Annual Notice to Residents of COC’s We want you to know about the Montgomery County Commission on Common Ownership Communities

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Montgomery County recognizes that a substantial proportion of all its citizens now live in condominium, cooperative, and homeowner associations, generally called "common ownership communities." In order to serve better the special needs of these communities, to act as their advocate, and to maintain and improve the quality of life in these communities, the county created the Commission on Common Ownership Communities, operating under the authority of Chapter 10B of the Montgomery County Code.

The commission has 3 basic duties:

Education: The commission provides free information to both members and governing bodies about their rights and duties under Maryland law, as well as advice on how to properly operate the association, and avoid complaints. Among other tools, it offers a "Community Manual and Resource Guide" for boards of directors, and detailed information on such topics as architectural control, assessments, and meetings – all of which can be found on the commission website. It also publishes a newsletter summarizing recent developments affecting common ownership communities. Commissioners will speak to communities and their boards on request and welcome invitations to do so.

Legislation: The commission advocates for common ownership communities concerning proposed laws and regulations at the local and state level.

Dispute resolution: The commission can hear and resolve certain disputes between members of the communities and their governing bodies, and its decisions are legally binding on the parties. Copies and easy-to-read summaries of its decisions are posted on its website and reviewed in its newsletter.

The commission is composed of 15 volunteers who are appointed for three-year terms. Eight members must be residents of common ownership communities and the other seven must be professionals who work with the communities, such as property managers, lawyers, developers, and realtors. Every fall, the county publishes a request for applicants to the commission to replace those whose terms are due to expire.

For more information on the Commission and its services, visit its website at: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ccoc

If you have questions or need advice, the CCOC prefers to be contacted by email at: CCOC@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov