Master Homeowners or HOA Nazism?

 

Recently I attended several of the last HOA meetings because I was concerned about the increasing assessments over an ongoing litigation between a homeowner and our HOA board in regards to improper solar panel placement… But that’s a story for another time.

The board (consisting of two homeowners and one builder Rep.) felt it necessary to change the parking rules based on a few complaints concentrated in one area. The complaint was formed by a few homes on one street against a man who kept parking his company vehicle in front of their homes… they claim it was malicious.  The board sent out the new proposed parking restrictions and invited the community to attend to speak their concerns… off to the meeting I went.  It was the largest turnout they have ever had-standing room only. 

Let me set the mood; the board started one hour late and began the meeting with self-directed rhetoric which irritated the captured audience. One man stood up and shouted, “Why don’t we get to the business at hand and put off whatever it is you’re discussing until the end?” The president stood up, “No, we will stick to the agenda!”  Thirty minutes later it was the homeowners turn to be heard. Each person who signed the boards master list got to express their opinion, some eloquent…others, not so much.

Here is a list of some of the concerns from the homeowners: How do you plan to enforce the rules? does a violation eventually equate to a fine? How do you plan on telling me what I can and can’t do in my own garage? After the litigation is settled will we go back to our regular HOA payment?

Instead of going into what rules they initially were going to enforce, let’s visit (two months later) the recently approved restrictions (summarized for brevity).

Any and all homeowner vehicles shall be parked first in the garage-to capacity, then the driveway- to capacity and finally on the street.

No vehicle shall be permitted to park on the street for more than 36hrs.

All commercial vehicles (any and all vehicles, whether or not owned by the homeowner or lessee, in which the use is determined for business and or marketing displaying signage, ladders, exposed tools or equipment, even for personal use. This definition is over and above any government provided definition) must be parked within the garage or modified in such a way as to remove the commercial restriction. Any type of Gov’t vehicle is exempt, example; DOT trucks.

Vehicles parked within the association limits shall not display any signage of any type, except a for sale sign. All signs must be removed or covered. (No advertising of any kind)

You can only store a vehicle within your garage. A vehicle left in the driveway for more than 72 hrs. is considered a violation.

The use of vehicle car covers is strictly prohibited.

A vehicle repair can only be done in your garage; no open flames of any kind and no flammable materials can be used during the repair.

The HOA board stated these rules were carefully considered and even went through the attorneys.  When the board was asked how they planned to enforce the rules their answer was this, “we would like to maintain a harmonious community feel, we will only look into a violation when it is brought to our attention…complaint driven.” The HOA management team then stated, “That’s not true, I will be driving around once a week, in search of violations.”  Another board member mentioned that in one of the sub-HOA divisions, they are actually towing cars out of driveways. The board never responded to the question of a fee rollback or an enforcement policy.

 At the close of the meeting I overheard a conversation between the board members, “although we don’t pay security for noticing violations they have been reporting back to us.”

The socialist regime in pushing their absolutism will undoubtedly create a Nazi like environment.  Do we become the enablers by standing idly by and not get involved in our community? As homeowners we already pay too much in taxes, bonds and HOA fees. For the board not to take into account that a vast majority of homeowners here in Santa Clarita either work out of their homes or own a business locally, or both, (which typically means a company/commercial vehicle is used) is irresponsible.  I do know that someone is circulating a petition against the new rules and I’ve heard that someone wants the board removed… we shall see what unfolds.  The board was sent an e-mail requesting an interview…they declined. I wonder if the regime will end our Cul-de-sac gatherings?