Common Area Defined

🏡 What Does “Common Area” Mean?

Published: October 2025
By: Parkview Recreation Association Board of Directors

Quick Summary

When you buy a Parkview condominium, you own both your individual unit and a fractional interest in shared property called the Common Area. The new 2025 CC&Rs clarify who’s responsible for what — helping all of us maintain our homes and shared spaces more smoothly.

Understanding Common Area

Parkview owners own:

Your individual Unit, defined by its interior boundaries; and
A shared ownership interest in the Common Area, which is collectively owned by all members of the Association.

The Building Common Area includes shared structural and mechanical systems such as roofs, foundations, framing, and common plumbing and electrical lines. It also includes the open spaces, parking areas and all other parts of our complex that are not within the boundaries of a unit's interior.

The Recreation Common Area includes the pool area, including the recreation room, walkways and landscaped grounds.

Some spaces are defined as Restricted Common Areas — patios, balconies, assigned carport parking spaces and the storage closets. These areas are owned in common but reserved for the exclusive use of one homeowner.

(See CC&Rs Article I, Sections 1.7 and 1.24; and Article II, Sections 2.1–2.3.)

Why It Matters

The 2025 Restated CC&Rs clearly define where homeowner responsibility ends and the Association’s begins. A few examples:

Wastewater lines: The HOA maintains the lines beginning where each line enters the building’s framing cavity. Owners are responsible for lines and fixtures that serve only their unit, as well as acting with care so that all waste lines remain clear and function properly.
Windows, doors, and utility lines: These parts can be confusing, so the new language sorts out who is responsible for each component.
Patios and balconies: These are Restricted Common Areas — you have exclusive use, but the Association retains ownership and responsibility for structural components.

These clearer definitions prevent confusion and ensure maintenance costs are shared fairly among all members.

Using Our Shared Spaces

Because the Common Area belongs to everyone, it must remain open, accessible, and unobstructed for all residents — except for areas designated as Restricted Common Areas.

While planters or decorations may enhance the property, please ensure they do not block access or interfere with another owner’s use. If you want to improve or decorate beyond your unit boundary, please submit an Architectural Review Request to the Board before starting work.

A Few Important Reminders

Follow all building, electrical, and plumbing codes for work done inside your unit. (An Architectural Review Request is required under the CC&Rs. In most instances, the Town of Corte Madera also requires a building permit.)
Be considerate of impacts on neighbors such as noise, storage in shared spaces, or unsafe materials. Local fire code prohibits use or storage of 20-lb. propane tanks anywhere at Parkview.
Talk first. Direct, friendly communication between neighbors often solves problems faster than formal complaints.

Our Goal: Clarity and Community

With the clarity of the 2025 governing documents, homeowners now have an easier time understanding rights and responsibilities. The Board’s goal is not to issue violations, but to encourage cooperation and maintain a safe, attractive, and respectful community.

For full details, please refer to the Parkview Restated 2025 CC&Rs.

Questions? Contact the board or come to our next meeting.