Planning for the Future of Technology
Elon Musk once said that the greatest existential threat to humankind is the development of an artificial intelligence that would supplant, enslave or otherwise terminate our frail, organic bodies. Until that day arrives, community associations will have to deal with the rapidly changing technological issues that have become a part of everyday life. Success on that front comes from ensuring that the association, its board of directors and property managers are ready before a new technology becomes an issue. The purpose of this article is to take a brief look at a few relatively new technologies that Associations are already dealing with.
Solar Panels
While not really a new technology, tax credits, leasing options and decreased cost have made solar panels affordable for homeowners looking to help the environment or offset energy bills. For community associations, they become an issue when an owner submits an application for their installation on a home or in a yard. Although panels have gotten much more aesthetically pleasing in the recent past (some companies even offer shingle panels), a Board’s response to its first application can lead to legal fights over whether, where and how such panels can be installed.
An owner’s right to install solar panels is already protected by law in a number of states. Georgia has seen proposed legislation discussed in committee the past several years and it seems likely we are heading in that direction. It is unlikely that any law would require community associations to allow any type of solar panel in any location, so creating express rules and guidelines about installation, instead of just saying “no”, will put an association in the best position to ensure aesthetic harmony and continuity of enforcement regardless of any change in the law.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
As with solar panels, charging stations have been around for a few years now. However, each year the sale of electric vehicles has substantially increased in the United States and what was once a fairly unique request is becoming more commonplace. Most governing documents already require association approval for a charging station (whether as an exterior modification or because they must be placed on common property), however many associations do not have a good system in place to deal with the problems that multiple stations may bring. A proactive association should consult with an electrician to determine what the effect of multiple charging stations may be on the Association’s electrical grid. Knowing what costs will arise as the number of stations increase will better allow the Association to pass those costs along in a way that avoids the first owner being charged less than the tenth owner whose station requires an electrical overhaul. In addition, some associations may benefit from common charging stations that owners can utilize on a shared basis, which can be more efficient than individual stations but which come with their own enforcement problems (as with any shared resource). The bottom line is that Associations should review these issues in advance, so they are ready when the applications come.
Camera Monitoring Systems
While security cameras are nothing new, data review algorithms and cloud storage have allowed their use in locations and ways not possible even five years ago. This new breed of system comes with recognition software that automatically reviews all video footage taken and creates a database allowing anyone with access to search for a particular type of car, license plate number, or person. While these systems can be incredibly helpful in enforcement actions, there are other concerns a board should consider prior to implementation. For instance, if the data is stored in the cloud, does the association own it or can the company sell the footage to third party vendors at its discretion? In addition, it is worth asking the question “should the association have this type of data at its disposal?” The answer may be yes in your community, but some owners may balk at the idea that the board can theoretically track every time they come and go from their home. Whatever the decision, the board should make sure there are good policies in place to control who can utilize the data and in what circumstances to avoid misuse of a powerful tool.
Mobility Rental Services
Everyone has seen them: green, blue, red and black scooters and bikes outside of restaurants, parks and bars (or in the middle of the sidewalk blocking everyone’s path). These scooter and bike rental services are great for cheaply travelling short distances, but they can have negative impacts on community associations: especially those located in areas with a lot of foot traffic and nearby attractions. Many local governments, and the companies themselves, are attempting to regulate when these scooters and bikes can be used and, as importantly, where they can be stored, but these measures often do not help community associations that have private property. Most covenants probably have language that allows the association to pass rules about storage of these types of vehicles and specific rules help create clear expectations for owners who want to utilize them in a responsible manner that won’t interfere with other owners’ use of the property.
The instances above are just a sample of the intersection of community associations and technology in the 21st century. No doubt, ten years from now there will be a whole new crop of issues that aren’t contemplated today. The best bet for any community association is to keep an eye towards the future to insure they aren’t left in the past.