dewey333's Profile

As a board member of an HOA, I felt like I need to respond.

Yes, HOAs can control many aspects of the exterior portions of a home/townhome/condo complex. The HOA's goal is to maintain the value, integrity and a consistent look to the property. Our goal is to protect everyone's investment in the property.

I know many HOAs have invested heavily in plantings, as well as maintaining them. The majority of the owners bought into the property for this look - and a professional to maintain the grounds. Thus, I'm pretty sure this is why an owner is not allowed to put in their own plants.

As an alternative, the owner may want to look at container plantings on a patio/balcony - if there is one. If the owner wants to look at alternatives, please work with the HOA - and suggest alternatives - but don't come into the HOA meeting fighting - which we've dealt with before!

Also, keep in mind that anyone who buys a property in an HOA can and SHOULD read every bylaw before purchasing. If gardening is not allowed, and you're an avid gardener, you most likely shouldn't buy in the community. Likewise, if BBQs are not allowed (due to units being close together) and your'e an avid griller - don't buy into the complex.

The last thing I want to deal with is a homeowner who 'didn't read the bylaws because they were too difficult to understand' and then railroads over the bylaws - angering the majority of those owners who bought into the complex who support the policies in place.

I'm very particular about how things look and it personally drives me crazy to see balconies with coolers, bicycles, and old furniture stored on them. Our HOA does not allow this - nor does it allow TV dishes. One of the reasons I'm in an HOA.

Buying into (or renting) in any HOA requires that you do your homework before you buy or rent. I've also been tempted to jokingly tell some owners that living in an HOA you give up some rights - and you do - such as painting your front door purple, or putting an experimental sculptural piece in the front yard.