The Bylaws detail the guidelines for the administration and operation of the non-profit corporation. The Bylaws often define the duties and terms of the Board of Directors, requirements for membership meetings, the membership's voting rights, required meetings and notices of meetings, procedures for electing the Board of Directors, and other items necessary to run the association as a legal corporation.

The Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), also referred to as the Declaration, are the governing legal documents that were recorded by the County Recorder's Office of the County in which the property is located and are included in the title to your property. The CC&Rs establish the guidelines for the operation of the community association and further define the bundle of rights of each owner. Among other things, these legal documents establish protective standards, restrictions, and obligations in areas ranging from architectural control to prohibitions on various activities in order to promote harmonious living within the community.