Your HOA operates under a specific legal framework. The order of authority, from highest to lowest, is:
1. State Law – In our case, the Indiana HOA Act and other applicable laws.
2. Declaration of Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CCRs) – The “constitution” of your community.
3. Bylaws – Define how the HOA operates internally, including elections and board meetings.
4. Rules & Regulations – Day-to-day guidelines adopted by the board to clarify or enforce the CCRs.

State law always overrides HOA documents if there’s a conflict.