So frustrated by HOA

[Anonymous]

Did they change the bylaws?

[Anonymous]

HOAs are the worst.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like you are part of the problem that they are trying to resolve - people having gatherings in their yard with unrelated people.

This is a crazy stance. The safest way to see people is outdoors, with masks, 6 ft apart. That is VERY LOW RISK and the easiest way to accomplish that in the winter is some sort of outdoor heater.

I would be really mad about this, OP, and make a big stink. This is the only way we see people right now! Does the HOA really expect you to not have an in person conversation with another person for months/years? Absurd.

[Anonymous]

You need to review how rules are made by the HOA. Unlikely the board can just make things up with no vote and no notice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like you are part of the problem that they are trying to resolve - people having gatherings in their yard with unrelated people.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like you are part of the problem that they are trying to resolve - people having gatherings in their yard with unrelated people.

+1

And who/what is the HOA to decide its their responsibility to resolve this? Ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Normally it takes a majority vote if the homeowners to add or change a rule. I’d ask the HOA when the vote occurred, how homeowners were notified and what the outcome was. They can’t just make up new rules arbitrarily. I’d call them out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Normally it takes a majority vote if the homeowners to add or change a rule. I’d ask the HOA when the vote occurred, how homeowners were notified and what the outcome was. They can’t just make up new rules arbitrarily. I’d call them out.

+1

I am most covid cautious but agree that meeting one or two friends outside masked is the way to go. I haven't even done this myself but believe in other's right to gather this way. Also kids need to be outside! Preferably playing with another kid or two.

[Anonymous]

I will never ever again buy a house with an HOA. The people that run them are the crazy busybodies and are often on a power trip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We live in a NOVA Community with an HOA that has been surprisingly pleasant to work with. They have been prompt, friendly and highly efficient with resources.

Yesterday we got a letter saying no more fire pits or anything that emits heat in our yards. While the official letter said a neighbor has complained of increases in smoke smell, one of the board members told me off the record that a couple neighbors hate the idea people are hanging around their fire pits with neighbors and spreading covid. They obviously couldn’t put that in the letter though.

We have been living by our fire pit making s’mores with our kids or roasting hot dogs to pretend we are camping. And yes, we have had socially distant outdoor gatherings in the fall with the fire lit for heat. Guess we all will be shut ins the rest of the winter.

"Anything that emits heat" in a yard would include:
BBQ grill
Exterior lighting
Multiple exhausts from a house

Guess you can't grill, turn on the furnace, or turn on your outside lights anymore.

+1 also no more running your dryer inside, so you best put up a clothesline in your backyard immediately.

[Anonymous]

The HOA can enforce its own rules and assess rule breakers with fines.

FWIW I can understand why your neighbor is complaining. Fire pits absolutely stink up a neighborhood and if you're using a fire pit all the time then no wonder your neighbor is unhappy.

[Anonymous]

So, you can still make s'mores and cook hotdogs, but you just have to do it over a "grill?"

Can you get a low-sitting grill and pack some volcanic rock around it, so that it is more like a campfire?

[Anonymous]

Definitely force them to explain the difference between fire pits and grills. I have grilled on my fire pit plenty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The HOA can enforce its own rules and assess rule breakers with fines.

FWIW I can understand why your neighbor is complaining. Fire pits absolutely stink up a neighborhood and if you're using a fire pit all the time then no wonder your neighbor is unhappy.

It can enforce its current bylaws. However, most HOA’s have a specific process to follow to change or add bylaws. My former neighbor smoked on their deck all the time and while we hated it, there was nothing we could do. They were living in their own space and not breaking any rules. It’s one of the realities of dense living spaces.

[Anonymous]

I bet it's not a valid rule change. I would just keep doing it and see what happens.