Let me start with a clear, unequivocal statement. Owners in community associations, be they part of a condominium association or a homeowners association, do not have freedom of speech. Every arm chair constitutionalist will disagree, but it’s true. Read the article…………………………………
Election-themed Halloween display causing neighborhood rift in the northwest Valley (AZ)
Just two weeks before Election Day, politics are on everyone’s mind and can be a divisive topic among neighbors. But an election-themed Halloween display in the northwest Valley is causing a downright rift. Some think it’s funny and harmless, while others say it’s offensive. Read the article…………………………………..
Election notice: How communities can regulate displays of political signs
Political signs often receive a lot of attention in local news and on social media, particularly during election seasons. At a time when political views can become quite charged, the issue of lawn signs endorsing a candidate or supporting a social cause can further divide communities. Reasonable restrictions and uniform rules enforcement help avoid conflict. […]
SIGNS UP FOR DEBATE: Local HOAs attempt to regulate political display (IN)
Political signs lining neighborhood streets are commonplace during election season, but in some Johnson County neighborhoods, there are few or none to be found. Local party leaders have heard of about 20 cases in multiple neighborhoods of local homeowners associations (HOA) asking residents to take down their political signs. In many cases, HOA leaders said […]
Political Signs in Your Community: Know the Law and Your Documents
With election season upon us, the subject of political signs is more relevant than ever. It is at the forefront of discussions between community association leaders and residents. According to the 2020 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey conducted by Zogby Analytics for the Foundation for Community Association Research, nine out of 10 condominium and homeowners association residents […]
Political Signs in the HOA (TX, AZ)
With fall 2020 comes another presidential election cycle, making political signs an especially timely topic this year. To assist the board in supporting its community fairly and with empathy this election season, we’re going to cover the kinds of political signs that are protected by Texas and Arizona law and how community associations may regulate […]
Sign Removal Causes Conflict, First Amendment Debate (NJ)
When signs advocating for the legalization of marijuana were removed by an official, it brought up questions about the first amendment and the role of senior community bylaws and their enforcement. Read the article…………………………………..
Glendale homeowners association orders removal of Black Lives Matter sign (AZ)
Melanie Boyle hung a hand-painted Black Lives Matter sign on her home in July to show her support for the movement and its demands for justice. “I wanted to do this little act of putting up a sign and open more conversation about it in my area,” she said. Conversations with her neighbors went well, […]
Regulations on HOA Political Signs and Demonstrations (NJ)
Few issues elicit as much emotion as politics – especially during election season. Political discussions can add fuel to the fire when neighborhoods begin to display political advertisements of opposing affiliations. Dealing with political signage in your community is an issue that must be approached with sensitivity. Read the article………………………………….
Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign: It’s Time for Community Associations to Address Sign Policies
(The article) discusses recent news reports from around the country that are indicative of an uptick in disputes within HOA communities involving homeowners’ yard signs. Laura writes that today’s polarized political environment and social movements combined with widespread societal cabin fever caused by the pandemic have seemingly created a perfect storm for tempers to ignite […]
Missouri statute stops homeowner associations from banning political signs (MO)
Homeowners associations have rules stopping people from putting any political signs on their lawns but a Missouri statute says that’s not allowed. The statue makes those homeowners association rules unenforceable. “In some respects, we have conflicting guidelines here and we just have to go with the one that’s enforceable and the fact is that our […]
HOA orders Trump supporters to pull the plug on shocking signs (KY)
Were they protecting freedom of speech or creating a neighborhood hazard? The answer depends on who you ask. A Louisville neighborhood is buzzing after two residents electrified their political signs, they say, to keep them from being stolen. Both residents are fans of President Donald Trump. “It’s a fence charger that I had up in […]
A new Idaho law allows homeowners to put up political signs in their front yards without HOA approval (ID)
On Saturday afternoon, Waller and her husband, who own a home in Boise, put up a slew of political signs in her front yard, she said, knowing they would get an email from their HOA, which they did less than 24 hours after they went up. However, that rule is now outdated. In March, the […]
Permissible Prohibitions on Campaign Yard Signs by HOA and Condo Associations (VA)
With only weeks before the election, Northern Virginia residents continue to engage in the high-stakes battle of the placement of campaign yard signs. But, can they be asked to remove these signs? For the thousands of residents who live in one of the hundreds of homeowners and condominium associations throughout the region, the answer is […]
Political Season is Upon Us: Guidance for Navigating Political Sign Display in Community Associations (NC)
With Presidential, Senate, and House elections less than thirty days away, political signs are popping up in yards everywhere. Many community associations have restrictions in their governing documents prohibiting or limiting the display of political signs, including the size, number, and time period of display. However, those community associations without such restrictions are searching for […]
Dissecting the sticky issue of flags, banners and signs in HOA communities
On June 14, 1777, the Marine Committee of the Second Continental Congress at Philadelphia adopted a resolution that “the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation.” Though the American flag has changed a few times […]
Preparing for the Holidays: 8 Useful Tips and Tricks for Homeowners Associations (CA)
We’re getting into that time of year again: the three-month period that has us leaping from one holiday to the next. From early October through New Year’s, life is a flurry of holiday planning, seasonal products, and fun festivities. Of course, this brings a whole new set of challenges for any homeowners association. To weather […]
Santa Fe man fights HOA over Biden sign (NM)
A Santa Fe man is taking a stand against a homeowner’s association over what he contends is his First Amendment right to display a campaign sign in his front yard, reigniting a long-running debate that resurfaces every election when political expressions conflict with rules on private property. Read the article……………………………….
Homeowners: HOAs selectively request removal of social justice signs, flags (GA)
Homeowners in Gwinnett and Cobb County are questioning the changing directives and enforcement surrounding homeowners associations’ stance on social justice signs and flags. The recent denials and requests to remove Black Lives Matter and Pride signs and flags have prompted two Gwinnett homeowners to consider legal action, while both associations point to their rules and […]
Can your HOA restrict political, social issue signs on your property? (TX)
Dozens of homeowners in the Bauerle Ranch community in southwest Austin have signed a petition against the homeowners’ association policy that restricts the types of signs that can be placed on a homeowner’s property. Read the article……………………………..
Political Signs & Community Associations: 7 Things You Should Know (IL)
During election season, board members and property managers are likely to notice political lawn signs popping up in and around their association along with political signs being displayed in windows and balconies. Association leadership should communicate to the owners that the goal is not to restrict the freedom to express political views. Rather, the association […]
Trump or Biden: Dallas-area neighbors face off over political signs (TX)
Here among the manicured lawns and scenes of suburban serenity, two Farmers Branch neighbors wage a war of words. They have barely spoken to each other. They’re letting their signs do the talking. Read the article…………………………………
Political Flag Controversy in Camden Neighborhood (DE)
This is not a sign. It’s a garden flag.” That’s the argument that Bruce Watson is making, after his Homeowners Association made him remove a garden flag he bought two weeks. It says ‘Trump 2020 Make America Great Again.’ His HOA said that it violates their bylaws, and that it had to be removed or […]
Erie HOA Homeowners Upset Over Sign Orders (CO)
Homeowners in the Erie Village subdivision say they are appalled and outraged that their management company ordered them to immediately remove their social activism yard signs or face financial penalties. Read the article…………………………….
Political Signs and the Limits Imposed on a HOA’s Ability to Regulate Same (CA)
As we draw near to the 2020 election, many residents living in HOAs have decided to install yard signs and other displays for their chosen candidate or cause. Many of these “noncommercial” signs have sparked fury in those who oppose such views, calling upon the Board of Directors to have such signs removed. Thus, in […]
Political Signs in Colorado HOAs and the Upcoming Election . . .
As of today, the General Election is 43 days away. While like most Americans I have very strong opinions and beliefs regarding the cultural and electoral issues facing our country, I also live in an HOA and am taking the signage rules and my neighbors into account when putting up signs that mirror my beliefs […]
Local Homeowners Associations remind residents of regulations on political signage ahead of November election (GA)
Some residents recently raised concerns about strict Homeowners Association rules and restrictions on political signage in local subdivisions as many look to show support for candidates in the upcoming general election. Read the article…………………………….
Keeping Politics Out of Your Community Association
Not surprisingly, the chatter about whether or not political signs should be permitted in private residential communities has increased as we draw closer to the elections in November. Let’s first discuss whether or not an owner in a Florida HOA has the “right” to install signs. The short answer is “no” with one exception. FL […]
No Changes to Florida HOA, Condo Political Sign Landscape As Turbulent Election Season Gears Up (FL)
Political polarization in 2020 has reached a COVID-fevered pitch, ignited by shadowy entities of all kinds fueling a whole lot of anger. As if things weren’t volatile enough, it’s now election season in Florida, which boasts more community associations than any other state in America. Read the article……………………………
Can Our Community Restrict Political Signs (FL)
Election season is here and already raising many questions regarding a community’s authority to restrict political signs. If your community has a prohibition on signs, political signs are not exempt from those restrictions. The question then becomes does enforcement of no sign restrictions as to political signs violate an owner’s right to free speech. Read […]
Flags and Political Signs in North Carolina HOAs
With the nation preparing for elections in November, community associations are finding themselves in the crosshairs of a debate over when and how free speech may be exercised by residents in their communities. Impassioned residents want to express their opinions through signs, flags, bumper stickers, t-shirts and even sidewalk chalk decorations, and they may run […]
Harris County homeowner at odds with HOA over yard signs (TX)
There’s a battle brewing over yard signs in the Hearthstone neighborhood in northwest Harris County. About two months ago, Gloria Bernardino and her husband put up banners to make their message clear – Black lives matter, so do LGBTQ rights, women’s rights, science, and humanity as a whole. Read the article…………………………….
Avoiding Campaign Sign Controversy in Your Community
As summer comes to a close and the leaves begin to fall, every day is one day closer to Election Day. Although the November election is still two months away, residents around Metro Atlanta and throughout Georgia have begun to show their full support of candidates facing election, through proud displays of campaign signs. Given […]
A Pewaukee attorney says a condo association threatened to sue him if he doesn’t remove a Biden/Harris 2020 sign (WI)
A condominium association is threatening to take legal action against a Pewaukee attorney over a political sign for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris. Read the article……………………………….
Black Lives Matter or Hate has no home here, Denver neighborhood tiff over yard sign is just the beginning (CO)
A quick drive through Denver’s Lowry neighborhood late last week was akin to a voyage through a haven of tranquility and quiet, with rows of homes fronted by tidy lawns and smiling, helmeted families biking down tree-lined streets. But just 48 hours prior, this community on the city’s east side was at the center of […]
HOAs grapple with sign rules in era of social justice reform (CO)
Colorado law states community associations can’t ban political signs around elections but can make rules about all other signs. That’s prompting debate in Lowry. Read the article……………………………..
Association Boards Governing Political Signs (NY/CT)
With politics and world events heating up, people have a lot to say and want to publish it out loud. If they live in a coop, condo, HOA or other community association, however, can a board restrict their free speech? John wants to put a “Black Lives Matter” sign on the lawn of his HOA […]
Association Boards Governing Political Signs (NY)
With politics and world events heating up, people have a lot to say and want to publish it out loud. If they live in a coop, condo, HOA or other community association, however, can a board restrict their free speech? John wants to put a “Black Lives Matter” sign on the lawn of his HOA […]
SW Bend HOA to residents: No ‘solidarity’ or political signs, except at election time (OR)
Some residents in southwest Bend’s River Rim neighborhood are reacting with concern to a board letter telling them that what are defined as ‘solidarity signs” must come down until election time. Read the article……………………………..
The Washington HOA Political Yard Sign Minefield
Election season has returned. Although, when is it not election season? This year’s presidential campaign promises to be one of the most contentious in living memory, and there are a number of state and local candidates and ballot measures that promise to be very divisive as well. Moreover, there are political issues that are critically […]
Mashpee Resident Alleges Discrimination, Speech Violation Over Black Lives Matter Sign (MA)
For the entire month of July, the Summerwood Condominium Association fined Mashpee resident Kristin DaLomba $10 a day for displaying a Black Lives Matter sign in her front garden, alleging a violation of the association’s regulations. After racking up more than $400 in fines for defiantly displaying the sign, Ms. DaLomba has retained a lawyer […]
Galloway neighbors say HOA targeting Black Lives Matter yard displays (OH)
Refynd Duro says she knew she wanted to take a stance. She’s seen a lot as a nurse working on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic, and her son is half black. So when she received a sign from her union, the Ohio Nurses Association, she knew the two causes she cared about most […]
Macomb family asked to remove ‘Black Lives Matter’ signs after HOA complaint
Aries and Tia Rodgers said they were singled out because of the “Black Lives Matter” signs that they have in their Macomb-area lawn. “This is a real sensitive time to address something as simple as a Black Lives Matter sign,” Aries Rodgers said. The couple received a letter in the mail from the homeowner association that […]
BLM condo sign flap prompts Jewett City renter’s move (CT)
A local renter is preparing to move out of her Jewett City condominium complex after weeks of disagreement with complex officials over what she says is her overt support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Crystal Allard moved into the Anthony Estates complex off Anthony Street a year ago with her husband and the couple’s […]
Snoqualmie Ridge homeowner association tells family to take down Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ-positive signs (WA)
A family in Snoqualmie Ridge says their homeowner association has unfairly targeted their signs that promote equality. Watch the new report………………………………..
Are Political Rallies and Signs Legal in Your Community Association?
During an election year, it’s not unusual for community associations to grapple with issues related to the legality of displaying political signs. Yet, these are unusual times. The nation is experiencing a time of increased interest in political activism. Not long ago a video of dueling protesters at a political rally in a Florida community […]
Free Speech or Covenant Violation? (CO)
Many times, Homeowners express their passions and interests in the form of signs and/or flags on their property. However, HOAs are sometimes asked to restrict signs and flags that are controversial or politically charged. Legally, some signs and flags cannot be prohibited under Colorado law, although HOAs are given discretion to restrict the number, size, […]
Signs, signs everywhere a sign – Every election cycle brings more placards in Sun Cities (AZ)
The Aug. 4 Arizona primary election wrapped, but the Nov. 3 election is around the corner and some residents in both Sun City and Sun City West have political signage displayed in yards and on public streets. Read the article……………………………….
HOA Homefront: Can communities ban political, patriotic or religious displays? (CA)
Q: We (along with our neighbors) put out candidate and ballot measure signs prior to our elections. We looked into this several years ago and it appears that California law allows all HOA residents to display political signs during elections. However, friends who live in other San Diego County HOAs have told me repeatedly that […]
HOA apologizes after Utah resident was asked to take down ‘Black Lives Matter’ sign (UT)
A Utah homeowners association is apologizing after a resident was asked to take down his Black Lives Matter sign. Dan Carlson, a sociology and family and consumer studies professor at the University of Utah, posted on Twitter Tuesday that the HOA that oversees the Daybreak community in South Jordan left him a notice about his […]