RESIDENTS of a local homeowner’s association have blasted a policy proposal that would only allow decorations to be hung on properties for certain holidays.
The potential measure has sparked outrage and caused division within a community in Reno, Nevada.
One resident described a proposal that would see some holiday decor banned as ‘militant’[/caption]
Halloween is not considered a federal holiday[/caption]
The Caughlin Ranch Homeowners Association’s bosses crafted a proposal that would allow residents to put out decorations only for holidays recognized on the federal or state level, according to NBC affiliate KRNV-DT.
If the proposal came into force, decorations would only be allowed for a select number of holidays, and residents would have to seek approval from the HOA.
Homeowners would be allowed to put out their traditional decorations for Christmas and Thanksgiving.
However, residents wouldn’t be automatically allowed to hang Halloween decor on their properties.
This is because the fall occasion is not recognized as a federal or state holiday.
Homeowners who want to hang flags to mark holidays that aren’t recognized by the state must seek permission.
Americans wouldn’t automatically be allowed to hang flags expressing support for the Ukraine war effort.
The measure was proposed in September but has caused a stir among locals.
Laura Morrow described the proposal as militant.
Pam Brandman was fine with the idea of residents wanting to express themselves.
Residents in the community would be allowed to mark recognized holidays in Nevada.
These include Memorial Day, which takes place on the last Monday in May, and the July 4 holiday.
Homeowners would also be able to mark Nevada Day, the year the state was admitted to the Union.
The U.S. Sun has approached the Caughlin Ranch Homeowners Association for further comment.
The general manager for the homeowner’s association told KRNV-DT that no decisions have yet been made.
What is an HOA?
One in five Americans live in an area with a Homeowners’ Association – or HOA. But what exactly is it that they do?
- An HOA is a homeowner’s association – an organization that aims to maintain a clean and cohesive place to live for its residents.
- Entire neighborhoods, subdivisions, condominiums, family homes, or townhouses within “a planned development” will often make up an HOA.
- They also act as a governing body for tenants, who run and fund the HOA through monthly fees.
- Their principal aims are to keep the community functioning and visually appealing and to maintain property values.
- They primarily focus on common areas of a neighborhood, such as roads, parks, and pools – but may also stipulate what residents can do with their properties, such as yards and driveways.
- Often these restrictions enforce uniformity on properties, for example, ensuring most houses look the same and all driveways are clear of weeds.
- An HOA rulebook of covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&R) is distributed to all residents, and an elected volunteer board of directors enforces these regulations.
- Breaking these rules can result in penalties such as fines and even litigation – as most HOAs are incorporated and subject to state law.
- HOAs are often the subject of controversy, with some members feeling that the rules are too punitive and restricting, or that the leadership has too much power.
- But others like that HOAs give communities the power of self-governance, and can ensure a degree of harmony between residents.
Residents can display flags that are protected by the federal level.
Homeowner associations cannot ban a resident from hanging an American flag from the property.
Residents can also hang flags that are related to the American military.
States have signed measures into law that are a bid to curb the power of homeowner associations.
This summer, a Florida law came into force that allows homeowners to put American flags on their properties.
However, some homeowners associations may ban flags because they fear they could impact the neighborhood or property prices.
The U.S. Sun previously reported how one resident in Redmond, Oregon, was facing fines over the peace flag he said he had flown outside his home for years.
Legal experts at Nolo have explained that members of a homeowner’s association can try to get rules surrounding flags changed.
But they have warned the process may be difficult.
