Tuesday, November 5, 2013

HOA: Friend or Foe?

I'm in the middle of my first HOA battle.  Thus far, it's been pretty easygoing. It hasn't even really been a battle, but it makes it so much more exciting to refer to it that way instead of something like "I'm in contact with the HOA about getting approval for my son's wooden play set."

On one side of the battle, we have me:



And on the other side, we have the HOA:


And all I want to do is put in this:

So we can be like this:

 But they just want to do this:


Or maybe even this:


(I am having way too much fun Googling these pictures.  I love the internet.  Moving on...)

The HOA has honestly been quite nice and accommodating in helping me get the necessary paperwork to fill out a waiver so I can put in this playset.  The reason I'm having to jump through so many hoops to install this is because the HOA states that any playsets over 8' tall (the one I've bought is 11'6") are considered "secondary fixtures" and therefore require ARC approval.

The items I need to include in my application are:

  • A one-page application
  • A picture of the unit
  • The dimensions of the unit
  • A copy of the survey
  • An indication on the survey of where I am going to place this playset
  • Copies of my social security card and driver's license
  • A signed and notorized commitment form stating I will put the HOA above all else
  • A DNA sample
Hahaha... I'm kidding on that last one.  They just need a blood sample. 

It'll take approximately 30 days for them to make a decision.  I have no clue who is in charge of the decision-making process, or if I have to appear before a commission, or anything else.  I've already purchased the playset, so hopefully I didn't jinx it.

I do understand the purpose of HOA (to keep people from doing gross things in their yards and houses and to maintain the Stepford-look), but sometimes I think they're a little extreme.  For example, do I seriously need to get permission before I put in a lawn ornament in my front yard?  That seems a bit.... much.

What are your thoughts?  Any past negative/positive experiences with your HOA?


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10 comments:

  1. MichelleNovember 5, 2013 at 10:38 AM

    Ask my mother. She gets letters of reprimand about twice a year. Recently it was because a tiny patch of grass (like 4"x4") was dead and they demanded it be replaced. In the mean time, the paint on the front of her house is peeling and they refuse to fix it! One time she got yelled at for putting up her Christmas lights too early. No Christmas lights allowed until December 1. Thankfully, they do allow colored lights otherwise I think she might pack up and leave immediately.

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    1. UnknownNovember 5, 2013 at 10:58 AM

      You mean 4 x 4 feet, or 4 x 4 inches? Not like it matters either way, but if it's inches, then that's incredibly extreme.

      Do you know if she actually gets fines? That's the other thing that horrifies me: that the HOA can fine you and then if you refuse to pay, they can put a lien on your house. Eek!

      Delete
    2. MichelleNovember 5, 2013 at 12:07 PM

      INCHES! Isn't that nuts? Not sure on the fines.. hopefully not! On the other hand, we would have really benefited from a HOA in our old neighborhood, so there are definite advantages to being part of one!

      Delete
  2. Mickety MacNovember 5, 2013 at 10:59 AM

    That sounds like so much work. I would go crazy if I had to deal with people like this just to put in a playset for my kids.

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  3. UnknownNovember 5, 2013 at 12:33 PM

    I get the feeling we'll be looking back on this post in five years and having a good laugh about the time when you thought your HOA would be reasonable about anything.

    Or maybe in five years you'll be waging a campaign to get in on the HOA leadership, because you'll be tired of their crap. And knowing you, this would be less "political campaign" and more "military campaign."

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    1. UnknownNovember 6, 2013 at 8:35 PM

      I'm all for becoming the chancellor/supreme leader of the republic of Sunset Pointe if it means I can put in a swing set whenever I want!

      Delete
    2. UnknownNovember 7, 2013 at 10:37 AM

      You will rule with an iron fist! Provided that the fist is at least 99% pure iron, weighs no more than 50 pounds, is no larger than 8 inches on a side, and you provide documentation of your iron fist license (in triplicate), along with a small iron fist fee.

      Delete
  4. Mother BirdNovember 5, 2013 at 12:46 PM

    A copy of your driver's license? And also a copy of your SOCIAL SECURITY CARD?! For heaven's sake, why?? Especially the SS card! You know Dad's thoughts and feelings on this whole HOA business. Do I need to sic him on them or would you prefer he just call you to give you pointers?

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  5. Mother BirdNovember 5, 2013 at 1:05 PM

    Comment from Dad: you better check with them before you eat anything and take a dump 'cause they're going to tell you what kind of toilet paper to use! (I cleaned it up a bit.)

    ReplyDelete

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