R.M. from Riverside County, California writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
If a condo architectural board member is in violation of the condo rules and asks for an exception, is that member allowed a vote and the matter?
Mister Condo replies:
R.M., ah, the joys of volunteering to serve only so that you can benefit yourself! Unless you have rules in place prohibiting such an act (doubtful), I don’t see why this committee member wouldn’t be allowed to vote on a committee matter. It would be proper for this member to recuse him or herself from the vote but I doubt that they can be prevented from voting on the matter. Correct me if I am wrong but wouldn’t the Master or Executive Board be the governing body who can grant an exception to a rule? Typically, committees don’t have the power to make exceptions, only recommendations that the Master Board grant an exception. If that is the case, the committee member’s vote would only benefit the recommendation, not the actually granting of a rule exception. Of course, a rule that is changed for one is often changed for all. Otherwise the Board opens itself up to claims of discrimination and favoritism. All the best!