[house2013]

They want a soil sample for an artificial turf which I dont understand. even a swatch of the turf they want a sample. If somebody explain it to me. I understand that they have to know what plants, trees, color of the rocks but soil report?! If this is the case, Im just going to put all rocks in my backyard then. Its in the back who would see it. Yeah maybe your neighbors, but they're not going to check on it from their window from time to time.

[NoMoreRJ]

Sounds like another HOA that has no business doing what it's doing. I bet it's some lackey that doesn't understand that artificial turn isn't real grass but just following what's written in front of them in the HOA's book. Get sample no matter what. I want a sample of the concrete you paved the back yard with. You should throw rocks at their request after you put down rocks in your backyard. YOU asked for it, you got it.

[swagger]

Yeah, I have to agree that you bought that HOA. I really don't understand the draw of living in a shoe box butted up against a neighbor's shoe box, while agreeing that some group comprised of neighborhood busybodies gets to tell you what you can and can't do with your own property and can actually take your home away if you don't follow their rules. Nuts.

Anyway, the first thing you need to do is make them prove that they have the authority to ask for whatever it is that they want. Maybe they did this in the notification you received, I don't know, but they should have to prove that their request is backed up by the CC&Rs and they should cite the specific language that grants them that authority.

If they can do that, you're stuck with whatever it is that they want - you signed on the dotted line, agreeing to all this nonsense.

[skugelstadt]

Originally Posted by swagger

Yeah, I have to agree that you bought that HOA. I really don't understand the draw of living in a shoe box butted up against a neighbor's shoe box, while agreeing that some group comprised of neighborhood busybodies gets to tell you what you can and can't do with your own property and can actually take your home away if you don't follow their rules. Nuts.

Anyway, the first thing you need to do is make them prove that they have the authority to ask for whatever it is that they want. Maybe they did this in the notification you received, I don't know, but they should have to prove that their request is backed up by the CC&Rs and they should cite the specific language that grants them that authority.

If they can do that, you're stuck with whatever it is that they want - you signed on the dotted line, agreeing to all this nonsense.

You gain nothing by challenging directly. Look up the requirements yourself. Getting at odds with your HOA is not a good idea.

[Danknee]

It is not uncommon for the ARC committee to exist and approve and changes/additions to landscaping, patios, awnings, windows coverings, etc. It is probably built into your CC&Rs or bylaws and you should probably read them.

In defense of wanting to see a grass sample, I have seen some pretty crappy looking fake grass. Better to get approval now instead of being forced to rip it out after.

I always give this advice, but here it goes again: If you are unhappy with your HOA or architectural approval committee, then volunteer to be on it/them. The people on these committees are your neighbors who volunteer their time and typically run short because of a lack of volunteers. Being part of the committee will allow you to participate in your neighborhood and you can see first hand what is needed to request rule amendments or even dissolution of rules.

If you are are upset with how rules are being enforced then you may be talking about a property management company (if your HOA has opted to hire one). In that case, voice your concerns at the announced HOA meetings, they can absolutely fire that management company and hire a different one if the level of service is sub-par.

For everyone else that wants to be able to turn their front yard into a scrap yard, install homemade hurricane shutters, paint your house pink, and don't really care for manicured looking communities, obviously an HOA is not for you.

[SportyandMisty]

Originally Posted by Danknee

It is not uncommon for the ARC committee to exist and approve and changes/additions to landscaping, patios, awnings, windows coverings, etc. It is probably built into your CC&Rs or bylaws and you should probably read them.

In defense of wanting to see a grass sample, I have seen some pretty crappy looking fake grass. Better to get approval now instead of being forced to rip it out after...

^^^ +1 ^^^

It is probably the Architecture Review Board (ARC). My guess is they will approve whatever you provide - they just want to follow their internal rules.

NOTE THAT NOT ALL fake grass is the same. Some contains fairly high concentrations of lead, so if you plan to have kids or grandkids or pets out on the fake grass, you may want to install higher quality (more expensive) fake stuff that explicitly has a low (or no) lead content.

[kcoliver]

Really? Just try not to buy in place with Wacked-out HOA rules. People in HOA's are usually frustrated people that could not control in the business place so they try to control within HOA rules. My house has NO HOA and we do not have people that paint their house pink/purple nor have cars on the front yard...just my opinion, buy in an area that isn't going bad. Pride in ownership isn t regulated by HOA rules.

[BBMW]

No. The first thing he needs to do is get on the board.

You no playya the game, you no makeah da rules.

Originally Posted by swagger

Yeah, I have to agree that you bought that HOA. I really don't understand the draw of living in a shoe box butted up against a neighbor's shoe box, while agreeing that some group comprised of neighborhood busybodies gets to tell you what you can and can't do with your own property and can actually take your home away if you don't follow their rules. Nuts.

Anyway, the first thing you need to do is make them prove that they have the authority to ask for whatever it is that they want. Maybe they did this in the notification you received, I don't know, but they should have to prove that their request is backed up by the CC&Rs and they should cite the specific language that grants them that authority.

If they can do that, you're stuck with whatever it is that they want - you signed on the dotted line, agreeing to all this nonsense.

[lvoc]

Originally Posted by house2013

They want a soil sample for an artificial turf which I dont understand. even a swatch of the turf they want a sample. If somebody explain it to me. I understand that they have to know what plants, trees, color of the rocks but soil report?! If this is the case, Im just going to put all rocks in my backyard then. Its in the back who would see it. Yeah maybe your neighbors, but they're not going to check on it from their window from time to time.

How do they know you are doing something?

I presume you told them. So something in the application caught their attention. Call them up and ask what and why?

Then if the answer is irrational you can get upset. But first try and work with the system.

[NLVgal]

Originally Posted by Danknee

It is not uncommon for the ARC committee to exist and approve and changes/additions to landscaping, patios, awnings, windows coverings, etc. It is probably built into your CC&Rs or bylaws and you should probably read them.

In defense of wanting to see a grass sample, I have seen some pretty crappy looking fake grass. Better to get approval now instead of being forced to rip it out after.

I always give this advice, but here it goes again: If you are unhappy with your HOA or architectural approval committee, then volunteer to be on it/them. The people on these committees are your neighbors who volunteer their time and typically run short because of a lack of volunteers. Being part of the committee will allow you to participate in your neighborhood and you can see first hand what is needed to request rule amendments or even dissolution of rules.

If you are are upset with how rules are being enforced then you may be talking about a property management company (if your HOA has opted to hire one). In that case, voice your concerns at the announced HOA meetings, they can absolutely fire that management company and hire a different one if the level of service is sub-par.

For everyone else that wants to be able to turn their front yard into a scrap yard, install homemade hurricane shutters, paint your house pink, and don't really care for manicured looking communities, obviously an HOA is not for you.

That's no joke. I put some in about six years ago. It still looks okay and it never became stinky even with three dogs. My MIL put in some cheap stuff and it didn't hold up for a year without looking terrible and becoming smelly.

And yes, if you want to challenge the HOA system, your best bet is getting on the board.