What Are Community Documents?
Under New Mexico law, homeowners associations like Sandia Heights Homeowners Association are governed by two main statutes, which require associations to adopt and maintain a set of community documents.
- New Mexico Nonprofit Corporation Act (§ 53-8-1 NMSA 1978) – governs how the Association is formed and operated as a nonprofit.
- New Mexico Homeowner Association Act (§ 47-16-1 NMSA 1978) – outlines the rights and responsibilities of homeowners and associations, predominantly for our enclave Home Owners Associations.
Why Do These Documents Matter?
These documents are the Association’s “rules of the road.” They:
- Establish our legal authority and structure
- Govern how the Board and Committees operate
- Ensure transparency, accountability, and consistency
- Protect the architectural and natural integrity of Sandia Heights
- Help maintain property values and member expectations
By owning a lot in Sandia Heights, all owners are legally bound to comply with the CC&Rs and any architectural or land use restrictions—regardless of whether they are Association members.
Community Documents
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) | Recorded land-use contracts that define property restrictions, architectural standards, and owner obligations for each unit. Binding on all owners. |
| Articles of Incorporation | SHHA’s founding document under New Mexico nonprofit law. Establishes the SHHA’s legal identity and purpose. |
| Assignments | From Developers and other entities to Sandia Heights Homeowners Association. Legal documents that grant standing and authority. |
| Bylaws | Operating rules for how the Board is structured and conducts business, including elections and meetings. Defines how the Association is governed: Board composition, elections, meetings, quorum, and voting. Provide the internal operating framework. |
Policies, Procedures, and Charters
| Document | Description | Document Links |
|---|---|---|
| SHHA Policies | Formal statements that clarify expectations and practices for members and leadership. Establish principles or standards adopted by the Board to guide decisions and ensure consistency with the Bylaws and CC&Rs. |
|
| Overarching Procedures | Outline specific steps for implementing policies and managing ongoing operations. |
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| Committee Charters and Supporting Documents | Each Committee operates under a charter to ensure consistency, accountability, and alignment with the Association’s overall goals. Define committee roles, responsibilities, and reporting relationships. | You can find these Charters on each Committee’s webpage: Association/Committees. On the side bar, applicable procedures and other supporting documentation. |
Other Community Documents
| Description | Document Links |
|---|---|
| The Annual Meeting and Board Meetings serve as the primary forums for conducting the business of the Association. |
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Job Descriptions
Job Descriptions define the scope of responsibility, duties, and expectations for Board officers, committee chairs, and other volunteers.
- Board Member Job Description
How These Documents Work Together
Each level of document has a specific function and hierarchy that allows the Association to operate effectively.
- CC&Rs are the highest governing documents and cannot be overridden by Bylaws or Policies.
- Bylaws establish how the Association functions.
- Policies and Procedures implement the Bylaws.
- Rules, Guidelines, and other supporting documents clarify how policies are applied in daily operations.