Time to Speak Up in GlenOak Hills
🏡 Why Your Voice Matters in the HOA Survey
Management recently emailed out a community-wide survey inviting GlenOak Hills homeowners to weigh in on how our HOA operates. It’s a chance to reflect on how things are working—and to help shape the future of our neighborhood.
This article is not about pushing any specific agenda. It’s a conversation starter—a response to what we’ve heard from neighbors who’ve raised thoughtful ideas and concerns. The three examples shared here aren’t the only topics worth discussing, but they are part of a broader effort to encourage everyone to participate, engage, and be heard.
If any of this resonates with you—or if you have a different perspective entirely—please take a few minutes to complete the survey. The more input, the clearer the community’s voice becomes.
🧭 Why HOAs Exist—And Why This Work Matters
Before we get into any structural concerns, it’s worth revisiting why we have an HOA and CC&Rs in the first place.
GlenOak Hills stands apart because of its natural beauty, consistent design standards, and well-maintained environment. That doesn’t just happen on its own. The HOA exists to protect the appearance and value of the community, provide a layer of regulation beyond county rules, and resolve issues more efficiently than government agencies ever could.
These protections help preserve both property values and quality of life—but even the best systems need to evolve to stay fair and effective.
🏛 Examples of What Neighbors Are Talking About
Architectural Control Committee (ACC)
The ACC reviews and approves plans for fencing, landscaping, grading, signage, and aesthetic changes.
What many homeowners don’t realize is that the ACC is entirely self-appointed. According to the CC&Rs, the committee members select their own replacements, and are not chosen by the Board or community.
Additionally, Article 3.01 specifies that at least one member is supposed to rotate out every three years—a rule that, to our knowledge, hasn’t been followed in recent memory.
While homeowners do technically have the right to change the committee by majority vote, the process is difficult and rarely attempted. Some residents have questioned whether a more transparent, accountable appointment process—such as Board appointment—would serve the community better. Others feel the current structure provides needed consistency.
This isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about asking whether the current system still works for the community.
Trees and Views
Sections 4.09 and 4.10 of the CC&Rs establish that trees should not be removed without ACC approval, and that vegetation should not excessively block a neighbor’s view. This has led to difficult situations where owners of mature trees have been asked—sometimes at great personal expense—to cut down or trim trees to improve another’s view.
The existing Tree & View Policy was recently reinstated by the Board after a temporary suspension. Enforcement decisions are typically made by the Board, and have often favored the view-holder out of concern for legal risk.
This remains one of the most emotionally charged and costly issues in the community. Some residents support strong view protections; others believe the rules are outdated and unfairly penalize those with natural tree growth. There’s no simple answer—but it’s a topic many homeowners feel strongly about, and one that could benefit from continued discussion and transparency.
Board Leadership and Term Limits
Some homeowners have suggested making Board officer roles (like President and Vice President) reflect election outcomes—for example, letting the top vote-getter serve as President, and the second-highest serve as Vice President. The goal is to make the process feel more democratic and remove the perception of behind-the-scenes appointments.
There’s also interest in implementing term limits—perhaps limiting service to two consecutive one-year terms before a break is required. This would encourage fresh participation and prevent long-term concentration of influence.
Again, these are not formal proposals—just ideas that have come up in neighbor-to-neighbor conversations.
📝 What You Can Do Right Now
Whether your focus is leadership, rules, transparency, or something completely different, this is the moment to get involved.
Please complete the survey recently emailed by management. It takes just a few minutes—and it helps show what matters most to the people who live here.
The goal isn’t to overhaul what works—it’s to refine what doesn’t, together.
🔗 Click here to download and complete the survey
📝 How to submit:
Download the PDF
Fill it out
Email it back to Management
Melissa Pease, CCAM®
Director of Compliance Services
📧 mpease@powerstonepm.com
📞 951-823-1019
Ashlley Valencia
Associate Manager
📧 avalencia@powerstonepm.com
📞 951-823-1015
Here’s what’s being asked:
Governing Documents – Are there any CC&R or Bylaw updates you’d like to see?
Playground – Should we keep it or remove it? Annual cost: $4–6K. Future replacement: $70K.
Trash Can Policy – Is the current rule working?
View Policy – Are views being respected and protected?
Common Areas – Should tennis courts, the clubhouse, horse arena, or playground be upgraded or repurposed?
Architectural Rules – Any changes needed to building height limits, fencing styles, roofing materials, or design flexibility?