“This seems like too much”

Living in a homeowners association community can offer benefits such as higher property values and a strong sense of community. However, strict real estate retrofit regulations make green projects difficult to approve.

One North Carolina homeowner addressed this issue in an article. mail V r/HOA a subreddit about one such rule. They noted that the guy HOA Members of their community of 150 private homes have repeatedly requested permission to build garden beds, as well as play sets, swimming pools and gazebos.

However HOA The rule requires such outbuildings to be “at the rear of the house” and “not visible from the street,” which could prevent residents from growing their own food. This rule is intended to maintain a uniform and attractive appearance of the area.

“At least I can understand it if it was connected to a pool or pavilion, but for a garden bed it seems overkill,” the Redditor wrote.

According to Reddit, the rule suggests that homeowners can build whatever they want in their backyards as long as it’s not visible from the street in front of the house.

However, other community members see this rule differently. One board member believes the no-sight provision is too restrictive, especially for corner lot owners whose backyards are visible from side streets and must plant expensive privacy trees to comply. Others argue that the rule is not strict enough, suggesting that retrofits should only be allowed near the center of the property or adjacent to the home to minimize visibility.

HOAs in the United States are notorious for limiting homeowners’ ability to make cost-effective or environmentally friendly upgrades. Some have blocked solar panels, native plant lawns and even environmentally friendly cleaning products. Others have distant trees planted in yards and fees charged for possession electric cars. Such restrictions often limit homeowners’ freedom to make sustainable improvements.

In response to a Reddit post by one user marked What HOA councils could approve visible projects under certain conditions, as long as they are not an “eyesore” such as a “rusty swing” or an “ugly barn”, further saying: “You can approve them… with the express understanding that the project should be “is preserved.”

Another commenter proposed The board “removed the clause entirely,” arguing that it unfairly penalizes corner lot owners and those on cul-de-sacs or slopes.

Should HOAs be able to force homeowners to change yards?

Absolutely not

Yes – that’s part of the deal

Only in extreme cases

HOAs should be banned

Click on your choice to see the results and give your opinion.

If your HOA limits sustainable projects, there are ways accept the changes when you meet resistance. The savings to your wallet and the environment will be worth the effort.

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