When is a Common-Interest Community (CIC) officially created?

A Common-Interest Community (CIC) is officially created when the declaration is filed with the county or counties. This filing is a crucial step in the establishment of the community, as it formally documents the existence of the CIC and includes significant information regarding the governance, use of the property, and the rights and responsibilities of the property owners within the community. This legal recognition allows the CIC to operate under specific regulations and frameworks established by the state.

The declaration serves as the foundational document that outlines the community’s structure and purpose, making the act of filing it with the appropriate county office essential for the legality and functionality of the CIC. Once this declaration is recorded, it becomes part of the public record, thereby providing notice to potential purchasers and the general public about the restrictions and governance of the community.

Other options, such as filing bylaws or Articles of Incorporation, while important in the establishment and operation of the community, do not constitute the official creation of the CIC itself. The bylaws help govern how the community will operate internally, and Articles of Incorporation are related to establishing a legal entity for the community but do not signify the establishment of the CIC as recognized by law.