[quote=HomeShopping]I have seen several lots in Santaluz that I like, for the right price. Does anyone know whether you have to pay HOA dues on an empty lot? If I were to buy, I may not build for a few years. I understand that one has to pay property taxes on lots.[/quote]

HomeShopping, in CA, Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R’s) are tied to the land. They will appear on the title of your lot. You will agree to them implicitly upon taking title of the lot. These CC&R’s become the underlying basis for mandatory membership in a Homeowner’s Assn (HOA). If the residents of the HOA have taken it over from its developer and its existing bylaws state all lot owners have a mandatory membership, you will be required to pay the HOA dues, whether or not you live there. You, as an landowner within the Association, are free to use the facilities of the HOA if you are a member, whether or not your lot is developed.

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney and this post does not constitute legal advice.