Technical > Home Improvement > Garbage HOA

Garbage HOA

Always consult your governing documents before making changes. If is something that 'might' be marginal check first.

I can see the point the same as not allowing security screen doors as it makes the area seem like high crime.
If you think they are good looking and not industrial looking, address the board at the next meeting, they are your neighbors.

reply to bobjohnson
This is the kind of thing that makes people hate HOA's, myself included.

I live in one, but they don't have that type of restriction. I actually did check, because I am in the process of getting new windows installed. They are giving me kevlar hurricane screens that are attached to lag bolts around the windows and of course only get installed prior to a hurricane event.

I have a copy of my deed restrictions printed out and stuck to the side of my refrigerator and it's on the computer as well so I can readily consult it.

Is there anything in your deed restrictions or HOA bylaws about this, or is the letter you received the only place this issue is referenced?

EDIT: I see your reply that they amended the documents. That sucks.

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So put me on a highway, and show me a sign.
And take it to the limit one more time...

reply to bobjohnson
Just one reason I will never live with a HOA. I want to do as I please when I please.

reply to bobjohnson
make sure the changes restricting shutters are valid.

i.e. did the required percentage of homeowners vote this in (often 2/3 are required for changes) or was this simply a decision by the hoa board (do they have that authority under the hoa agreement?)

or is there any state law that pre-empts hoa restrictions on hurricane shutters?

reply to bobjohnson
I might not have read is close enough but it seems like perhaps your shutters roll up? It appeared to me that the rule was against shutters _over_ windows. Are yours always _over_ the windows?

reply to bobjohnson
It seems like a copy of the HOA document you have don't have any reference to this restriction, is that true? If so, did you ever receive notice of a meeting to change this part of your restrictions? Did you ever receive and amended copy of the restrictions? It sounds like the board may be trying to pull something over on the owners. You should probably consult a lawyer.

It also doesn't sound like your shutters are actually "put up" because they are retracted. "Putting them up" would mean putting them into the operational position IMHO.

reply to bobjohnson
The main problem with my HOA is that the people charged with looking for violations are overzealous and think that all houses should be like their houses. This seems to cause nitpicking beyond the intended scope of the covenants. After my first encounter I read my documents more carefully. I found a section about fences that said no front yard may have a fence, including invisible fences. Just for the fun of it, I called and reported that I suspected that the previous owner had left an invisible fence, but that I couldn't tell because it is invisible. In all seriousness I was asked if I had contacted the previous owner about it.

reply to bobjohnson

reply to bobjohnson
HOA are not some secret group, they are people just like you that volunteer there time to enforce the Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and bylaws and handles issues. Its a thankless job, everyone that doesn't agree with the bylaws, usually never read what they here before the bought a property in the HOA.

If your unhappy with something, go to a meeting an discuss your concerns, if you still not happy, you may consider running for office,and then YOU get to make rules and changes, or at least suggest them so the HOA member can vote them in or out.

HOA boards, can make rule and changes without doing it properly, it should always be handled by an attorney to make sure the CCR's were followed and recorded. If this is the case, it shouldn't take more than an hour to check your CCR and verify that they were followed, what was recorded is available online from the clerk of courts website, with a simple search. If this is the case, a letter or meeting with the board would inform them of this and that it is not enforceable

In the end YOU and YOUR neighbors are the HOA ..

In Florida, you only get % by ownership, a builder can't have 51% unless it owned 51% of the lots. The State regulates HOA's just for the reason you mentioned and in my personal experience, its always been owner run once the subdivision past 50% of build out / sales. The builders literally don't want the headaches, like having to collect the dues

»www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/ind···720.html

reply to bobjohnson
Next time avoid buying a home located in an HOA.

reply to djrobx

reply to bobjohnson
Most governing documents and some state laws require a 30 day membership review of any new rules (Other than minor rules like when the pool closes).

Most homeowners ignore this letter when sent to them, most do not get on a committee when it is time to update the CC&R's (higher level than rules). Most won't even vote yes or no, on anything.

It sounds like your neighbors on the architectural committee are looking at aesthetic standards for the community. Sometimes these are almost non existant, in other communities they are strict.
Amendments to the CC&R's would be by majority vote, often with grandfather clauses. Anything installed after that is in violation.

I believe this might be a similar roll up style you are using?
»www.flshutters.com/roll-upshutter.htm

I know this sucks, but I think you just learned a hard lesson. An HOA lawyer can look at the existing state law and the existing documents for about $400-800 to determine if you have an out.
Or. take it to court, shouldn't cost more than $30,000 or so.

reply to Msradell

reply to Jtmo