Neighborhood Associations

ive never lived in a hoa development but i think they have their good points and bad. some are more strict than others. there is one particular one i can recall in south fl. its a well known subdivision on the water (mostly canals) but you have to have your trash can in a hole in the ground next to the driveway and you arent allowed to have but 2 cars (no boats etc) in your driveway. the neighborhood is known for its hoa rules.

~No pressure, no diamonds.~

I moved into mine by choice and it's not working out as planned. Not because of restrictions, but because of people not following the simplest written rules that they signed onto and knew about before buying. I'm a recently elected board member and the remaining original board members' (including the president's) terms are up this fall.

I didn't really want to do it but was talked into accepting a nomination and position last year. I have been the Neighborhood Watch Coordinator (safety/crime) since the development started. I'm not on the Covenant compliance committee but they are under the HOA officers. I'm well respected and well thought of around here and I'm almost positive that the "powers that be" will want me to be the next HOA president.

There are various violations we are trying to contend with (unauthorized additions, equipment trailers, above-ground pools) and I'm now finding out that some violations were pre-allowed by the developer in order to sell lots. He even told one homeowner that he could park his truck in his driveway. This isn't a pickup, this is a straight-truck. Like almost a semi except the trailer is part of the frame. It's specifically disallowed. I don't know why people would move into a Covenanted subdivision if there were rules they were not going to follow.

I have brought up the possibility of challenging all behavioral-based prearranged exceptions and deeming them void on the grounds that the developer did not have the authority or right to allow someone permission to break a simply stated rule in a Covenant contract.  This would make enforcing violations easier.  No one seems to have the stomach for that.

It's a dirty, thankless job.

If I had known about this BS going on beforehand I would not have accepted the board position. I'm seriously thinking of resigning at the end of this term (I'm supposed to be on for two more years). I didn't move out here to make enemies, take people to court, and put liens on their property. I have to deal with enforcing rules at work, I sure don't need this babysitting bullsh*it when I come home. You can't manage something like this without consistency and with pre-arranged obvious exceptions to the rules, I simply can't justify fining someone when someone else is allowed to do the same thing.

I do worry that if I go, more major exceptions to written rules will happen and soon it will be an unenforceable free-for-all. It puts neighbors in a bad position with each other when those that refuse to follow written rules thumb their noses at the same organization that is trying to protect their investment.

So, I'm in a bit of a pickle - I want to resign but we are approaching a turning point and if the right person with a cool head who can make logical and fair decisions isn't the big cheese, it could be the end of our HOA's authority to stop blatant violators.

sorry guys but im not a fan.  cant imagine living in one either.

We live in a neighborhood that is pretty much the same.  I like the fact that our POA keeps everything neat and orderly.  However, I live next door to the guy that thinks he has to break all the rules.  And they won't do anything about him!!  I'm not one of those crazy, nosy neighbors, but he is really to an extreme.  All kinds of trash, big bushes, a URINAL in his driveway!!!  However, when I was talking about cutting the tree down in my front yard, the neighbor, informed me I would be fined if I didn't get POA approval...go figure.  We pay a pretty penny to live here, and I'm starting to get pissed that they won't do anything about Sanford and Son beside me.

we call them the house nazi's. yes, served on the board and also attend regular meetings. for the most part, they are great for keeping the trash out, common areas clean, and eye-sore items at bay, such as recycle bins left out, too many vehicles on the street, rv's/motorhomes parked in rear, etc.! now, when they start dictating how may flowering bushes, shrubs or plants i can and cannot have, that's when i push back. that's the time to join the board and be part of the decision making process. we are in a custom home development. 2 blocks (4 streets). 48 houses. prices range from $400k to $1.8m

Tuna ><((((*> the other white meat!