Our HOA is trying to fine us over sidewalk chalk.

By @edielately · Family

My kids spent all afternoon making a giant rainbow on our driveway and sidewalk. Now we have a formal violation notice from the HOA for 'unapproved alterations' and a threat of a $50 fine if we don't remove it.

The full story

I'm genuinely losing my mind. It's summer, my kids (7 and 9) are finally out of the house, and they got a big new box of sidewalk chalk. They spent two hours yesterday decorating our entire driveway. It was actually super cute – a huge rainbow, some lopsided flowers, a portrait of our dog. They were so proud. This morning, I find a plastic-wrapped letter stuck to our door from the HOA. It's a formal notice of violation, citing a rule about 'unapproved exterior alterations and graffiti.' Graffiti! They're calling my seven-year-old's rainbow graffiti. The notice says we have 24 hours to 'remedy the violation' (aka, power-wash it) or we'll be fined $50, and it'll be $25 a day after that. I just... I can't. It's chalk. It will literally wash away the next time it rains. Am I supposed to tell my kids their art is a violation that costs mommy money? I feel like I'm living in a parody.

How people voted

OP Is Right — 31% (11 votes)
Both Messy — 37% (13 votes)
OP Is Wrong — 31% (11 votes)

Readers are split: “Both Messy” leads with 37% — 35 votes and 5 comments so far.

What people are saying

@elijahbye — lmao
@plottwistlol — Something tells me there's more to this story or a specific rule we aren't hearing about.
@tatelol — I would buy ten more boxes of chalk and invite every kid on the block over to 'help'. See how they like that.
@reesekay — This is just an HOA on a power trip, and it needs to be shut down immediately.
@noelkinda — When you choose to live in an HOA, you agree to abide by all the rules, period.

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