Should an HOA Get Involved in Rezoning Matters?

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Understanding the Role of Community Associations in Local Development Decisions

The recent lawsuit by residents of New Irving Park in Greensboro, NC, challenging a rezoning decision that would allow eight townhomes in their single-family neighborhood, has raised important questions for homeowner associations (HOAs) and condominium boards. Should your HOA get involved in rezoning efforts? And if so, how? At Association Management Group (AMG), we believe that supporting board members in navigating these complex issues—without overstepping legal or governance boundaries—is part of our value as an accredited, advisory-focused management company. Below, we explore the considerations and the compliant, strategic role HOAs might play.

When and Why HOAs Might Consider Getting Involved

While HOAs are not land-use authorities, their boards may wish to monitor or engage in rezoning proposals that affect property values, neighborhood character, traffic patterns, or infrastructure use.

  • Boards may choose to get involved when:

  • Rezoning affects property values or the quality of life of homeowners.

  • Density increases strain infrastructure, green space, or safety.

  • The proposed use contradicts the original development intent that owners relied on when buying homes.

  • The association is asked to weigh in by the city, developer, or residents.

How an HOA Can Engage—Without Overstepping

While it may be tempting for a board to speak on behalf of the community, it’s essential to remember that boards must operate within their legal and fiduciary boundaries. AMG helps boards:

  • Coordinate with legal counsel to determine what the board is legally permitted to say or do.

  • Organize owner forums or surveys to gauge community sentiment.

  • Support homeowner education by sharing meeting notices or public hearing details.

  • Refer questions to professionals, rather than interpreting zoning laws directly.

  • Present well-organized information to the board to support transparent, documented decision-making.

What HOAs Should Avoid

To protect the association from liability or overreach, boards should avoid:

  • Issuing blanket positions without a member vote or legal review.

  • Making public statements that suggest authority they don’t have.

  • Interpreting zoning law or city policies without attorney guidance.

  • Engaging in political activity beyond the scope permitted by governing documents.

AMG’s Role: Support Without Overreach

As an accredited AAMC® firm (Accredited Association Management Company) by CAI, managing more than 30,000 homes across the Carolinas, AMG empowers boards with clear, compliant options. With a 4.7-star Google rating and average manager tenure over 10 years, our proven experience helps your board lead with confidence. Here’s what AMG does—and doesn’t do—when zoning issues arise:

  • We support boards in understanding how proposed zoning changes may impact their community.

  • We help coordinate with legal counsel, city departments, and homeowners.

  • We facilitate communications, surveys, and meetings.

  • We don’t offer legal opinions, make zoning decisions, or speak for the board without direction.

Final Thoughts: A Strategic, Thoughtful Approach

Whether your board chooses to engage in rezoning issues depends on your community's values, governing documents, and legal advice. But one thing is certain—boards should never navigate these situations alone. As one board president recently said: "AMG helped us stay organized and compliant when development came knocking on our doorstep. They gave us the tools—not just opinions."

Ready for Expert Support?

Schedule a Complimentary Management Assessment to see how AMG can help your board confidently lead through growth and change—without overstepping its authority.

Visit AMGworld.com/info-request-for-proposal to get started.