Anne Arundel County associations set up before October 1, 2022 needed a reserve study by October 1, 2023, unless they had one on or after October 1, 2018. Updates follow at least every five years; new communities need a study before owners take over.
Anne Arundel County dates at a glance
| Counts as existing if set up before | October 1, 2022 |
|---|---|
| A study on or after this date counted | October 1, 2018 |
| Otherwise, first study by | October 1, 2023 |
| Latest update, if the first came at the deadline | October 1, 2028 |
| Funding | The study's recommended contribution, reached within five fiscal years of an initial study |
The county checklist for new HOA documents
In August 2024 the county's Office of Planning and Zoning, working with the Department of Inspections and Permits, issued notice OPZ-24-01, "Homeowners Association Documents Checklist and Submittal Requirement". It sets minimum requirements for HOA documents submitted with new developments so that the association's obligations are clearly spelled out.
That matters for reserves. The obligations written into a new declaration decide what the HOA must maintain, which decides what its first reserve study must cover and whether it crosses the $10,000 threshold in 11B-112.3.
Planning the next study
On the water, expect the study to list piers, bulkheads, boat ramps and shoreline protection, each with its own life and cost. These are expensive and weather-exposed, so ask the preparer how they arrived at the remaining life rather than taking a round number.
For a first study done at the 2023 deadline, the update is due by October 1, 2028.
The rules themselves are statewide: see the 2022 law, in order and funding to the study.