For many people, the opportunity to place signage around their homes and on their vehicles is an important expression of free speech. However, some people waive a part of their right to free speech when they move into an HOA community that has HOA restrictions regarding signage on yards and vehicles. Before you display signage, be familiar with your HOA restrictions on signage.
State Law Vs. HOA Rules
Ultimately, whether you can fill your front yard with campaign signs and plaster the rear bumper of your vehicle with opinionated stickers depends on the laws of your state. Some states have laws that prevent HOAs from banning residents from posting signage, while other states allow residents to essentially waive away their rights when they become a member of the community.
Developing Fair Rules
HOAs that prohibit posting signage have good intentions: they want to ensure that the neighborhood remains aesthetically attractive. After all, one reason why residents move to association-governed communities is to live in a neighborhood where unsightly items -- and the real estate value problems they create -- are prevented by the laws of the community.
Even so, outlawing every kind of signage may seem excessive. Does it detract from the aesthetic of a neighborhood when an ex-marine puts a marine corps logo in the back window of his SUV? Should a woman, who is passionate about a certain presidential candidate, be forced to take down the single campaign sign that adorns her otherwise meticulously groomed front yard?
Many residents would say no to both questions, but quite a few residents would also answer yes. Which side is right? When state law doesn’t intervene in the matter, it is difficult to say. If your community is struggling to develop a fair policy regarding signage, working with an HOA management company can help the neighborhood come to an agreement that pleases everyone.
A Few Ideas
For example, if political signs are permitted, they could be allowed in yards no more than a month before the election and be taken down when election day is over. As for longer-standing signs, such as bumper stickers, alarm company signs, and beware of dog stickers in windows, they could be limited to a certain number of signs -- say, about two or three -- per household.
Offensive signs, of course, should be outlawed altogether -- a task with which a provider of HOA management can provide assistance. If your planned community needs assistance developing a fair signage policy, contact a provider of HOA management today to schedule a consultation. With the help of an HOA manager, your community can create a sign policy that is fair for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Open communication, active engagement, and exploring alternative avenues for expression are key to finding a balance between community aesthetics and individual rights.
Jennifer Harvey
Geoffe Browne
Staff Writer
