Legal Definitions - community interest development

A Community Interest Development (CID) refers to a type of residential property where individual owners possess their own private units or lots, but also collectively own and share responsibility for common areas and amenities. These developments are managed by a governing association, such as a Homeowners Association (HOA), which establishes and enforces rules for the community, maintains shared spaces, and collects fees from owners to cover these costs. When purchasing property within a CID, owners agree to abide by these established rules and restrictions. While the association has the authority to enforce its regulations, federal and state laws can sometimes limit the scope or enforceability of certain restrictions, even if owners initially agreed to them.

• A high-rise condominium building in a city center.

  Here, each resident individually owns their specific apartment unit. However, the building's lobby, elevators, fitness center, rooftop terrace, and exterior structure are all common areas. A condominium association, acting as the CID's governing body, manages these shared spaces, sets rules for residents (e.g., quiet hours, pet policies, maintenance of common areas), and collects monthly dues to cover upkeep and services. This illustrates a CID because it involves individual residential ownership alongside shared common property managed by an association.

• A suburban neighborhood featuring detached single-family homes built around a private golf course and community clubhouse.

  In this scenario, each homeowner owns their house and the land it sits on. However, the golf course, clubhouse, swimming pool, and private roads within the development are common property. An HOA oversees the maintenance of these shared amenities, enforces architectural guidelines for homes (like approved exterior paint colors or landscaping standards), and ensures the community's overall aesthetic and functionality. This is a CID because it's a residential development with private homes and shared recreational facilities, all governed by an association.

• A complex of attached townhouses with shared green spaces and a private playground.

  Each resident owns their individual townhouse unit and perhaps a small private patio or yard directly attached to it. The larger landscaped areas, walking paths, and the children's playground, however, are common property. A homeowners' association manages the maintenance of these shared green spaces, sets rules regarding exterior modifications to the townhouses, parking, and the use of the playground, ensuring a consistent community environment. This exemplifies a CID as it combines private residential ownership with shared common amenities and is regulated by a governing association.