[southern rock]

You don't have the right to do anything you want with your property.

As long as I am not violating anyone else's rights, why not??

For example, there probably are covenants on your land that prevent you from using your residential property for commercial uses.

Once you own your property, why can you not use it for whatever purpose you wish, as long as it doesn't harm anyone else?

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Tell it to the warden. There are people in Florida right now who are facing fines and jail time for displaying the American flag. I'm not saying it's right, but it is going on right now.

[FITZ]

Are you saying people don't have a right to join Homeowners' Associations? I think they do --and they have the right to do this with their own property. I would never ever join one myself ---but if others like to be told when to cut their grass, I think they have the right to live that way.

[gcruse]

Once you own your property, why can you not use it
for whatever purpose you wish, as long as it doesn't harm anyone else?

The libertarian argument in a teacup.  I agree with you.  However,
having experienced Houston, where there are no zoning laws,
I am prepared to go in the direction of libertarian ends, without
necessarily coveting the final destination.  Know what I mean?
Zoning is better than no zoning.  I don't want a factory
built next door to my house.