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HOAs in the news

2006

* In November, a judge in Golden upheld a condominium HOA’s decision to ban smoking. The case was brought by one couple in the four-unit complex, who objected to their smoking being deemed a ‘nuisance.’

* In a first-of-its kind ruling, a New Jersey appeals court ruled that an HOA could not limit the placement of political signs, the use of community rooms for meetings and the publication of dissenting views in its newspaper. People do not give up constitutional rights when they move into HOA communities, the court said.

* A Hamilton County, Tenn., HOA filed a $30,000 lawsuit against a resident who put a sign in his front lawn criticizing President Bush.

2005

* A Fort Collins couple removed a backyard patio that they had built during a battle with the Manor Ridge Estates HOA over the permissibility of backyard basketball courts.

* A Detroit-area family was told to remove a nativity scene from their front yard because it violates HOA rules.

* In three separate instances, a Houston-area HOA told homeowners to remove fountains their front yards because they violated deed restrictions.

* A Murfreesboro, Tenn., man was asked by his HOA to take down decorations displayed at his home for the Fourth of July.

* A couple in North Carolina settled a dispute with their HOA and was allowed to decorate their home for July Fourth as long as they did not put flags up too early or leave them up too long.

2004

* A Texas woman circulated a petition in hopes of overturning her HOA’s ban on flags.

* A judge ruled that a Florida HOA could prohibit a resident from erecting two plastic birds intended to keep his mailbox free of bird droppings.

2003

* A Thousand Oaks, Calif., HOA removed Hanukkah banners after receiving “feedback from the community and the city … regarding use of religious banners.”

* Owners of a Sunrise, Fla., home that once boasted more than a million Christmas lights took down the display following complaints from their HOA.

Sources: Denver Post, New York Times, Chattanooga Times Free Press, UPI, Fort Collins Coloradoan, Houston Chronicle, AP, Raleigh News & Observer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, Ventura County Star and Miami Herald.