Our HOA is trying to ban outdoor kids' toys from being visible from the street.
By @sashakinda · Family
The new HOA board proposal says things like Little Tikes cars, small slides, and water tables have to be stored in the backyard or garage when not in 'active use.' They claim it's about 'maintaining neighborhood aesthetic standards.'.
The full story
I feel like I'm losing my mind. We moved to this neighborhood specifically because it was full of families and great for kids. Now, the new HOA board (mostly retired folks whose kids are grown) is on a mission to make it look like a pristine, childless resort. Their latest proposal is a rule against visible children's toys. The language is so specific: if a toy is left on a driveway or front lawn for more than an hour without 'active supervision and use,' you can get a warning, and then a fine. We're talking about the plastic cozy coupe car my son loves, the little water table we use on hot days, even sidewalk chalk if it's 'excessive.' Their argument is that it makes the neighborhood look 'cluttered and cheap.' A few of us parents on the block are trying to fight it, arguing that seeing kids' toys is a sign of a vibrant, family-friendly community, which is literally a selling point for living here. But the board says it's no different than rules about trash cans or lawn maintenance. I'm just so tired. I don't want to have to haul every single toy in and out of the garage ten times a day just because someone on the board doesn't like looking at a bright red plastic car. Am I overreacting to this?
How people voted
- Side A — 28% (29 votes)
- Both — 39% (41 votes)
- Side B — 33% (34 votes)
Readers are split: “Both” leads with 39% — 104 votes and 5 comments so far.
What people are saying
@sortaright — Honestly, I'd move. You bought into a family neighborhood, not a retirement community. On their side.
@ian — time to get everyone on the block to put a single plastic flamingo on their lawn
@tysonn — Can't you just vote them off the board at the next HOA meeting?
@itsmeagain — This is exactly why I will never live somewhere with an HOA.
@paigeyy — Ah yes, the mortal enemy of property values: a happy child.
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