That is all a HOA is supposed to do. If that is all they do, then fine. You have other who are run like pseudo-governments telling property owners the color house, plant, even Christmas decorations they are allowed to have.
It is out of control. Basically if I pay taxes, I own it...someone should not have to give up freedoms to live where they want to.
Well, since they take care of outside maintenance- we have the same color houses that they choose. We also had to have our storm door approved. However, I don't have a problem with it. It's nice living in a non-cluttered neighborhood where there's someone to call to fix the house when Woody Woodpecker decides to make his mark on your front porch post.