Recently a buyer asked if an HOA had pet restrictions. The answer is this: Most, if not all, do.

When puchasing a townhome, even if it is considered an single family attached home with a large back yard, never assume anything when it comes to your four legged family member.

In Foster City there are many large PUD complexes (define) with huge back yards. In most of these the HOAs will allow a pet.

But here’s where it gets confusing.

Some have weight restrictions, some have type of pet restrictions (e.g. cats not allowed; dogs are). Even the type of bird or number of birds you have may not be acceptable. Just becasue the MLS may say pets are allowed it is imperative to read the HOA documents carefully.

About 2 years ago while showing a townhome in Foster City my clients came across a very unusual situation. The neighbor had a rooster. Not a good thing at 4am. It seems the HOA said that birds as a pet were allowed, but it was not specific enough to exclude farm birds. Needless to say, the pet rules were changed.

Currently the “Rules and Regulations” for Bay Vista in Foster City are being updated.

Anyone purchasing a PUD should ask this question: Are the CC&R’s updated or in transition?

Image courtesy of Raafje