As the 2020 presidential election draws near, and the support for social justice reform movements is ever-increasing, many people want to express their beliefs and support by posting signs in their yard or around the exterior of their homes. However, an 86-year-old Florida man recently faced a struggle with his HOA for displaying the message “Black Lives Matter” on his condo glass door, and he might face fines as a result. What happens when someone in a California HOA wants to post such a sign?
Fortunately for home and condo owners in the Los Gatos area, California restricts the ability of an HOA to prevent homeowners from prohibiting noncommercial signs. This extends to banners, flags, posters, and other noncommercial expressions on your property. Permissible signs can be made from cardboard, paper, fabric, or plastic. It cannot be made from lights, balloons, landscaping or building materials, or flora. It also cannot involve directly painting an architectural surface. The signs can be up to nine square feet, and banners or flags can be 15 square feet.
As long as a homeowner’s sign meets the above criteria and does not interfere with public health or other safety regulations, HOAs should not try to prohibit the display of such a sign. This means that homeowners can display signs supporting political campaigns and social movements, or simply celebrating a family member’s graduation or birthday.
If an HOA tries to prevent sign displays or sanction a homeowner for signs, a dispute can result, and it is wise to seek help from a Los Gatos HOA attorney right away.
Contact an HOA Lawyer in Los Gatos Today
Pratt & Associates handles all types of HOA disputes and issues in Santa Clara County. Call 408.369.0800 or contact us online to discuss your situation and how we can help.