Articles of incorporation are a document that establishes the existence of a corporation in the United States. This document contains information about the association's corporate status, name, location, and purpose of the community. Associations are required to file the articles with the secretary of state.

Bylaws are the rules and principles that define your governing structure. They serve as your HOA’s architectural framework. The Association's Bylaws contain guidelines for the operation and management of the Association. In the Bylaws, you find provisions related to the Associations':

• Membership
• Purpose of the Board
• Officer designation
• Term of office
• Powers and duties
• Meeting rules and schedules
• Quorum for action by Officers
• Nomination and Election of Officers
• Removal of members
• Finance
• Liability of Officers
• Insurance

An HOA’s Declaration and Covenants is a recorded document setting forth the majority of the powers, rights and responsibilities of the association and its members. This is a legally binding document that is officially recorded and filed with the Wake County Registrar of Deeds. It covers the rights and obligations of the HOA to its members and vice versa. It contains restrictions on the use of the property, architectural standards, lawn maintenance standards, and other vital covenants that run with the property.

HOA rules and regulations are intended to work in unison with bylaws and Declarations and Covenants. When you purchase a home that’s part of a community association, you automatically become a member of the association and become responsible for following all its rules and regulations. The primary purpose of having community rules and standards is to protect your investment as a homeowner and provide a common framework for neighbors.

Residential Design Guidelines establish an HOA's policies and procedures for alterations, modifications and improvements to an owners' property.