Religous Gathering at the Clubhouse

Started by AlexM1 • 9 replies • 1847 views

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AlexM1 (Oklahoma)
Posts: 287

Posted:

One individual would like to have a "sort of" religious gathering at the clubhouse each
Friday morning from o/a 9 am to 10 am. Perhaps 4-8 people would probably attend.... not a "preacher-sermon"
event but more of a Bible study.

Being on the Board, I do not see anything wrong with this but do not know if this is ever done in
other places. It would be at the club house located at the condo complex. Normally the HOA charges
a $25 fee for thhe use of the clubhouse but that fee is for nighttime use(after hours) so not sure if this
would fall in a different category where no fee would be charged.

Anyone had any experiences with this type of gathering at your clubhouse?

BrianB (California)
Posts: 2,820

Posted:

what do your regulations say about use of the clubhouse?

What policy will you put in place to cover future use, if this is approved? I would recommend creating a policy to allow "acceptable activities", with them spelled out (ie, no more than X people, no longer than X length, no noise or amplified music more than X, no solicitation, no money raising, no children younger than X or older than X, must be X adults present per Y children, must be at least one member present per X visitors, no permanent marks on the walls or displays outside, etc...).

For instance, if you allow a bible study group, would you allow a book club? Would you allow a dungeons and dragons game to be held weekly? would you allow a muslim motherhood club? how about a Jewish Prayer group? A Catholic Catechism Class? A Wiccan study club? A Mary Kay make-over? An Amway sales meeting? An AA meeting?

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061

Posted:

Additionally, what if the member who initiated the meeting decides to not belong to that organization or sells and is not a member of the Association. Can the groups continue to use it?

If they can the Association is now renting the facilities to the public. Is the clubhouse in compliance with all Federal and State laws (accessibility, number of restrooms, insurance, etc.) for public use?

I agree, it sounds like a simple request and many would be willing to allow it. However, as a Director, you must consider not only the request but the precedence being set and the possible consequences. Then do a risk analysis before making a decision.

If you don't have a policy in place yet, use this as an opportunity to adopt one.

Start by asking other associations that have a clubhouse what their policy is.

Hope this helps,

Tim

DavidW5 (North Carolina)
Posts: 565

Posted:

Our association has a policy that the clubhouse may not be rented to anyone or any group nor can it be used by non-members of the association. Association sanctioned committees, clubs and interest groups have priority for use of clubhouse facilities. Any clubhouse facilities not otherwise occupied may be used by members for any purpose except political or religious activities.

AlexM1 (Oklahoma)
Posts: 287

Posted:

It just is not mentioned in the CC&Rs

PeterD3 (Florida)
Posts: 708

Posted:

Given your statement: "It just is not mentioned in the CC&Rs".

Do your docs. say anything like/similar to:
"All common areas/elements are available for the use and enjoyment of all members (in good standing?) and thier guests".

If so there may not be anything you can (should) do but allow useage in accordance with your statement:" Normally the HOA charges a $25 fee for the use of the clubhouse but that fee is for nighttime use(after hours)..."

Speculation and hyperbole about what may happen is beyond your current posted restrictions.

Since you state no restriction exists CURRENTLY you may need to allow this request until the proper restrictions are in place to limit the useage conditions.

Why not give benefit of doubt and see what happens?

If you find such useage is no longer wanted then draft restrictions accordingly.

FredS7 (Arizona)
Posts: 927

Posted:

> If you don't have a policy in place yet, use this as an opportunity to adopt one.

For sure. The clubhouse is there to be used; if you do not have a policy about how it is to be used then now is the time to create one.

I would try to be even-handed as much as possible; that is, to focus on whether any outside-HOA guests are allowed; how reservations get made; cleanup after use; limitation of activities such as drinking and gambling.

Personally I would not have a problem with use by religious and/ or political groups, so long as the impact to residents is no different than, say a knitting club.

PeterD3 (Florida)
Posts: 708

Posted:

My personal philosophy is to err on the side of liberty and freedom. There was no restrictive language posted so I say let them do it.

Others look to regulate and control others who do not think alike or because they have power to do so and [possibly] can.

Using this request to provoke regulation(s) which previously did not exist is ugly and closeminded.

ValerieS2 (Michigan)
Posts: 244

Posted:

Peter - what a refreshing point of view!

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

If the clubhouse is paid for with ones dues and it is available to all members for their use (assuming legal use), then I say let him use it.

One cavaet, the member must be at every meeting.

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