This article discusses the strata building naming approval process in NSW and the need for a special resolution.
Question: Our Committee has been requested to investigate naming our building. What’s the best and fairest way to involve everyone in the naming process? What else do we need to consider?
A resident recently suggested that it would be nice to give our NSW strata building a name. It currently just has a street number. Many others share this view and have requested that our SC look into the appropriate procedures.
It is generally acknowledged by a significant number of unit owners that giving our building a name portrays character, can lift its persona and potentially make the property more desirable for owners wanting to sell or invest. The SC is therefore keen to make this work for the benefit of all.
Acquiring then affixing an attractive nameplate is certainly not maintenance, and arguably not a capital works expense either.
To gain support and bring our community together, our initial concept was to have a naming competition, inviting supportive resident owners to suggest suitable names, before finalising a short list to vote on at the next AGM. This would be a positive procedure where everyone could contribute. There is regrettably a small minority that, regardless of any justification, see this intuitive as nothing other than a divisive and worthless scheme to squander finite funds on an unnecessary absurdity.
Has anyone defined a practical way to introduce constructive ideas like this, without fuelling the usually highly vocal and disruptive arguments of a small negative minority?
Answer: Once a name has been chosen, bear in mind that a special resolution will need to be passed for the “erection” of the sign/”addition” to the common property.
We have not encountered such an initiative but your proposed process seems like a sensible approach.
Once a name has been chosen, bear in mind that a special resolution will need to be passed for the “erection” of the sign/”addition” to the common property. We recommend you also contact local council in case they have any requirements/restrictions in relation to your proposed course.
This post appears in the December 2022 edition of The NSW Strata Magazine.
Leanne Habib Premium Strata E: info@premiumstrata.com.au P: 02 9281 6440