CPRs explained

A CPR or Condominium Property Regime is simply put, a way of governing and owning common property. Again, It is a way of governing and owning common property, meaning people together, owning common property of which is governed by a set of rules. This type of property division can be very useful in areas where subdividing is not an option. There are a few different types of CPRs but here we will focus on how a CPR is used in an Agricultural Zone (AG).

 Now let’s back up a bit.

You often hear people talk of CPRing a property or having a CPRed lot. The easiest way to think of this is by taking a lot and subdividing it into two (or more) portions. In this Agriculturally zoned example (or AGzample), we turn the lot into: the main portion 1 (or the former singular lot) and a new portion 2, that is formed by the division. Portion 1 might have a main house and portion 2 would have the Ohana. The actual county records still reflect this as being one lot and you are still bound to the zoning restrictions governing that original lot on both portions 1 and 2. Even after this division (or CPR) is created, you are still bound by the original zoning restrictions. If the lot was zoned for one Ohana and one main house before the division, you are still restricted to only one Ohana and one main house after the division (or after the creation of the CPR). In most circumstances involving a CPR, the separation of ownership is only referring to the improvements or buildings on top of the land and not the land itself. The land in this more common type of CPR, is “common area”, where everybody shares usage, like a pool or a barbeque area. In AG the CPR is usually the structure and a portion of the surrounding land.

Now let’s focus on the name: Condominium Property Regime. As the name implies, there is a new responsibility and liability formed by this new union (or division) of property. In CPRing a property, one has essentially created a condominium complex. Condominiums have a set of rules that govern them as a prerequisite to formation. They need to have house rules, bylaws, conduct meetings and provide a map to name a few. Construction projects should always be permitted and done to code but in a CPR, it is even more important because an unpermitted structure on one portion could have consequences for everybody. We recommend that you consult a real estate lawyer with experience in CPRs when you pursue ownership within a CPR.