Author Archives: chadwick
Update on Virginia Law: Covenants On Solar Panels
Update on Virginia Law: Covenants Restricting Solar Panels By: Dan Blom Solar Panel Provisions Find a New Home Effective October 1st, please be aware that the statutory provisions restricting the authority of associations to prohibit solar panels (and other solar energy collection devices) found a new “home” in the Virginia Code. Specifically, the restrictions formerly […]
Complying with New FDCPA Regulations
COLLECTIONS CORNER: The “Validation Notice” and Complying with New FDCPA Regulations By: Allen Warren If your association refers delinquent accounts to our firm (or any other law firm or collection agency), you may notice a few changes to debt collection policies and procedures, such as references in collection status reports to sending a “validation notice” […]
DC Council Approves Virtual Condominium Membership Meetings
There is big news for DC condominium associations regarding their ability to hold virtual annual membership meetings. After emergency COVID legislation allowing virtual meetings had expired, the DC Council has finally re-authorized electronic meetings for DC condominium associations effective immediately. Since 2014, DC condominium boards of directors have been able to hold meetings virtually; however, […]
Early Lessons from the Condominium Collapse
The tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Florida has brought a laser focus to the community association industry, particularly issues involving evaluation of structural components and the way volunteer boards manage their communities. While it remains too early to tell the precise reasons for the collapse and any potential misjudgments that led to […]
Virginia issues new Executive Order regarding masks and facility restrictions
By a new Executive Order 79 (“EO79) dated May 14, 2021, Governor Northam announced a number of major changes to Virginia’s COVID policy, including an elimination of almost all COVID-19 related restrictions, effective at midnight on May 28, 2021. EO79 (and the 7th amended EO72, which remains in place until May 28) also eliminated Virginia’s previous […]
DC Mayor Lifts COVID Restrictions as of May 21, Changes Mask Guidance
By Order dated May 17, 2021, the Mayor of the District of Columbia eliminated almost all COVID-19 related restrictions, effective as of 5:00am on May 21st. The Order also eliminates the DC mask mandate and introduces mask guidance that matches with recent CDC guidance that removes mask recommendations for vaccinated persons. The Order also extends […]
Virginia Governor Lifts Indoor Mask Mandate / Plans to Lift Other Restrictions on May 28th
Effective May 14, 2021, Virginia’s Governor lifted the state’s indoor mask mandate (with a few exceptions) to align with new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Per the Governor’s press release: “The CDC guidelines state that fully-vaccinated individuals do not have to wear masks in most indoor settings, except on public […]
Virginia EO72 (7th Amendment) in effect May 15
As vaccinations become more prevalent among Virginians, the Governor again amended his standing orders regarding the COVID19 pandemic, this time through the 7th Amendment to Executive Order 72. The full text of EO72 (as amended) can be found here and takes effect May 15, 2021. The main change in EO72’s 7th Amendment was increasing the outdoor gathering […]
Virginia Governor Further Loosens Phase 3 Restrictions – effective April 1
As vaccinations become more prevalent among Virginians and infection rates decrease, the Governor has again loosened restrictions due to the COVID19 pandemic, this time through the 4th Amendment to Executive Order 72. The full text of EO72 (as amended) can be found here and takes effect April 1, 2021. Here is a summary of the provisions of […]
D.C. Eases Some Phase 2 Restrictions
By Mayor’s Order dated March 17, 2021, the Mayor of the District of Columbia modified certain “Phase 2” restrictions that will go into effect at 5:00 a.m. on March 22nd. In addition, the COVID-19 public health emergency is extended through May 20, 2021. The complete text of Mayor’s Order 2021-038 regarding these Phase 2 modifications […]