My parents live in a Del Webb 55+ community north of Sacramento. They chose to live there because of the homeowners’ association and the rules and regulations that ensue. Some of the “laws” that appealed to them include: no barking dogs, no outside cats, no parking on the street overnight, no loud exterior home paint jobs, leaving the garage door open for an extended period of time is taboo. The list goes on but my intention is to keep you awake so you finish reading this article.

Rules can be fun. When my neighbor behind me starts playing his drums with the windows open I wish I had an association police person to call. That would show him.

Homeowners’ associations were created to protect the environment, protect your investment, and protect your livelihood. But, not everything is as it appears. Sometimes there is a price tag involved in living in a community that is governed by a handful of people and some bylaws.

This Is Not Wisteria Lane

The reality of living in a community governed by a homeowners’ association is anytime you want to make changes to your home, it must first be approved by a board. This can be a good thing, or not.

What about solar energy? Certainly the homeowners association wouldn’t deny you the luxury of saving energy, would they? Shall I count the lawsuits taking place all over the country as I write this piece?

I have heard and read sad stories where a homeowner tries to get solar roof panels approved but the board either turned them down or suggested they place them on the back roof where they won’t be “so ugly,” but they also won’t get full sun. Here’s an article about two separate homeowners, one from Camarillo, CA, and another from Lake Sherwood, CA who got tangled up in the homeowners’ association mess:

Homeowner sues association over solar panels

Posted on February 25th in Solar News by Beth.