Master Planned Communities are large real estate projects that may include homes and amenities such pools, parks, clubhouses, and tennis courts, office buildings, retail properties and other facilities. The California Department of Real Estate defines them as developments consisting of 500 or more separate residential interests managed by a community association. A master association usually serves as an umbrella entity over multiple sub-associations. Typically, it would manage common areas including amenities and security.

Within master associations are usually found smaller sub associations with their own governing documents and architectural styles. Members pay two sets of membership dues, one to the master association and one to the sub association. Sub associations standalone associations with their own CC&Rs. They maintain the structures and
amenities within their own associations. There may also be areas within an association that receive and pay for special benefits. Examples include:

• Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMD)
• Lighting and Landscape Maintenance Districts (LLMD), and
• Special Benefits Areas (SBA)

Large master community documents often allow for delegates who are neighborhood representatives. These association are delegates who vote on behalf of the members they represent.