Top 5 Weirdest HOA Rules About Lawn and Yard Signs
One of the basics before ordering a yard sign is knowing the different sign regulations that apply to both businesses and private property owners. State laws on signage are usually straightforward, but there’s another layer to consider: the homeowners’ associations (HOAs) and their rules.
While they claim to maintain a “peaceful” neighborhood, many HOAs sometimes create rules so restrictive that they spark more frustration than harmony. This is especially true when putting up lawn and yard signs, which can become a surprisingly contentious issue.
We explored online discussions and social media posts, compiling some real-life examples of how different HOAs enforce yard sign rules and how these affect homeowners.
Rule #1: You Cannot Put Yard Signs on Your Property
One of the most common and frustrating rules that most HOAs enforce forbids placing yard signs on your own lawn. Even if state laws allow it, HOAs often issue fines, prompting residents to find creative loopholes to keep their messages visible!
- Can’t put up signs on grass? They didn’t mention anything about car signs on the lawn! [2]
- Not allowed to put up yard signs? Well, better define yard in your rules next time! [3]
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Rule #2: You Can Put Yard Signs on Your Lawn (But Not Really)
Some HOAs appear to allow yard signs but later penalize the homeowners. Regardless of whether it’s a lack of oversight on the HOA or fines through “technicality”, this misleading practice can be frustrating, making the so-called “permission” feel more like a trap.
- Home renovations usually take a few days to a week to finish. So, how long should a renovation yard sign be up? 24 hours? Sounds reasonable if you are the HOA. [4]
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- The HOA rewarded a man’s kind gesture with fines because the sign is “unsightly”. When he appealed, they shifted the goal post! Legal battle ensues. [5]
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Rule #3: You Can Only Put Yard Signs That the HOA Approves
What’s more infuriating than HOA yard sign restrictions? Selective yard sign permissions! Some HOAs permit only signs they approve of, which often leads to bad cases of discrimination and bias. This “rules for thee, not for me” approach leaves many homeowners feeling frustrated and unfairly treated.
- An HOA group will only allow you to put up flags and signs that have three colors or fewer. Are they implying something here? Anyways, the loopholes people suggest are funny. [1]
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- Imagine an HOA committee that would require homeowners to put up any yard signs the board directed. Now imagine this rule getting abused. No wonder the homeowners resorted to filing a lawsuit against the board. [1]
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Rule #4: The HOA Can Put Up Signs (and Online Posts) Even if It’s Illegal
Talking about HOA rules requiring yard signs to be posted on your lawns. There are some cases where these mandates may even conflict with state laws, raising questions about their legality and fairness.
- One HOA board will only approve yard signs if they are the same size, the same design, made from the same materials, and placed in the same stakes. Someone figured out that this could be a sign of shady business practices.[1]
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- Another HOA would put up physical signs and social media posts to redirect traffic away from their neighborhood due to construction. They even fined some “violators” under the Marana Department of Transportation, an organization that does not exist! [6]
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Rule #5: The HOA’s Rules Can Be Overturned With Enough Support
Ending this list on a positive note, the HOA yard sign rules, no matter how unreasonable, aren’t set in stone. With just enough neighbor support and legal backing, many associations eventually back down and let homeowners enjoy their signage freedoms.
- An HOA deems memorial displays of a fallen soldier to be a “nuisance” despite the family securing the proper permits. Good thing they walked it back before they nearly damaged their reputation. [7]
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- HOA forbidding signs is one thing, but impeding people’s free speech is another. This particular board got enough backlash that they had to modify their regulations after removing social justice yard signs. [8]
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Applying What You Learn from HOA Sign Laws
To keep your yard sign safe and compliant, remember:
- 1. Always read the HOA rules. Carefully review your HOA’s written guidelines for yard sign placement and compare them with your state’s signage laws. Learning these regulations helps you spot contradictions and protect your right to display signs without unnecessary disputes.
- 2. Secure permits. Even if state laws support you, make sure you get written documentation clearly stating you can put up your yard signs. The written permission will ensure that you can challenge HOA rules.
- 3. Stay calm and document everything. If things get tense, avoid reacting emotionally. Document every interaction, keep copies of all rules, and speak with the proper authorities, including HOA board members who support you to help defend your case.
Conclusion
While some HOA yard sign rules can feel bizarre or downright frustrating, they prove one thing: planning is just as important as the sign itself. With a smart strategy and a well-thought-out approach to the HOA, you can keep your sign visible, avoid fines, and still get your message across
References
1. https://www.reddit.com/r/fuckHOA/comments/1m87r1h/whats_the_weirdest_hoa_rule_youve_encountered/
5. https://www.the-sun.com/motors/14821937/homeowner-hoa-driveway-sign-water-legal-battle/
6. https://www.reddit.com/r/fuckHOA/comments/1m3zehg/hoa_makes_fake_sign_and_facebook_post_to_reroute/
8. https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/erie-hoa-homeowners-upset-over-sign-orders/
