Utterly Unreasonable and Irrational Modifications Subcommittee

I am very concerned about our HOA. I received letters regarding our visible trash can a few months ago, which I understand is common in our community.

To rectify the problem I purchased a trash can enclosure. This is a high quality product. In fact, it is designed to enclose and privatize the trash can.

I got the idea from a neighbor who has had one for a long time. I have attached a picture of the enclosure below.

The letter from the Subcommittee states that:

1. “the enclosure should be sturdily constructed of wood…”
Is wood the best for enclosing a trash can? I think not. Other modern materials are far better than wood. For example, my hose real is made of vinyl. My siding is made of Hardiboard. Very little of my exposed home is made of wood.

2. “…It should either be a board on board design of 4” wide boards or open lattice, properly framed.”
The enclosure that I added to my house is properly framed and has a lattice design.

3. “The enclosure can not be free standing, must be level and must be permanently anchored to the ground. “

Redacted

Suncast FS4423 Outdoor Screen Enclosure
http://www2.yardiac.com/long.asp?item_id=34882&AID=10378099&PID=2505934

 

I don't think it's a matter of appealing to one person. The enclosure apparently doesn't meet the guidelines, which I'm sure were written by more than one person

I wouldn't say it is an arbitrary ruling, the enclosure doesn't meet the documented guidelines. This is exactly why people should submit an application to the committee before making a purchase.

 

Why should he have submitted an application for temporary yard decor?????

 

You seem to have missed my point completely, and your response does not address my concern.

My complaint is not over my disappointment in purchasing and the item (that was rejected). My complaint is that the item was rejected by the committee. I would have posted the same angry diatribe had I not purchased and installed the item. I am not upset at all over the timing. The item should be absolutely sufficient to screen and contain a trash can. It is anchored to the ground using solid steel posts. It will not blow away and will not allow a trash can to blow away. So I ask you, why would it not be accepted as a trash can enclosure?

Note: If you intend to respond that it does not meet the guidelines, that just begs the question. Also, I just noticed that vinyl will be considered on a case by case basis. So in my "case" why was it not accepted? They certainly did not tell me in the letter, so maybe someone with more knowledge on the subject can enlighten me.

 

The problem is when the committee gets nit-picky.

 

Exactly how are they nit-picky? They are following written rules... if you don't agree with them by all means bring it up with the board to be changed.

 

Technically, if the HOA followed the "written rule", per our documents, there would be absolutely NO ability to locate a trash can ANYWHERE outside. I feel we are being more than accommodating by allowing some methods for residents to store cans outside.

Regarding the issue at hand, I have seen one of these at a house. (Not sure if it is Neighbor's, since no address is given. It was sitting on the side of the house, falling over, crooked, and would do nothing to stop a large can from falling over. It was unsightly and, in my opinion, a good example of what should not be allowed to use.
We do not exclude the use of vinyl for enclosures. After all, we allow it for decks. But is must be sturdy and secured to the ground.

The decision to turn down the application was unanimous, not just one member.

If the guidelines are too much to accept, do the simple thing. Keep the can in the garage.

The Modification Subcommittee is made up entirely of residents, just like you. Half of the Board of Directors is made up of residents, just like you.

 

Interesting theory. It really is a double edge sword, isn’t it. The HOA states that “it”(what ever it is) needs to be approved by the HOA because “it” is within the governing guidelines. Then they say that it does not meet the standards of the guidelines???

 

redacted

 

It was sitting on the side of the house, falling over, crooked, and would do nothing to stop a large can from falling over.

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Couldn't the same thing happen to any neglected, improperly installed approved screen?

 

Yes! If you improperly install and neglect an approved screen, you will hear from the HOA....just like if you neglect your lawn, fence, house trim, paint, etc.

 

Why doesn't the committee look into changing the guidelines to accept these then? If it's a purely aesthetic reason and the people in the committee think they're ugly then fine.

It seems like these will hold up better than any wooden structure and would require less maintenance.

 

You may want to elevate us to gods, but I think we're only closer to saints.
Yes, we are guilty of trying to work WITH the residents to give them the ability to keep the garbage can outside of the garage. Shame on us.
Gee, if all the members of the Modification Committee are in agreement, has it occurred to you that, as impossible as it may seem, that you are the one who is wrong here?
I don't keep a dead horse in my garage, but I do keep my can there....with the two cars, bikes, etc.
You may not be the first or last with your opinion of the HOA, but I'm comfortable in stating you are part of the vast minority with that opinion.

Oh, and one last thing....at our Board meeting last Tuesday, a resident was there asking about what he could do to screen his can. He gave, as an example, of the ugly things out there and referred specifically to the type YOU used. He wanted to know why we approve something that looked that bad. We assured him we didn't. I guess some of your neighbors aren't happy with your choice, either.

 

Plus, these are pre-made. Wouldn't you think this would make it easier for those garbage violators to comply? You know... if they're too lazy to build a screen themselves or just dont know how to?

 

a resident was there asking about what he could do to screen his can. He gave, as an example, of the ugly things out there and referred specifically to the type YOU used. He wanted to know why we approve something that looked that bad. We assured him we didn't.

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If the current committee think it's ugly and that's the only reason it will not be approved then just say so. That's all I would ask for. Just be honest instead of beating around the bush about not conforming to the set guidelines, but then at the same time have a case by case approval. i.e. vinyl instead of wood.

 

That enclosure is more attractive than many of the sheds I see approved throughout the neighborhood. That's what I mean by nit-picky.

Cliff, you seem like a good guy but saint, really???

 

The Modification Subcommittee (which I sit on also) does not have the authority to allow trash cans to stay outside. Niether does the Board of Directors. When the community was incorporated it was written into the documents which take the majority of the enitre community to vote for a change.

I totally agree and to be honest I like the white plastic look versus some of the wooden ones I've seen - however if yours is the one I beleive it is - yours does not look like the picture you attached and was in fact leaning to the point it looked like it was about to fall over. Make it look like that picture and I'd approve it in a heartbeat.

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As a side you are welcome to appeal to the Board of Directors. And if you think the committee is unreasonable I would suggest you volunteer and come help shape the committees views.