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My friend lives a few houses down from a woman with a 14 year old daughter who is gay...now she says bi. And her mom is an activists. Her front lawn is decked out with the Pride flag. Huge flag on a high pool. Rainbows flags all around, a rainbow bench, BLM signs. “Love is love” and other similar signs. Rainbow bumper stickers all over their cars. My friend and I are not against the causes but we both agree that decorating like there regardless of the cause is obnoxious. This is a suburban house and other houses aren’t selling. They are on other blocks but not hers. Similar sizes, price, and decently kept up. Do you need a permit to decorate like that year around?
Does your neighborhood have an HOA? Usually HOAs are more strict than city/county about having signs, flags, etc. If not, it would just be whatever ordinances your city/county has on the books. I can go on my city website and look through all the codes and ordinances. Haven't heard of permits being required for what you have described. In my neighborhood (no HOA) this stuff would all be within a homeowners right to have in their yard.
Personally I would tread lightly here, or not at all. Even if you know 100% it's only about the aesthetics and not about the causes, they likely won't see it that way. "We are totally cool with these causes, we just think this stuff is ugly and wish you'd take it down" ehhhh.... could be opening a big can of worms...
My friend lives a few houses down from a woman with a 14 year old daughter who is gay...now she says bi. And her mom is an activists. Her front lawn is decked out with the Pride flag. Huge flag on a high pool. Rainbows flags all around, a rainbow bench, BLM signs. “Love is love” and other similar signs. Rainbow bumper stickers all over their cars. My friend and I are not against the causes but we both agree that decorating like there regardless of the cause is obnoxious. This is a suburban house and other houses aren’t selling. They are on other blocks but not hers. Similar sizes, price, and decently kept up. Do you need a permit to decorate like that year around?
How could anyone here guess about necessary permits? You'll have to research your own city code to find that out. Most likely, if the house isn't within an HOA with covenants that prohibit political displays, all the paraphernalia is completely within the property setbacks and isn't blocking public access or creating a safety hazard they can do whatever they want. They could paint the house purple too and you'll just have to live with it.
As for "property value" which type of value do you mean?
Assessed value? No.
Appraised value? Probably not unless the ornaments somehow damaged the structure.
Market value? Possibly, if its that house or an immediate neighbor's that's for sale. The market is fickle and emotional.
The value of other houses on other blocks? Are you serious?
As for value in the eyes of nosy hypocritical neighbors who have nothing better to do than be offended, it might be significant.
Last edited by Parnassia; 08-03-2020 at 01:44 PM..
Conversely if an LGBTQ person or couple were looking for a house, it might increase the home values as they see evidence of acceptance.
I'm getting ready to create my own rainbow flag and a self designed peace flag using pallets to surround my garden. If I have to look at obnoxious political signs in my neighbor's yard for years, they can deal with my decorated garden fence.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I doubt that any city or county (if unincorporated) would hassle someone over such items in these days of extreme political correctness. Your complaint would result in severe accusations of homophobia, racism, and NIMBYism, perhaps even get protesters at your home. That's how it's gotten now.
So to answer your question, yes, it will reduce property values. Despite what I said above, most people who can afford to buy a house, even if they are progressive will not want to live that close to such a display.
I don’t understand YOUR problem. This is your friends house correct? Property values are determined by the value of the structure and the land. I highly doubt the city will lower the value over something like this because that would lower their tax base. If the other houses on other streets aren’t selling then they’re probably over priced. I could see it impacting the sale of the house next door but not a few streets over.
(Absent HOA rules or a relevant ordinance) Neighbor is just exercising her rights to political speech. Just like the guy with the big Amurrican flag and lots of MAGA posters.
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