On Thu, 23 Aug 2007 07:27:57 -0400, BAR wrote:



No, it really is all about the resale value. When you drive through my
neighborhood you see that every yard is clean and well kept, the paint
is not peeling off the trim, the garage doors all work and look good.
There are no paved over front yards, although one or two owners would do
it if they could, and houses sell rather quickly with deals that don't
fall through at the closing table.

My neighborhood is no different and there is no HOA.
When homes reach a certain price range people take care of them.
The village imposes some fencing restrictions and they'll ticket you
if your grass gets too shaggy. Had a warning on my door when we got
back from vacation once because my son had let it go for more than a
week.
But I found this on the village website:
"FENCES
Fences are not permitted on any part of a front yard.
Fences are not permitted on any side yards that face an
intersecting street. Fences may be built up to a height of six
feet from ground level, and the finished side”of the fence
must face outward. A permit is required before installing
or replacing a fence.
PROPERTY & LAWN
MAINTENANCE
Each property owner is responsible for the minimum
maintenance requirements established by ordinance.
Code enforcement personnel routinely monitor compliance.
Using the Village’s Minimum Housing Standards
Ordinance that establish the minimum standards to ensure
the health, safety and welfare of the public, code
enforcement officers review exterior and interior maintenance,
drainage, sanitary facilities, rodent infestation
and other aesthetic, health and safety considerations.
Deficiencies include peeling paint, improper storage on
property, abandoned automobiles, and overgrown vegetation.
Residents are notified if their homes fall below
these standards.
No person may permit weeds, grass or plants other than
trees, bushes or other ornamental shrubs to grow to a
height exceeding six inches. All landscape debris must
be properly disposed. Please review the Yard Waste
information in the Garbage and Recycling section.
Violators of property maintenance codes are subject
to a code enforcement ticket and a fine between $75
and $750.
VEHICLE & BOAT STORAGE
Boats, commercial vehicles and other recreational
vehicles may not be parked or placed in front yard
driveways (front yard driveways are defined as the area
between the curb and the front building line). They
must be parked behind the building line on a hard
surface, screened from view or garaged. No vehicle
may be parked on unpaved surfaces in front yards.
Vehicles not garaged must be licensed and operable."

That boat part is even more restrictive than the HOA we're talking
about here.
As a matter of fact, I've never seen a boat anywhere around here.
Oh oh. Better tell my wife we have to move to Florida.
I'm thinking there's nothing wrong with HOA's per se so long as
you know what you're getting into. In fact, you better be aware
of local ordinances too. It's like that old Holiday Inn commercial
about surprises.

--Vic