attorney, how to structure long term parking rights, recorded, enforceable

by Krista Hayes V 8 min read

Who enforces public parking violations?

And while enforcement of public parking violations is standardized and left up to local officers, enforcement of most reserved parking spaces is left up to the property owner. This can make the consequences, if any, more varied and enforcement more haphazard.

What are the most common types of parking rules for homeowners?

The last of the most common types of parking rules has to do with how long homeowners can park their cars in a certain spot before getting towed. For example, if the HOA has a common parking area, the board might allow vehicles to park for a maximum of 24 hours. If the owner goes beyond that, the HOA can take action.

Are reserved parking spots on private property enforceable?

It seems like a risky proposition, so let's see if those reserved parking spots are enforceable. We all know to avoid red curbs and to pay up on parking tickets issued by municipal authorities. But the majority of reserved parking spaces are in private parking garages or otherwise on private property.

How can a land use attorney help a record owner?

A land use attorney can help a record owner decide how best to proceed based on the record owner’s specific circumstances. Matthew M. McKeon is an attorney in MacElree Harvey’s West Chester office and a member of the firm’s Land Use Practice Group. Matt primarily focuses his practice on land use, zoning, and litigation-related matters.

What is a negative easement?

A Negative Easement is just the opposite of an Affirmative Easement. A Negative Easement prohibits a landowner from doing something. One common example of a Negative Easement is a restriction from building an obstruction on the Servient Estate.

What will describe any easements on a property?

What Is An Easement In Real Estate? An easement is defined as the grant of a nonpossessory property interest that grants the easement holder permission to use another person's land. Easement itself is a legal term for a type of property right held by the users of the easement.

What is easement by implication?

Easements by implication occur when a property is divided and the facts and circumstance indicate a prior use that is reasonably necessary. An easement by necessity is similar to an implied easement; however, it doesn't require a prior use, but the easement must be an absolute necessity.

Who is responsible for right of way maintenance in PA?

Maintenance. The duty to care for an easement belongs to the owner of the dominant estate. Thus, any costs of repair or maintenance related to the easement fall to the user of the easement, not to the owner of the servient estate.

Which would terminate an easement?

There are eight ways to terminate an easement: abandonment, merger, end of necessity, demolition, recording act, condemnation, adverse possession, and release.

What is the difference between an easement and an encroachment?

People often confuse encroachment is sometimes confused with easement. Both involve a property owner making extensions over their neighbor's property. While encroachments are the unauthorized use of the neighbor's property, easements are agreed upon by both parties.

How do you prove an easement is right?

To claim easement, the plaintiff must admit the title of the defendant over the property. If the plaintiff claims easementary right that must be proved by sufficient evidence by the plaintiff.

What is quasi easement?

Quasi easement means such easements that are not essential but whose existence is implied. In other words, it can be said that quasi the easement is not highly “essential” but it is deemed to be necessary for the reasonable enjoyment of the property after its being separated from the main property.

What is lis pendens in property law?

Legal Definition of lis pendens 1 : a pending suit. 2 : a written notice of a pending suit involving property usually filed in the appropriate office (as a registry of deeds) — called also notice of pendency. 3a : the jurisdiction and control of the court over property involved in a pending suit.

How wide is the right of way in PA?

thirty-three feetSection 2306. Width of Public Roads. --The width of the right-of-way of a public road in townships shall not be less than thirty-three feet or more than one hundred and twenty feet, and the width of the right-of-way of alleys opened by the township as public roads shall not be less than fifteen feet.

How is a right of way established?

Public rights of way can come into existence through creation (either by legal order or by an agreement made with the landowner) or dedication by the landowner (either expressly or by presumption or by “deemed dedication” following 20 years' public use).

Can I put a gate across a right of way?

Today's position is that a landowner may install a gate across a right of way as long as the owner of the right can still “substantially and practically” use it in the same manner as before.

What is an easement in simple terms?

An easement is the grant of a nonpossessory property interest that grants the easement holder permission to use another person's land.

Which of the following is an example of an easement?

A common example of an easement is when one person is given the right to cross or access a road across another person's property. Other common examples of easements are phone, gas, and power lines. In addition, sewage and water pipes are also common types of easements that are installed on private property.

What are the different types of easement?

So there are essentially 4 types of easement under Indian Easement Act, 1882 , the Continuous and discontinuous , apparent and non – apparent easement.

What is an easement quizlet?

Easement definition. The right held by one person to make specific, limited use of land owned by another. The land that is subject to the easement is the servient estate, whereas the land that benefits from an easement on a servient estate is the dominant estate. Affirmative easement.

Can you enforce reserved parking?

So as a general rule, most reserved parking spots can, and will, be enforced.

Is enforcement of public parking violations standardized?

And while enforcement of public parking violations is standardized and left up to local officers, enforcement of most reserved parking spaces is left up to the property owner. This can make the consequences, if any, more varied and enforcement more haphazard.

Can you get towed for parking in a reserved spot?

The likeliest scenario for parking in a reserved spot is that you'll get towed. Absent any tow company shenanigans, property owners can tow any illegally parked vehicle from their property.

What is an enforceable contract?

Enforceable and Unenforceable Contract. An enforceable contract is a written or oral agreement that can be imposed in a court of law. If the law permits enforcement of a contract, execution of an agreement is the obligation of the assenting parties. Terms may not be violated or breached without causing the contract to void.

Why are there defenses of illegality and violation of public policy?

Instead of the usual process of protecting parties involved in the contract, the defenses of illegality and violation of public policy exists to secure public welfare and the honor of the courts by denying the enforcement of certain types of contracts.

What is the main consideration when negotiating a business agreement?

When negotiating in a business agreement, one of the main considerations is whether the contract will be deemed as an enforceable under law. Constructed as legally binding instruments, a contract is a mutually assented to promise between two parties in a bargained for exchange. The steps to contract formation are: an offer; an acceptance;

What is the meaning of "enforce"?

Enforceable Law and Legal Definition. To enforce means to mandatory compliance with a contract. United States contract law provides that contracting parties have a right to commitment and enforceability. Parties mutually assenting agreement and signatory of a contract, are obliged to adhere to the rules contract law, by performing as promised.

What is the Statute of Frauds?

The Statute of Frauds provides the framework to contract amendment. Oral modifications are binding amendments to contract, in so far as the change is acknowledged by both parties. Still, some transactions such as those requiring land contracts, are only enforceable by way of written contract.

Why is a contract upended?

Where both parties have made an error based on the terms of the contract, and those errors having a tangible effect on the agreed transaction , mistake may be found to be the reason that a contract is upended. Evidence that a mistake corresponds to facts at the time the contract was written allows for termination of the agreement on the basis that it was not adequate or in error. Mistake often enables both parties to sidestep a contract; thus, establishing no fault for the mistake.

Is enforceable a legitimate claim?

The enforceable nature of a contract is a legitimate claim if legal analysis deems that the fundamental rule elements of offer-acceptance-consideration are identified to be part of the agreement.

What is the first thing a homeowners association must do when enforcing parking rules?

When enforcing homeowners association parking rules, the first thing your board must do is refer to your governing documents. Your CC&Rs should clearly dictate in black and white what your HOA parking policies are.

How long can you park in a HOA?

For example, if the HOA has a common parking area, the board might allow vehicles to park for a maximum of 24 hours.

How long before a HOA tows a vehicle?

Your board should first send a notice to the offending homeowner informing them of the violation at least 96 hours before towing the vehicle. Then, provide written authorization to let the towing operator know that your HOA has the power to request the tow.

What does it mean to live in a HoA?

Living in an HOA community means having to abide by the many rules and restrictions that exist to keep the neighborhood in order. One of the most disputed rules in any given HOA, though, often relates to parking. Considering there are about 273.6 million registered motor vehicles in the United States, it’s easy to see why.

How do you know if a street is public or private?

How do you know if a street is public or private? If the general public, i.e. non-members of the HOA, can use the street, then it’s a public street. Public streets are maintained by the government. On the other hand, private streets are maintained by the HOA and are only open for member use.

When can you park in a clubhouse parking lot?

For instance, homeowners may only park in the clubhouse parking lot between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Is it difficult to balance HOA parking restrictions?

It’s often difficult to balance HOA parking restrictions and keep homeowners happy at the same time. But, since the HOA exists to maintain the community, you must make it apparent to all members that these rules are for the good of the association.

What is a restriction on land?

A restriction is a limitation on how a parcel of land can be used. Generally, the terms "restrictive covenant" and "restriction" are used interchangeably. An example of a restriction is "all lots and living units on the property shall be used for single family dwellings only.".

What is the duration of a personal restrictive covenant?

The duration of a personal restrictive covenant should be reasonable in relationship to the proposed use of the land. The instrument or conveyance should provide the duration of the covenant, and if a time limit is not set forth, the court will imply a reasonable limitation.

What is a covenant restriction?

A restriction is simply a limitation on the use of the land.

What is condition in conveyance?

A condition in a conveyance, on the other hand, is a qualification of the particular estate granted. It serves as a requirement of the conveyance and can be a condition precedent or subsequent to a particular act. Conditions restricting free use of property are not favored under the law.

What is a mere agreement between the parties?

A mere agreement between the parties is enough if certain conditions are met . A covenant runs with the land under the following conditions: the parties intended the covenant to run with the land at the time of the conveyance; the covenant "touches and concerns" the land; and.

What is a condition restricting free use of property?

Conditions restricting free use of property are not favored under the law. Therefore, the language of the parties must clearly indicate the desire to create one. Most any restriction that is not illegal - such as racial restrictions - or offensive to public policy can be utilized.

Can a limitation be terminated unilaterally?

It cannot be terminated by unilateral act, however. At the time of creation of the agreement, the grantor may reserve the right to abandon or terminate the restrictions.

What if a third party asserts that they have an unrecorded interest in the property?

What if a third party does assert that they have an unrecorded interest in the property? Luckily for record owners, it can be very difficult for third parties to successfully prove all of the elements necessary to establish adverse possession or a prescriptive easement. However, even unsuccessful legal claims by parties claiming an unrecorded interest can still be expensive and frustrating for record owners and can impede the sale of the property until the issue is resolved. A land use attorney can help a record owner decide how best to proceed based on the record owner’s specific circumstances.

Who should ask if a third party has an interest in a property?

Prospective buyers should ask the current owner of the property whether any third parties possess or claim interests in the property, including interests such as easement rights, or rights to use, or travel over, any part of the property.

What is a prescriptive easement?

A prescriptive easement is an easement across the property of a record owner that is obtained in the same manner as adverse possession. In other words, a third party who asserts a prescriptive easement across a record owner’s property must show that their use of the easement meets all the same requirements to establish an enforceable right to ...

How long do you have to be a third party to own a property?

These archaic sounding requirements essentially mean that the third party must have continuously possessed the property to the general exclusion of others for 21 or more years, and must have done so in a manner that would place a reasonable record owner on notice.

What is adverse possession?

Adverse possession is a means by which a third party can obtain a legal right to all or part of a property despite the property having a different owner of record.

What is the precedent in CC&R?

A violation cannot be viewed in a vacuum as if the association has had no past and will have no future role in dealing with violations. “Precedent” is very important in terms of “looking back” and “looking ahead.” A board seeking to compel compliance with the CC&Rs may face an owner's defense that the association has waived its right to enforce because it has failed to do so consistently in the past. And, looking ahead, a board that permits a violation may hamper future enforcement efforts. A key consideration in negotiating the settlement of a CC&R dispute is how it will help or hinder future CC&R enforcement.

Can a dispute be resolved without a trial?

A really surprising thing is that disputes, even those which seem to be the most intrac table, can still be resolved without going to trial. Even when there are hurt feelings, strong egos and lots of money at stake, an effective mediator working with lawyers and parties acting in good faith can find their way to a settlement before or even after a dispute escalates into a lawsuit. The key is to avoid over investing in a particular outcome and being open to alternative points of view.

Is hidden damage a problem?

Once primarily an economic problem, hidden damage has become a much more severe problem—a matter of life and death.