Which statement is true regarding fines for violating governing documents?

The statement regarding fines for violating governing documents that is accurate is that a fine that exceeds $100 cannot be assessed for a routine violation. In many homeowners' associations (HOAs), governing documents outline the procedures and limits related to imposing fines for violations. These rules often specify that fines for less serious or routine violations must adhere to certain caps, such as the $100 limit mentioned.

This limit serves to protect homeowners from disproportionately high penalties for minor infractions, promoting fairness and ensuring that the association does not impose excessive or punitive fees for actions that may not significantly harm the community. By implementing such caps, associations encourage compliance while balancing the need for maintaining community standards with the rights of the individual homeowners.

In contrast, the other options suggest requirements for assessments that are not typically mandated by governing documents. Approvals from homeowners, board notification, or attorney approval are not universally required before imposing fines, especially for routine violations, making them less applicable to a general understanding of how fines operate within the framework of community management.