Alterations of Common Elements & Unit Appearance
Condominium Bylaws, Article VI Section 3 strictly governs all alterations of any common element (limited or general) and the exterior appearance of a unit. Virtually any type of alteration will require the advance written approval of the Board of Directors. Failure to comply with these restrictions can expose the co-owner to monetary fines and legal proceedings, which, if successful, will result in the recovery of all legal fees from the co-owner in violation.
In order to standardize the handling of all approval requests, the
Board has established a policy which requires that the requesting
co-owner complete and execute a recordable agreement at the time the
request is first submitted. The only way the Board communicates its
grants of approvals is by executing this agreement. This avoids
disputes as to whether approval was or was not actually given. The
agreement serves additional purposes. It imposes all future liabilities
involving the alteration on the co-owner of the unit. The agreement may
be recorded with the Oakland County Register of Deeds so as to bind
future co-owners of the unit if the Board deems it appropriate under the
circumstances.