Which document must the association's rules comply with?

The association's rules must comply with the declaration, also known as the declaration of covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). This is a foundational document that outlines the primary regulations and guidelines governing the community. It establishes the rights and responsibilities of the members within the association and serves as a legal framework for the governing documents associated with the community.

The declaration is essential because it sets the overarching standards that all subsequent rules and regulations must adhere to. Any rules created by the association cannot contradict the declaration; they must enhance or clarify it without conflicting with the fundamental principles laid out in that document. This ensures that all members are subject to the same set of standards and protects the integrity of the community.

While other documents, such as bylaws or local government charters, play important roles in governing community associations, they do not dictate the essential standards and frameworks as directly as the declaration does. The declaration is typically recorded with the county and has statutory backing, which emphasizes its supremacy in relation to other documents concerning community governance.