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HOA: SIGNS MUST GO campaign signs
Stafford HOA bans political signsDate published: 8/16/2008 BY KAFIA HOSH Each election year, Pat and Heather Stefl proudly display political campaign signs on the lawn of their North Stafford home. This year was no different. The Stefls placed signs touting their choices for the upcoming presidential, senatorial and congressional races. The posters are tucked neatly into a small garden surrounded by brick edging. But the signs may carry a price. The St. George's Estates Homeowners Association ordered the Stefls to remove the signs by Aug. 29 or face a possible fine. Campaign signs are not included on the HOA's list of approved signs. The Stefls say the HOA rule infringes upon their right to free speech. "I did not sign away my constitutional rights by buying into this home, and I do see this as a First Amendment right," said Heather Stefl, a 35-year-old homemaker. RULE ALLOWED BY LAW But it seems the HOA is within its right to regulate the signs. State law prohibits localities from banning the display of political campaign signs on private property. However, the law does not apply to HOAs. Still, the Stefls argue the HOA rules are too restrictive. "To me, it's a free-speech issue," said Pat Stefl, a 44-year-old government consultant. "They're telling me what I can and can't think on my own property that I pay taxes on." The Stefls are not alone. Susan Stimpson, chairwoman of the Stafford Republican Committee, said residents sometimes contact her about putting campaign signs in their yards. "While I appreciate a homeowners association's attempt to have certain regulations, when you start clamping down on freedom of speech, that always gives me grave concern," she said. RAMPED-UP ENFORCEMENT The Stefls, who have been in their home five years, said they have never been cited for their signs before, even though the HOA rules have been in place since 2005. But there has been a recent step-up in enforcement. Volunteer homeowners were once responsible for inspecting the community of 454 homes. But last year, the neighborhood's management company, Landmarc Real Estate, took over that task. "It just became too much of a job for volunteers," said Linda Solomey, the community's property manager. Two other homeowners also have been cited for displaying campaign signs, according to Landmarc.
Read more stories about Stafford Date published: 8/16/2008
Aquia Harbour HOA allows for one sign
(posted by
englandfan
, Aug. 22, 2008 1:15 pm)
as long as it's registered. But if you are a board member, you are allowed two - he placed two different signs back to back in his yard. Guess the rules apply differently to those that are in charge of the HOA.
Get over it
(posted by
staffmom
, Aug. 21, 2008 11:50 pm)
If you don't like the rules, get over it or move. It is that easy. You knew about the HOA and rules before you moved in. Live with them. There are far bigger issues in this world than petty HOA rules.
Privledge, I think not
(posted by
Ron_C
, Aug. 21, 2008 5:55 pm)
It isn't a privledge to have some busybodies complain if you've been working the last 14 days in a row and haven't had a chance to cut the grass. It isn't a privledge when someone served and retired from the military is told by a busybody that never did a thing for his country that he can't put up a flagpole. The shame is every subdivision they build has one of these fascist little groups so the only other option is older houses or buy a lot and build your own.
Living within an HOA....
(posted by
staffmom
, Aug. 21, 2008 1:40 pm)
is a privledge, not a right. If you purchase a home with a HOA you agree to the rules and regs. If you don't like the rules look for a house without an HOA. It really is that simple. As for HOA's that allow signs, many limit the number of signs and require that the signs be registered. Not a big deal.
give me a break
(posted by
2007jetta
, Aug. 20, 2008 11:55 am)
These two have been fighthing the HOA for years. They accpeted the rules of the HOA when they moved into the neighborhood. If you don't like the rules then move out..! you're always complaining about something!
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