When we were in Atlanta we had an HOA, but it was about as half-assed as they come. I’m not even sure what their role was, beyond collecting the yearly fee. It was probably just maintenance of the community pool, and maybe mowing grass in the common areas, and that sort of thing. We never heard about them telling someone they couldn’t paint their garage door a certain color, or anything like that. As HOAs go, this one was decidedly hands-off.
So, our limited experience was painless. But what about you? We all know about the legendary “gargoyle trouble” my friend Chris had, back in the day. Do you have any history with a homeowners’ association? Good or bad? Please tell us about it in the comments.
While I was sprucing up the bunker over the weekend I uncovered a sheet of paper that I grabbed in Myrtle Beach a few weeks ago, while Toney and I were looking at houses and condos. It lists the HOA guidelines for a place called Bridgewater. I have no idea… We looked at so many of them, and all those subdivisions have similar names. But I thought I’d share a few o’ their bullet-points today and get your thoughts. This isn’t the whole list, just the items that I thought were especially interesting:
- Storage buildings are allowed as long as they are approved prior and must match the main house detailing, trim, roof slopes/overhangs and placed on a permanent foundation.
- Above ground pools and tree house are not allowed.
- Clotheslines are not permitted.
- No parking on the streets allowed.
- American flags are permitted, no larger than 4×6.
- Up to four domestic animals are allowed.
- Garage doors must be kept closed when not in use.
- Artificial vegetation is prohibited on the exterior, all other sculptures and ornaments must be approved.
- Surveillance cameras/lights must be approved.
- Fences must be approved. Wrought iron or aluminum, no more than 4 ft high. Black or bronze color only.
- Solar panels are not permitted.
- No window air conditioning units are allowed.
The list goes on and on, but those are the highlights. What do you think? Could you live under such a regime? I don’t personally have a major problem with any of it. Maybe a philosophical problem with all of it, but that’s a different matter. The fence color rule seems rather bizarre, but I’m not super-passionate about my fence color freedom rights. What are your thoughts? Tell us about it in the comments section, if you’re so inclined.
And I don’t know what’s going on with the podcast. There’s a new episode out there somewhere, I’m just waiting for it to come back to me. I’m sure I’ll have it shortly.
Here it is, and here’s the summary:
In this one, I tell you all about our big honkin’ three-day weekend, which included but was not limited to lazy sackism, grilled meats, beer, and baseball. I also talk at length about the Brazil-like weather we’re having and the problems it causes, my recent mastery o’ the grilled meats, and our trip to a fantastic beer emporium. And I also share a recent call left at the podcast hotline. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for listening!
I hope you guys have a great weekend! I’m working on a major bunker overhaul. I’ll tell you about it on Monday unless I completely lose my shit. Which is a distinct possibility?
Take care!
Now playing in the bunker
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