No HOA Guide
No HOA Doesn’t Mean No Rules
The biggest misconception I clear up with no-HOA buyers is the idea that skipping an HOA means skipping regulation entirely. It doesn’t — you’re still subject to city and state rules, they just come from the government instead of a private association.
City, County, and State Rules That Still Apply
A few of the most common ones I get asked about: parking and RV storage is generally allowed with no HOA, but city ordinances on setbacks and street visibility still apply, so it’s worth confirming your specific lot meets code. Building an ADU or casita skips the HOA’s architectural review, but you’ll still need a City of Mesa (or your municipality’s) permit regardless. Solar installation has no HOA committee to slow it down, though it’s worth knowing Arizona law already limits how much even an HOA can restrict solar in the first place. And if a property has a pool, Arizona and Mesa building code requires a compliant safety barrier — typically a five-foot fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate — whether or not there’s an HOA involved.