[strela]

If this sort of thing bothers you, the solution is simple - don't buy a house in a neighborhood with this sort of homeowner's association. A careful buyer will perform the due diligence necessary to find out if the local homeowner's association is stocked with Mrs. Grundys before buying into the neighborhood.

It seems to me that if enough people were to take exception to these sorts of restrictions, the free marketplace would take care of the "problem" on its own. On the other hand, if you enjoy obeying piddly rules about what sort of lawn decorations you can display on your property, I suppose that's a call you get to make as a homebuyer. Its your money; its your home.

Ain't free enterprise great?

[TaRaRaBoomDeAyGoreLostToday!]

We had the same idea.Why are others not practicing it? Greed? Folks wanna be on the A list of society?

[southern rock]

If this sort of thing bothers you, the solution is simple - don't buy a house in a neighborhood with this sort of homeowner's association.

No, it's not that simple. I don't beleive that PRIVATE PROPERTY owners are obligated to recognize this type of "authority" over THEIR OWN property!!

[Great Dane]

You can easily get trapped in such a community after you have purchase the house, should the majority vote it in, things aren't always what they seem to be.

[Publius6961]

If this sort of thing bothers you, the solution is simple - don't buy a house in a neighborhood with this sort of homeowner's association.

This is the type of answer I would expect from a lawyer or a controller.
There are more practical and democratic solutions.
The Homeowners' Association Board must be elected from among the members.
Most members will not tolerate pettiness, once they are aware that they have not only a choice, but total control.

I would rather fight than run, thank you.