Homeowner approval is not required to:

The reason homeowner approval is not required to approve the reserve budget is that typically, the power to manage a community's finances, including the preparation and approval of the reserve budget, is vested in the community’s governing body or board of directors.

In many community associations, the board has the authority to make financial decisions based on the needs of the community without requiring direct approval from the homeowners. The reserve budget is designed to prepare for future maintenance and repair costs, and boards are tasked with ensuring that sufficient funds are allocated for the long-term sustainability of the community. This allows for efficient management and planning without the potential delays that requiring homeowner approval could introduce.

On the other hand, changing common elements and levying a reserve assessment usually involve homeowner input or approval, as these actions directly affect ownership and financial obligations in the community. In summary, the governing board has the mandate to approve the reserve budget independently to ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of community assets.