Can The Size Of The HOA Board Be More Than 4 Members?

Homeowners often ask about the size of HOA board seats. Can your association have more than four directors, and should it? The short answer is yes, if your governing documents allow it. The better question is what size of HOA board fits your community and keeps work moving.

What Sets the Size of the HOA Board?

The size of HOA board seats is usually written into the Articles of Incorporation and the bylaws. These documents either set a fixed number or a minimum and maximum range. Many communities choose an odd number to avoid tied votes.

In practice, three, five, or seven are common. Small communities can run well with three. Larger neighborhoods often do better with five or seven to spread out the workload and maintain continuity.

Your first step is to open the bylaws and read the section on directors. Look for the exact wording on the number of directors and any rules for changing that number. Note quorum rules and voting thresholds. If your documents are silent, state law may fill in some basics, but your own documents usually control the details.

Typical Counts and Why Odd Numbers Help

Across the industry, boards often fall between three and seven directors. Some very large associations go higher, but once you reach nine, meetings can slow down. Odd numbers matter because they reduce stalemates and keep votes clear. That is why five is a favorite in many communities.

How many HOA board members can there be? The answer depends on your bylaws. The number of HOA board members should match the size, pace, and complexity of your community. If your association manages amenities, a large budget, or several committees, five or seven directors can share the work. If you have a smaller footprint and simple needs, three may be enough.

Can the Size of an HOA Board Be More Than Four?

Yes, many bylaws already allow five or seven directors. If your current count is four or fewer and it is not working, you can usually change it with a bylaw amendment. That change is typically decided by a member vote at a properly noticed meeting.

Boards cannot increase their own size by a simple motion unless the documents clearly allow it. Plan the change with care and put the reason in plain words for homeowners to review before the vote.

Pros and Cons of a Larger Board

A board larger than four can help with workload and stability, but there are trade-offs.

Pros

• More hands to share committee work and projects
• A wider range of skills and viewpoints
• Better continuity when someone steps down mid-term

Drawbacks

• Harder to recruit and retain volunteers for many seats
• Longer discussions if the agenda is loose or unclear
• Higher attendance needs for the board meeting quorum under some bylaws

Right-Sizing for Your Community

Choosing the best size of HOA board is a practical decision. Match the board to real work, not to an ideal on paper. Consider these factors:

• Community size and complexity: An increase in homes, amenities, and vendor contracts necessitates more directors.
• Committee strength: Strong committees let a smaller board move quickly. On the other hand, weak committees may push you toward a larger board.
• Turnover and recruitment: If you struggle to fill seats, a smaller board can be the wise choice.
• Meeting cadence: Boards that meet monthly can handle more with fewer directors than boards that meet quarterly.
• Communication style: A board that reads pre-meeting packets and sticks to the agenda can be effective at any size.

Meetings and Bigger Boards

The annual meeting and election drive board size in the real world. If you want to increase the size of HOA board seats, focus on participation and clarity.

• Be proactive about attendance: Send the annual meeting notice early and remind residents why their vote matters. If your documents allow proxies or mailed ballots, provide clear instructions. Make the process simple so busy owners can still take part.
• Keep the meeting on task: Use a concise agenda and time windows for major items. Capture off-topic ideas in a parking lot and schedule them later.
• Present information clearly: State the purpose of each item, the options on the table, and the budget impact. Avoid jargon.
• Highlight accomplishments: Open with a short wins list from the past year. People engage when they see progress.
• Invite focused input: Give each director a turn to share a view, then move to a vote. For member questions, set a short Q&A at the end of each agenda item.

These habits help a seven-person board feel just as nimble as a three-person board. They also help you reach the member quorum for elections and bylaw changes.

Not Enough Volunteers?

Some communities cannot fill more than four seats. That is a common challenge. You can still spread the load without increasing the number of HOA board members.

• Standing committees. Finance, architectural, landscape, and social committees can review options and bring clear recommendations to the board.
• Task groups. Short-term groups can handle a single project, such as a playground upgrade, then wind down.
• Staggered terms and mentorship. Pair new directors with seasoned ones and stagger their terms to prevent a sudden loss of experience.
• Owner listening sessions. Host quarterly forums to surface ideas and future leaders without changing board size.

How to Amend Bylaws to Change Board Size

When you are ready to adjust the size of HOA board seats, map the process before you start.

1. Review the documents: Confirm the current director count and the required vote to amend the bylaws.
2. Draft the change: Write the amendment in plain language. Decide whether you want a fixed number or a range, such as five to seven.
3. Explain the reason: Share a one-page summary that ties the change to workload, committee structure, and continuity.
4. Notice and ballots: Follow notice rules and provide ballots or proxy forms if allowed. Include a simple summary of the change on the ballot.
5. Run a clean meeting: Use a clear script, confirm quorum, record the vote, and keep minutes.
6. Seat directors in order: If you add seats, stagger the first terms so not all directors roll off at the same time.

This sequence keeps the focus on members and reduces confusion on election night.

Signs Your Board Size Needs a Review

You do not need a crisis to revisit board size. Watch for these everyday signs:

• Meetings run long because two or three directors carry most of the discussions
• Committee work stalls because no one has time to review vendor proposals
• Vacancies are common, or seats go unfilled for months
• A single resignation disrupts quorum for board meetings
• Homeowners feel that decisions take too long or lack context

If two or more of these issues arise, it may be time to reassess whether the current size of the HOA board still meets your needs.

Sizes May Vary

Yes, the size of the HOA board can be more than four if your documents permit it. The best fit is the one that your community can staff, handles the workload effectively, and makes clear decisions. Start with your bylaws, plan the change with members in mind, and keep meetings focused and straightforward.

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