She knew procedures.
She knew how to make authority sound official.
Under new business, she introduced a proposal.
A Repeat Compliance Protocol.
Any homeowner who received three or more violations in a year would be subject to a comprehensive property review.
Exterior conditions.
Setbacks.
Drainage.
Landscaping.
Decorations.
Potential violations.
Darnell had received more than three notices.
He said nothing.
After the meeting, he approached Philip Greer, the management-company representative.
“What has to happen before this becomes enforceable?”
Philip explained the notice and approval requirements.
Darnell listened.
Then asked:
“Does the declaration actually give them a right to enter private portions of a lot?”
Philip hesitated.
“Only under certain circumstances.”
Darnell nodded.
That night, he began reading the governing documents again.
This time, he wasn't reading like a homeowner.
He was reading like a detective.
The Paper Trail
Darnell hired attorney Cecily Farr.
She had practiced municipal, nonprofit, and property law for fourteen years.
Darnell sent her everything.
The declaration.
Bylaws.
Amendments.
Violation notices.
Emails.
Meeting minutes.
Financial reports.
Cecily studied them.