HOA Laws in Oregon

Homeowners associations in Oregon are governed by two primary statutes: the Oregon Planned Community Act, ORS Chapter 94, for single-family HOAs and planned communities, and the Oregon Condominium Act, ORS Chapter 100, for condominiums. This guide summarizes the areas boards ask about most. It is general information, not legal advice.

The governing statute

The Planned Community Act sets baseline rules for Oregon HOAs, covering meetings, records, reserves, and assessments, alongside your recorded documents. Most Oregon HOAs are also incorporated as nonprofit corporations, so ORS Chapter 65 governs corporate matters such as member and board meetings, director duties, quorum, and voting. Condominium communities should look primarily to ORS Chapter 100.

Meetings and open-meeting rules

Board meetings are generally open to members with notice, with limited matters allowed in executive session. Notice and procedures follow the statute and your bylaws.

Elections and voting

Directors are elected by the members as provided by the statute and the governing documents, with notice, quorum, proxy, and ballot procedures set by those rules.

Records access and owner inspection

Owners have the right to inspect and copy association records, including financial statements, minutes, and governing documents, subject to reasonable rules and limited exceptions.

Assessments, liens, and foreclosure

Associations may levy assessments and record a lien for unpaid amounts, and may pursue foreclosure subject to statutory procedure. Boards typically involve an attorney for liens and foreclosure.

Fines and enforcement

Associations may adopt and enforce rules and impose reasonable charges for violations, subject to notice and an opportunity to be heard as provided by the statute and the documents.

Reserves and budgets

Under ORS 94.595, planned communities created after October 1, 1999 must maintain a reserve account and conduct reserve planning, and the board must make an annual determination about the adequacy of reserves for repair and replacement of common elements. This makes reserve planning a legal obligation for covered communities.

Owner protections on common restrictions

Oregon limits certain HOA restrictions, including on solar energy systems and the display of the United States flag, subject to reasonable conditions. Review the specific statute before denying a related request.

Where to get official help

ORS Chapter 94 and Chapter 100 are available from the Oregon Legislature. For a specific situation, consult an Oregon attorney experienced in community association law.