News

Oct 30, 2023

11 West Valley HOA rules that may turn heads

The broken down car. The unsightly recreational vehicle. Oh, and the king cobra

The broken down car. The unsightly recreational vehicle. Oh, and the king cobra that could escape and terrorize the neighborhood.

All these are reasons proponents of homeowners associations say extra governance of neighborhoods isn't a bad thing.

But opponents contend some HOAs have become too overbearing in their regulation of private property.

The West Valley has more than 425 HOAs. Many have similar rules but some some rules are wildly detailed.

Some might say the devil is in the details.

Here are a few West Valley HOA rules that could raise eyebrows.

Know of other strange HOA rules? E-mail Philip Haldiman at [email protected].

Pebble Creek, GoodyearPets and animalsWhen not at home all pets must be kept on a leash of no more than 6 feet, and they're not allowed on a neighbors' property unless the pet is being carried or the neighbor permits.Feeding pigeons or any other wild animal is prohibited -- unless you want to feed hummingbirds.Pebble Creek, GoodyearFlying flagsThe United States flag may be flown on a standard flagpole that is mounted to the house as long as it complies with the Federal Flag Code. If homeowners wish to erect a vertical flagpole they must get a permit from the Pebble Creek Architectural Committee.No other flags, pennants, windsocks, decorative flags or seasonal banners are permitted.Residents may fly these flags below the U.S. flag:-- Official state flags-- U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard flags-- POW/MIA flag-- Gadsden flag-- Arizona Indian Nation flagSurprise Farms, SurpriseBasketball hoopsAll basketball poles must be painted black or match the home's exterior and must be a predominantly neutral color (gray, black, white or clear).When not in play, portable basketball goals are prohibited in the front of a lot. They must be removed and stored so as not to be visible from the streets or neighboring properties.Metal or chain nets are "expressively prohibited." Only nylon or similar cord nets are acceptable.What constitutes "immediate removal:"-- Broken backboards-- Bent rims-- Torn nets-- Peeling paintSurprise Farms, SurpriseScreen doorsAll screen or security doors must be submitted for approval and should be painted to match the exterior color of the home. No silver-colored aluminum screen doors allowed.Desert Harbor, PeoriaFishingThe Desert Harbor housing development in Peoria features a 46-acre lake, stocked with fish which members and their guests may use for sport.Taking fish from the lake is prohibited and results in a $100 fine and/or a 60-day suspension of lake privileges.Other fishing rules:-- Fishers should not remove the hook if the fish has swallowed it because the fish will eventually absorb it.--Fishers are prohibited from using spears, firearms, air rifles, electrical devices, nets, traps and bows and arrows to catch fish from the lake.-- Live bait is prohibited except for worms and salamanders.-- No more than two lines per person are allowed.Tartesso, BuckeyeGuard dogsTartesso's rules state that no animal may be used for security or to prevent theft during construction. Animals are not allowed to be kept on a lot before the close of escrow for purchase of the unit.Sundance Residential, BuckeyeMaintenance and repairIf an owner fails to perform any maintenance or repair listed in the HOA's rules, the HOA has the right to enter the property and make those repairs and/or maintenance, then charge the owner for the cost.Entry must be approved by a majority of the board, and the member must be given 30 days notice. It will not be considered trespassing.Some items residents must upkeep:-- Ducts-- Plumbing-- Wiring-- Refrigerators-- Heaters-- DoorsSundance Residential, BuckeyeSigns and flagsPolitical signs are prohibited, but religious and holiday signs, symbols and decorations and the United States flag are OK.Sundance Residential, BuckeyeHome businessesMost HOAs say homes can't visibly be used as businesses, and home businesses should not detract from the residential nature of the development.Sundance specifically prohibits:-- Bed and breakfasts-- Storage-- Vending-- Daycares-- Nurseries-- Adult homes or sheltersSundance Residential, BuckeyePlay equipmentSundance rules state that play equipment must be installed with board approval and must be a natural wood color or painted to match the owner's home.What must be stored when not in use:-- Bicycles-- Tricycles-- Skateboards-- Strollers and other similar play equipmentSundance Residential, BuckeyeLandscapingFront yards and rear yards with see-through fencing require eight plants, one of which must be a tree. If a plant dies, it must be replaced to maintain the minimum required amount of plants per design guidelines.This is one of the more commonly violated rules at Sundance, according to the HOA's website.