HOA garage door rules gone too far???

We are in the process of replacing our old tilt-up garage door with a new sectional one and the HOA is demanding we install 4 vents into the door. They haven't provided any documentation as to why this is needed, on the contrary, a building official from the city stated the doors should be replaced with an "alike" door, meaning the new one should have as many vents as the old one. There is no city code and no permit is required.
Can the association demand we do this?

This is what the association emailed me.

"The board has advised that the (4) vents are a mandatory requirement. The reason for the (4) vents is because the vent that goes from the furnaces and the water heater could get plugged or broken. It is a way to make sure that the garage does not explode if there is a build up of gas. If you are willing to modify your original request to add the requested number of vents then your request will be approved and we can have your approval letter mailed out to you."

1) I do not have a furnaces in the garage only a water heater.

2) According the city offical I talked to he wrote this in an email " Most of the garage doors have four vents but some only have two. The size and number of required openings was determined when the building was built and is based on the room size and BTU rating of the equipment and appliances. If garage doors are changed out, ventilation openings must be provided of the same size and location as the original openings." - I am keeping 2 vents just like my old door.

2a) I went around to check how many doors have 4 vents. Most of the doors around my unit do not have 4 vents. The association can not give me a count of how many doors have 4 vents.

3) I asked for proof from the association, via email and letter, of when this change took place. Non has yet been given.

I would like to install my door and have them take me to court if it comes to that but if the law is on their side then whats the point of fighting this.

State laws vary as to the "power" of and procedures for the ARC process.

You seem correct in asking for the written design guidelines and the "paper trail of creation" but in your state there may not be any requirement for them.

I'm not going to elaborate on or post Fla. law as it is of no help to you.

If the BOD can create and specify "standards" ad hoc then you are ultimately going to lose this battle.

4 vents might be the "norm" this year or with this BOD and two vents the following year/BOD.

Continue to educate yourself on the issues but don't fight a loosing battle.

thanks for all the posts..

I will not fight this..I will order the door with 4 vents..
Its not a huge money issue - just another $80 for the extra 2 vents..
This is not a flood zone...

Im just mad that this association will not comply with my requests.
The person in charge is just .....hmmmmm......
No paper trail.

oh well...

thanks again.

Actually we do, you just have to pay for it.