A discussion draft

A narrow operating agreement, not another pile of rules.

The compact describes the model HOMO is trying to prove: clearly defined shared work, readable records, real limits on authority, and private property choices left with homeowners.

Neighborhood CompactHOMO discussion draft · Version 0.2
Purpose of this draft: give neighbors a restrained starting point for discussing shared maintenance. It does not create authority that ownership documents or law do not provide.
1

Purpose

The group exists only to coordinate and pay for specific property, infrastructure, or services that are genuinely shared. It does not exist to supervise ordinary private life or impose a preferred neighborhood aesthetic.

2

Scope

The shared assets and services must be listed by name. Responsibilities outside that written list remain with the property owner, public authority, utility, or other party that actually owns or controls them.

3

Authority

The group may exercise only authority supported by a lawful agreement, ownership interest, recorded document, contract, or applicable law. A voluntary chapter does not claim power to compel membership, enter property, fine, lien, or enforce private restrictions.

4

Money

Every charge must connect to a documented shared cost, reasonable reserve, insurance need, tax, or approved professional service. Budgets show the calculation, payment schedule, bank balance, invoices, and any unpaid obligation in plain language.

5

Records

Current agreements, budgets, invoices, insurance, contracts, decisions, and asset records remain available to participating households. Records should be understandable without specialized software or insider knowledge.

6

Decisions

Routine maintenance follows an approved budget. Material new costs, changes in scope, debt, long contracts, or disposal of shared property require advance notice and a documented vote using the threshold the lawful structure requires.

7

Private property

Paint, flags, gardens, lawful vehicles, play equipment, ordinary home use, and personal style are not shared-maintenance issues. Any restriction must be tied to a legitimate shared interest and supported by actual authority, not preference.

8

Disputes

Questions begin with the governing documents, ownership record, contract, invoice, or written scope. Neighbors use notice, an opportunity to respond, and proportionate problem solving before escalation. The group does not manufacture penalties to win personal disputes.

9

Changes

The compact, scope, and financial arrangement may be changed only through the written process the participants adopt and any process required by law or existing documents. Changes must be circulated before a vote and recorded afterward.

10

Ending the arrangement

The plan must explain how contracts, funds, records, taxes, insurance, and shared property are handled if the group ends. A voluntary agreement does not pretend to dissolve a recorded entity or obligation.

Local adaptation

Turn principles into a lawful local document.

The compact should make local professional review easier, not replace it.

  • Identify the legal owners of every shared asset and any easement or access right.
  • Confirm whether recorded covenants, an existing corporation, or municipal approvals control the structure.
  • Document assessments, taxes, insurance, reserves, vendor obligations, and banking controls.
  • Define membership, voting, notices, conflicts, records, succession, and termination.
  • Resolve what happens when a household declines to participate or a property transfers.
  • Have the final arrangement reviewed by the appropriate local attorney and other specialists.

Keep the model honest

Use the principles. Verify the authority. Document the work.