What is the hierarchy of an association’s governing documents, including any applicable laws?

Unless otherwise specified in the governing documents, the hierarchy of such documents and laws effecting associations is as follows: 

State and federal laws

Map and declaration (According to Colorado law, the plat/condominium map and declaration are considered to be the same document.)

Articles of incorporation

Bylaws

Rules and regulations, guidelines, policies, and resolutions

This hierarchy, or ranking, determines which document will control in the event of a contradiction between any of these documents. If a contradiction occurs, the document closer to the top of the “pyramid” will control. (Therefore, state and federal laws will trump any conflicting provisions contained in the documents below it.) In the event of a contradiction between any documents on the same level of the pyramid (i.e. two rules that contradict), the terms of the more recent document will control.

Community Essentials - May 2006