Thoughtfully connected communities can enrich the way we live. Since there are many players involved in the evolution of a development, we’re breaking down the role each entity plays in turning undeveloped land into a master-planned community.
Developer
Let’s start with the developer. A developer looks for a promising piece of land they can buy and build on. Once the land is purchased, the developer works with architects, engineers, and government agencies to design a master plan.
The developer then works with government agencies to see the plan come to fruition. Approval from local municipalities for things like the infrastructure, amenities, density of housing and the governing documents are all part of the planning process.
Once a master planned community is approved by the local municipality, the developer can begin prepping the land for construction of a community’s infrastructure. In the case of Kissing Tree Master Community, the master developer and the homebuilder are both Brookfield Residential, Inc.
Homebuilders
In cases where the developer only builds a portion of the homes in a master planned community remaining lots are sold to other builders. Construction of homes on the remaining lots, must adhere to the master plan. Every homebuilder must follow the master developer’s builder design guidelines and go through the master developer’s design review process.
Community governance
How a community can be governed is always outlined in federal, state, and local statutes. Specific documents such the articles of incorporation, covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CCRs), by-laws, and design guidelines are unique to a community. The board of directors serves as the executive body of a community that ensures the standards outlined in these documents are upheld. In turn, the board of directors almost always hires a third party to help them administer the day-to-day operations of the community.
Declarant board
During the early stages of a new community, the board is led by the declarant, otherwise known as the developer. Initially the developer appoints its own representatives to the board. As a community nears completion or turnover, resident members may replace or be added to the board. A developer will always maintain a majority position on the board in order to ensure the master plan and original vision for community is carried out.
At full build-out of the community (when all areas of the land are developed or sold), the developer transfers the entire control of their seats on the board to the residents. Note Kissing Tree’s Bylaw’s for more information: Kissing Tree Master Documents, Article 3, 3.04 Governance, (a) Board of Directors, Officers.
Kissing Tree Community Life
In the early stages of community development, and especially as residents begin to move into their homes, the developer and board of directors typically hire a professional business partner who aligns with their values and vision for the community, that’s where Cohere comes in. Cohere is hired by the board of directors to manage the daily operations, maintenance needs, and provide community engagement services.
Cohere provides a full service, on-site team, with supporting members, that serve the community at the direction of the board. Cohere’s duties include the financial management of the community’s assets, oversite of third-party services such as security, landscaping, and amenity upkeep, managing compliance concerns, approving design review requests, fostering community partnerships, establishing neighborhood traditions, supporting resident-led clubs and groups, and planning signature events and activities.
Cohere is known as Kissing Tree’s Community Life team, and we are dedicated to connections in the community that engaged residents and create purposeful communities that grow in value over time.
While the developer hires Cohere to manage the community operations, Cohere is not in the business of land development or homebuilding. We do not have a say or influence in how future land is developed, but we can advocate for resident interests, share residents’ comments, questions, or concerns with the declarant and their supporting development team.
At the end of the day, the Kissing Tree Community Life team takes its direction from the board of directors and works tirelessly to develop programs that engage residents and protect their property values, it’s a partnership that aims to ensure the highest quality of life for the residents at Kissing Tree.
Questions? We're happy to help.
Call the front desk at 512-749-1245 or email us. If you’re concerned about neighborhood compliance issues (parkway trees and irrigation, landscaping, amenity maintenance), please fill out a community concern form.