing fee pursuant to ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 32-2199.02(A). Requests for reimbursement of fines incurred ($400.00), approval of the planters, imposition of a civil penalty, and rewriting CC&R’s procedures were denied.

Filing fee: $500.00, Fee refunded: Yes

Disposition: petitioner_win

Cited:

  • ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 33-1803(B)
  • Article 5.2.4
  • CC&R Section 5.2.3
  • ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 32-2199.02(A)

Analytics Highlights

Topics: DRC denial, hearing rights, monetary penalty, unapproved modification, executive session, CC&R violation
Additional Citations:

  • ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 33-1803(B)
  • Article 5.2.4
  • CC&R Section 5.2.3
  • ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 32-2199.02(A)
  • ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 32-2199.01
  • ARIZ. REV. STAT. §§ 32-2102
  • ARIZ. REV. STAT. § 41-1092

Decision Documents

24F-H036-REL Decision – 1162665.pdf

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24F-H036-REL Decision – 1184634.pdf

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24F-H036-REL Decision – 1191323.pdf

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24F-H036-REL Decision – 1196403.pdf

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Kenneth M. Halal v. Eagle Crest Ranch Homeowners Association

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Case Summary

Case ID 24F-H045-REL
Agency ADRE
Tribunal OAH
Decision Date 2024-06-26
Administrative Law Judge Sondra J. Vanella
Outcome loss
Filing Fees Refunded $500.00
Civil Penalties $0.00

Parties & Counsel

Petitioner Kenneth M. Halal Counsel —
Respondent Eagle Crest Ranch Homeowners Association Counsel Alexandra M. Kurtyka

Alleged Violations

A.R.S. §§ 33-1803, 33-1804; Bylaws Article 2.3, 5.2

Outcome Summary

The Petitioner's request was dismissed. The Administrative Law Judge determined that Petitioner failed to meet the burden of proof, as the restriction of access to the Townsquare forum was a unilateral decision made by Townsquare, a separate legal entity. The cited statutes and Bylaws regarding due process for violations of Project Documents were found inapplicable because Townsquare and its Terms of Use are not governed by the HOA’s Project Documents.

Why this result: Petitioner failed to meet the burden of proof, and the cited statutes and bylaw provisions were found inapplicable since the Townsquare platform is not owned or managed by the HOA, and the restriction was imposed solely by Townsquare based on its Terms of Use, which are not HOA Project Documents.

Key Issues & Findings

Due process violation regarding removal from HOA website forum (Townsquare Forum)

Petitioner alleged violation of A.R.S. §§ 33-1803 and 33-1804, and Bylaws 2.3 and 5.2, arguing the HOA failed to provide due process when restricting his access to the Townsquare online forum. The ALJ found the cited provisions inapplicable as the restriction was imposed solely by Townsquare, a third-party entity whose Terms of Use are not Project Documents.

Orders: Petition dismissed because Petitioner failed to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that Respondent violated the cited statutes or Bylaws.

Filing fee: $500.00, Fee refunded: No

Disposition: petitioner_loss

Cited:

  • A.R.S. § 33-1803
  • A.R.S. § 33-1804
  • Bylaws Article 2.3
  • Bylaws Section 5.2

Analytics Highlights

Topics: HOA Dispute, Due Process, Online Forum, Townsquare, Third-Party Vendor, Project Documents
Additional Citations:

  • A.R.S. § 33-1803
  • A.R.S. § 33-1804
  • A.R.S. § 32-2199
  • Bylaws Article 2.3
  • Bylaws Section 5.2
  • CC&Rs Article 1 Section 1.36
  • Townsquare Terms of Use

Decision Documents

24F-H045-REL Decision – 1183806.pdf

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24F-H045-REL Decision – 1186944.pdf

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24F-H045-REL Decision – 1193702.pdf

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