Children playing with toys in HOA front yards is a common sight in the neighborhood. However, one may wonder if installing play equipment or leaving toys is acceptable in planned communities.
Does Leaving Toys on the Front Yard Violate HOA Rules?
In single-home communities, it is common to see households with little kids playing with their toys in the front yard. But children sometimes leave their toys in front of the house when they’re done playing. Other homeowners often file a complaint about this, but is it justified?
Regulations regarding unattended toys in HOA front yards vary from place to place. They mainly depend on the HOA’s bylaws and governing documents.
Many HOA communities already have strict guidelines for toys and other play equipment, including trampolines, basketball hoops, bikes, and scooters. Some places allow toys left in their front yard during the daytime but require homeowners to remove them before nightfall. Others disallow all unattended toys and play equipment at any time.
Why Do These Rules Exist?
Most homeowners associations will ban unattended toys for several reasons.
Anything unattended on your lawn can be a safety hazard for many neighborhood members. For example, unattended items with wheels, like toy wagons, can cause someone to slip on them, especially in the dark. Loose items may also block driveways. In cases of emergency, authorities will have a more challenging time entering the home because of the obstructions.
Additionally, the toys outside can pose a safety risk by attracting unwanted attention. Burglars may use them to mark your home as a target.
Other than safety concerns, it also affects the community’s overall curb appeal and uniformity. Cluttered yards can negatively affect the neighborhood’s overall appeal.
HOA Rules on Play Equipment
Swings, slides, and trampolines are common in front yards, especially for families with kids. The rules on play equipment in front yards will depend on the HOA and its rules and regulations. To be sure, homeowners usually file for approval to install such equipment, especially if they’re permanent or long-term fixtures. As HOA board members, it is best to enforce them based on the stipulations in your governing documents and state laws.
HOA Rules on Basketball Hoops
Allowing a basketball hoop in front of the house may depend on your HOA policies, state laws, and circumstances. Many HOAs have restrictions on basketball hoops, especially for portable ones, instead of outright banning them.
If your governing documents allow you to let homeowners install basketball hoops as long as they follow requirements. Some of these may call for the properties to be installed only in some regions of the property. They may also be allowed if they don’t obstruct the way or can be taken down when not used.
HOA Rules on Smaller Toys
Smaller toys on HOA front yards, such as bikes, scooters, balls, and other kids’ toys, are usually allowed as long as they are being used and not left unattended. The rules regarding when these toys are left alone will depend on the HOA’s regulations. However, the association commonly requires homeowners to keep toys not used in the front yard.
How to Handle Toy-Related Front Yard Violations
Similar to many other violations in your community, violations related to toys in HOA front yards need to be handled fairly and appropriately. Here are some ways to do so.
1. Assess the Situation
Part of the standard procedure for enforcing HOA regulations is assessing the situation. Before issuing a violation, you should discuss it during a meeting to review the situation and evaluate whether a homeowner is breaking the rules.
2. Issue a Warning
When the HOA board has concluded that toys left unattended in a homeowner’s front yard are a violation, a proper notice needs to be sent to that homeowner. If this is the first time, it would be fair to send out a warning first, giving the homeowner a chance to take note and remove any violating factors or to work with the HOA board to move forward.
With the warning, you may also reiterate and remind the homeowner of the rules related to the violation.
3. Enforcing Violation Consequences
There are cases when the homeowner keeps violating HOA front yard regulations or fails to resolve violations, even with proper notice and a chance to resolve them. When these happen, the HOA board may impose consequences on the homeowner, such as fines and revocation of privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can Homeowners Request for an Exemption for Play Equipment?
Homeowners may file a formal request to the HOA board for an exemption for play equipment. The board must diligently review the case to determine whether the request is possible based on the HOA’s bylaws and governing documents.
Usually, such requests are only considered for households with members with mobility issues and special needs or if the play equipment is temporary and used for a special event.
How Can You Help Homeowners Who Find Front Yard Rules Unclear?
HOA board members may encourage homeowners to question unclear rules, especially during HOA meetings.
Are Toys Allowed in the Communities’ Common Areas?
The HOA may have strict rules regarding toys in the front yard, but they are generally encouraged to use them in common areas like playgrounds. However, remember that certain rules may apply when the toys are used. As long as the toys and play equipment pass regulations and safety restrictions imposed by the HOA, members can freely use them in these areas.
Having Fun Responsibly
Smaller toys and play equipment bring joy to many in the neighborhood, especially for kids. However, using them also entails some responsibilities for homeowners. The most basic is ensuring these toys are properly stored after play and not left cluttered in the front yard.
Cedar Management Group can help homeowners associations navigate and enforce front yard rules. Call us today at (877) 252-3327 or contact us online to learn more!
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