House Color Issue

JerryD5 (Colorado)
Posts: 218

Posted:

Does anyone else have written rules on specific house colors?

Our 63 homes have a pastel color pallet determined by the builder. Our rules say that any homeowner can re-paint their house the original color without approval. However, if a homeowner wants to change the color, they must submit the color samples to our 3-person design review committee. In 7 years, we have only had 1 person paint their house (application was submitted correctly and it was approved by the committee). Now we have a 2nd homeowner that submitted their application, it was approved, and the house was repainted. It is a very bright mint greeen (with John Deere green accents and white trim; nothing near the original color). Looking at their initial application, the color pallet submitted did not match what the house turned out to be. However, in the actual form, the homeowner listed specific colors. The colors did not quite match either but at least closer to what it turned out to be. On top of all this, we find the PM did not forward everything to the committee so they could make an informed decision (the homeowner had a couple paint samples that sort of agree with their application). In my opinion, I think the committee did not do their due diligence to match colors. I think they just looked at one color and approved the application without actually verifying what was written.

Of course, this has caused some turmoil in the association. Many want to know how such an ugly color could be approved. While I don't like the color, I don't see what we could do to force to homeowner to re-paint it (or at least tone the color down a bit). Some of my fellow board members would like the MC to take some responsibility for not forwarding the homeowner's entire application for the committee's review. Other board members want to replace the committee for doing a poor job (not verifying the written application).

I talked with a real estate agent and she is adament that the homeowner would never be able to sell the house because of the color (it truly is hideous). We shall see if anyone in their section of the neighborhood complains.

For the future, I am going to recommend homeowners to actually mail in paint samples and for the committee members to verify each application that everything is submitted. I think we will also suspend any new home paintings until we all agree what our course of action will be. Of course now, we have to live with this house color for the time being.

I would be interested if any other board members (or committee members) have encountered.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Jerry

Forget what any real estate agent says, they are not part of the equation. I can probably find one that says the opposite.

You said:

Looking at their initial application, the color pallet submitted did not match what the house turned out to be.

That is the bottom line. Assuming you want to challenge them. You could request they re-paint the house. You could get them to tone down the trim color. You could grant them an exemption with the caveat that they must repaint to an approved color prior to selling. You could leave them alone.

Correcting/improving your system is one issue. How to deal with them is another issue. Separate the issues and deal with each one separately.

JerryD5 (Colorado)
Posts: 218

Posted:

Thanks John for the advice.

JanetB2 (Colorado)
Posts: 4,219

Posted:

If the homeowner received ACC approval regarding the color then they met their obligation with regards to the HOA. As you have stated potentially the ACC did not maybe do a good job in making sure the color was appropriate; however, the homeowner cannot be held accountable themselves for the lack of action the HOA did not take with regards to their approval of the color.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Often paint colors will look different in different light. Additionally, not all color matching is exact. That is to say, taking a color sample from one manufacture to be matched at a paint store that has a different manufacturer, the paint could be off from the intended color.

Since the committee approved a specific color, if the paint that was placed on the property matches (both manufacturer and color name) of what was approved, I agree with Janet. The fault lies with the Committee. If forced to repaint, the member could possibly collect damages from the Association.

However, if the paint used is different from what was submitted, then the fault lies with the owner who didn't paint what the Association authorized.

Someone will likely need to knock on the door and ask to see the paint can of left over paint in order to make this determination.

JerryD5 (Colorado)
Posts: 218

Posted:

All good responses. Thank you all for them.

Our initial investigation shows the homeowner wrote out (in their online ARC application) and submitted paint samples (via email included color samples that do not closely match the actual color of the house; they included a softer green vs the bright mint green color). Our PM only sent forward the application and 1 paint sample (ironically the house color initially painted by the builder). Our committee did not do their diligence to read the application entirely (and question the missing colors). They just assumed the color was the same and rubber-stamped the application. Fast forward a few months and we now have a bright mint green house. One thing we have figured out is that color samples emailed truly do not represent what a house will actually look like when painted.

We will continue to investigate and determine what our course of action will be. It might be that we are stuck with the home color.

We will also come up with new rules and procedures for those homeowners that want to change house colors in the future.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Color samples via e-mail or on the net are never accurate. There is simply too many variations in a persons computer monitor or printer to have samples sent match samples received match actual paint color.

One policy that should be put in place, based on this experience, is that actual paint samples must be from manufacturer paint strips or physical example of paint on similar material being painted.

JerryD5 (Colorado)
Posts: 218

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By TimB4 on 12/14/2014 3:36 PM
Color samples via e-mail or on the net are never accurate. There is simply too many variations in a persons computer monitor or printer to have samples sent match samples received match actual paint color.

One policy that should be put in place, based on this experience, is that actual paint samples must be from manufacturer paint strips or physical example of paint on similar material being painted.

Yes, we discovered that. Part of our discussion so far is that to get the true color pixels the samples (if emailed) would need to be viewed in high def (such as on a tv monitor). So we will ask for the actual colors mailed in. The pushback, so far, is from our MC on how she would get them to the committee. As it turns out, all 3 committees live in the same group of houses. The PM is just used to doing a lot of work via email. She is required to do property walk throughs every other week so she could drop any applications (with colors) at one of the committee member's home. They can meet to discuss the application. By my count, we have only had 3 new paint requests. 2 of them worked perfectly and the colors matched what was submitted. It is this 3rd application that was messed up.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

The hidef Tv won't make any difference. More resolution simply does not equate to truer color. There are still customer controls that allow color adjustment.

Stick with the hard copy.

BillH10 (Texas)
Posts: 1,217

Posted:

I agree with Tim and others: stick with the hard copy. The associations we manage (mostly) ask for the name of the manufacturer and the color name or number, as PM I go to Home Depot, Lowe's, Sherwin Williams, or wherever and obtain a swatch for the committee to review. We then compare that color to existing examples in the association.

If it is a custom blend to match the existing color (not many homeowners have the specs from the builder regarding the manufacturer/color name/number) we ask the homeowner to provide the closest "standard" color the paint vendor has to the color they wish to use and use that as the guide.

I might suggest any of you dealing with this build a database, or spreadsheet, which tracks the color information by homeowner address, or have your management company build one or use a feature in their management software to do so

I this way, the PM can compare a new request to previously approved requests, and tell the Architectural Committee this color, or those shingles, were approved for NNNN Street, etc. It ensures consistency and saves the association from being billed our mileage and time for the Home Depot/Lowes/Sherwin Williams trips.

JamesO6 (Florida)
Posts: 170

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JerryD5 on 12/12/2014 5:04 PM
Does anyone else have written rules on specific house colors?

Our 63 homes have a pastel color pallet determined by the builder. Our rules say that any homeowner can re-paint their house the original color without approval. However, if a homeowner wants to change the color, they must submit the color samples to our 3-person design review committee. In 7 years, we have only had 1 person paint their house (application was submitted correctly and it was approved by the committee). Now we have a 2nd homeowner that submitted their application, it was approved, and the house was repainted. It is a very bright mint greeen (with John Deere green accents and white trim; nothing near the original color). Looking at their initial application, the color pallet submitted did not match what the house turned out to be. However, in the actual form, the homeowner listed specific colors. The colors did not quite match either but at least closer to what it turned out to be. On top of all this, we find the PM did not forward everything to the committee so they could make an informed decision (the homeowner had a couple paint samples that sort of agree with their application). In my opinion, I think the committee did not do their due diligence to match colors. I think they just looked at one color and approved the application without actually verifying what was written.

Of course, this has caused some turmoil in the association. Many want to know how such an ugly color could be approved. While I don't like the color, I don't see what we could do to force to homeowner to re-paint it (or at least tone the color down a bit). Some of my fellow board members would like the MC to take some responsibility for not forwarding the homeowner's entire application for the committee's review. Other board members want to replace the committee for doing a poor job (not verifying the written application).

I talked with a real estate agent and she is adament that the homeowner would never be able to sell the house because of the color (it truly is hideous). We shall see if anyone in their section of the neighborhood complains.

For the future, I am going to recommend homeowners to actually mail in paint samples and for the committee members to verify each application that everything is submitted. I think we will also suspend any new home paintings until we all agree what our course of action will be. Of course now, we have to live with this house color for the time being.

I would be interested if any other board members (or committee members) have encountered.

Did they even considered that the sun and weather effects in discoloration of the original color and the owner had in fact painted it the original approved color? Painting does bleach out and fade over time. they might be confused why it doesn't look at dimly now, since they forgot the original color was at first????

JerryD5 (Colorado)
Posts: 218

Posted:

Bill, good plan. Our initial builder painted all of our homes a soft pastelle color pallet (I am sure we can start a database fairly easily). Since the homes are around 7 years old or less there hasn't been a need to re-paint. Until this spring when we all got hit by a severe hail storm. I would say 20% of our homes needed new roofs and a few homes needed to be re-painted. My next door neighbor was one of those. She changed her house color from a reddish color to a Cape Cod gray. I think it turned out spectacular and she has received a lot of compliments. The bright mint green house on the other hand is a different story. I am not sure why they chose that particular color (they are brand new to the neighborhood; unfortunately moved in right before the hailstorm apparently). We are waiting to get all of our facts in before we ask the homeowner's side to ask them why they chose this color.

JamesO6 (Florida)
Posts: 170

Posted:

I can replace my vinyl siding right now and get into trouble with that HOA then due to replacing it it'll be darker deeper color then everyone's else's due to theirs are all now weathered down and faded out., I can see them having a fit now there all out of bounds in colorization and now have to replace and repaint their house to conform to HOA standards.

JamesO6 (Florida)
Posts: 170

Posted:

Simple fix to this is everyone in the HOA pony's up and pays for everyone's house paintings by a licensed contractor since their a HOA community with house color restrictions. HOA with odd restrictions should cover them then.

Ever ordered anything through the government before or health care, like prescriptions? You at times gets something like it but not the same thing but close, so settle down and be thankful they took their time and painted their house, if they didn't care about their community they'd waited and dragged their feet and then painted the way they did then.

JamesO6 (Florida)
Posts: 170

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By BillH10 on 12/14/2014 6:13 PM
I agree with Tim and others: stick with the hard copy. The associations we manage (mostly) ask for the name of the manufacturer and the color name or number, as PM I go to Home Depot, Lowe's, Sherwin Williams, or wherever and obtain a swatch for the committee to review. We then compare that color to existing examples in the association.

If it is a custom blend to match the existing color (not many homeowners have the specs from the builder regarding the manufacturer/color name/number) we ask the homeowner to provide the closest "standard" color the paint vendor has to the color they wish to use and use that as the guide.

I might suggest any of you dealing with this build a database, or spreadsheet, which tracks the color information by homeowner address, or have your management company build one or use a feature in their management software to do so

I this way, the PM can compare a new request to previously approved requests, and tell the Architectural Committee this color, or those shingles, were approved for NNNN Street, etc. It ensures consistency and saves the association from being billed our mileage and time for the Home Depot/Lowes/Sherwin Williams trips.

I 100% disagree with specific brands and styles and colors being mandatory used, for the simplest things called no longer manufactured, company no longer in business, discontinued items. that's called micro managing and is very bad form of management to use.

JerryD5 (Colorado)
Posts: 218

Posted:

James, thanks for your input. The colors our houses are now are pretty basic pastelle colors and while a certain manufacturer's color might be discontinued, I think any hardware store/paint store can match it. What our board wants to do is avoid crazy house colors (I know that is subjective obviously; one crazy house color might not be make sense to me but looks fine for someone else). In retrospect, we would have hoped the ARC (if they had all the right information) would have questioned the homeowner's color choice.

AnnH5 (Florida)
Posts: 304

Posted:

Our community has approved paints and a color palette. Unfortunately, we ended up with another builder and our HOA Board approved an entirely different palette instead of demanding that the builder use the same established palette for that particular area of homes. On top of that, the ACC then decided that all homes can be painted from the new palette. This has led to a definite hodge-podge of color.

I only mention all of this because perhaps it will help another HOA avoid such a mess. It is very important to stick with an approved list of color choices. It is also important to establish rules about how many times a color can be used (or else have rows of homes that are painted the same color).

Another bad move our ACC made was to allow every other home to be painted the same color instead of every third home (which is how the developer handled it). So in some areas it is now darker brown home (new palette), yellow home (old palette), darker brown home (new palette), light blue home (old color palette), etc. It is visually not cohesive.

To top it off, our Board president decided to paint a central amenity building a hideous shade of a primary color. That color isn't even on an established palette and it sticks out even more.

One way your HOA can try to fix the problem (which is truly the fault of the HOA since they "approved" this) is to offer the owners a free professional paint job at the expense of the HOA and in a color that is on the approved palette. In the future, your HOA needs to provide an approved palette from which to choose and then stick to it.

JerryD5 (Colorado)
Posts: 218

Posted:

Ann, that is a common sense approach. Part of me wants to stick to our original color pallet. However, we have new homes being built in our master community (not in our specific HOA; it is totally built out). Tthose builders, different from our original builder, are coming up with "fresher" colors that now our homeowners would like to emulate.

I will take everyone's input and present them at our next meeting and we will come up with a game plan. I also want to meet with our ARC and ensure everyone is on the same page.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Jerry,

Go and talk to the Builders. They will likely have a specific choice of exterior colors and give you the manufacture, name and model/paint number. This way, the ACC will have a specific list that can be approved.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

I had a poor homeowner who had to repaint 3 times!!! He kept finding the wrong color hue. One of the colors was approved but it was a "purple". Another owner or 2 had the same color. However, when freshly painted it came out a Brighter color. Which was quite eye catching. So had to disapprove not because it was wrong but was not going to fade in a timely matter.

Here is the deal... Paint manufacturers change their paint mixture ratios every 7 years or so. Depends on the manufacturer. This year it maybe called "Hunter's Forrest" but 7 years from now it will be "Forrest Green". However, how would anyone know this? Paint samples have faded by then.

What you need to do is not focus on the color's name but the paint mixture ratio or code. You will find them on the label. If you use this as a guide and NOT color name, the paint store can always mix the paint exactly despite name or sample. A lesson I learned a long time ago. Plus it's also best to recommend a brand like Sherwin Williams or Behr. We recommended Behr paints since it was much easier for them to have the right paint codes in the records. Plus you can go to Home Depot or Sherwin Williams with an approved paint list for your HOA. That way if the owner walks in the store they can have the list on file. If they will do it.

It's a good idea to go around every few years with the approved color swatches and verify if that is adequate. You may have to go and adapt to another color scheme or hue. Make sure they are up to date and you have the paint codes.

We eventually allowed Vinyl siding approval on our homes. That was due to having Masonite siding. Even vinyl siding has a color palette. So it is also good to provide samples of those too before someone goes for it. We had ours posted at the front entrance so people could look at the paint/vinyl samples. Otherwise they had to contact a ACC or Board member for approval. A time consuming process that could be put in the owner's hands if made available.

Former HOA President

MikeS1
Posts: 521

Posted:

I have to agree with Tim - You really need to stick to a specific color palette with a specific manufacturer. If the owner wants to venture out and use another manufacturer, the onus is on him to get it right. While more of the professionals from the pro paint stores can match the other manufacturer's paint, it puts the burden on the owner if the owner chooses to paint match using another manufacturer. If it does not turn out very well, it's the owner's problem. Usually paint matching turns out ok as long as the owners stay out of the Big Box stores. IN that respect, we've seen some very poor matches. The other problem comes into play when the owner removes a piece of trim or sample from the 8-10 year old year old home and takes that faded, oxidized piece down to the paint store to get it matched. One of our homeowners had a bad experience with her contractor when the contractor took the old very faded shutters down to the paint store to get it matched... Once they repainted the shutters and entry door, it looks pretty much like it did before they painted... Faded and oxidized.

NpS (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 4,216

Posted:

We use Sherwin Williams. Last year, when we updated our 10-year old color specs, we had S-W prepare what they call a Custodian (Project Color and Product Information) Book. We stayed with the same color scheme, but changed the products and finishes. For each item (including primers, cleaners, deck stains, and different finishes of the same color), we now have the standard spec sheet (describes surface prep, clean-up, characteristic, and cautions if appropriate) and for paints and stains a separate card with a 3" x 7" sample and a printout of the formulary and a barcode.

We got it through a S-W rep who is specifically assigned to work with larger residential projects (they don't work out of the stores and they don't work on single houses). No cost. Great book.

Other paint manufacturers may have similar services.

Sikubali jukumu. Read all posts at your own risk.

AnnH5 (Florida)
Posts: 304

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JerryD5 on 12/14/2014 7:34 PM
Ann, that is a common sense approach. Part of me wants to stick to our original color pallet. However, we have new homes being built in our master community (not in our specific HOA; it is totally built out). Tthose builders, different from our original builder, are coming up with "fresher" colors that now our homeowners would like to emulate.

I will take everyone's input and present them at our next meeting and we will come up with a game plan. I also want to meet with our ARC and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Jerry,
I understand because in some instances, those newer colors may be on par with the latest trends. If you could find a way to select a few of those newer colors that don't clash with the existing colors then you might be able to give the owners a way to "refresh" their décor without clashing. What you would need is someone with a background in design and a high regard for aesthetics to select the paints that can be incorporated in the more established area of your community.

In my community, I wouldn't even mind if some of the older colors were "retired" because they are truly dated and replaced with more modern colors that won't clash should owners choose them.

JamesO6 (Florida)
Posts: 170

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By AnnH5 on 12/15/2014 6:26 PM

Posted By JerryD5 on 12/14/2014 7:34 PM
Ann, that is a common sense approach. Part of me wants to stick to our original color pallet. However, we have new homes being built in our master community (not in our specific HOA; it is totally built out). Tthose builders, different from our original builder, are coming up with "fresher" colors that now our homeowners would like to emulate.

I will take everyone's input and present them at our next meeting and we will come up with a game plan. I also want to meet with our ARC and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Jerry,
I understand because in some instances, those newer colors may be on par with the latest trends. If you could find a way to select a few of those newer colors that don't clash with the existing colors then you might be able to give the owners a way to "refresh" their décor without clashing. What you would need is someone with a background in design and a high regard for aesthetics to select the paints that can be incorporated in the more established area of your community.

In my community, I wouldn't even mind if some of the older colors were "retired" because they are truly dated and replaced with more modern colors that won't clash should owners choose them.

What's the point then having a color scheme nobody likes anymore and likes the faded color plats and now wants everyone to go with the faded out looks because if you follow they HOA by-laws and CC&R's their still in the wrong because their houses are now brighter then everyone's else's and are forced under false pretense their in the wrong and have to repaint their houses a more drab shades lighter to match the community that's are in the wrong color scheme they signed a contract in being..???

Thank God imam not in a HOA, yaws just make stuff up as yaws go along.

JohnB26 (South Carolina)
Posts: 1,001

Posted:

O ~ M ~ G

A bright, sparkling, freshly painted home shining in the sunlight!

The HORROR ~ The HORROR

.

.

.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

JerryD5 (Colorado)
Posts: 218

Posted:

John,

I know the horror right? Actually I think the color has grown on me since posting this originally. I wouldn't have chosen it. I think the board will still figure out if there was a breakdown between the submission of the homeowner and the committee approving (and if the MC included all the appropriate items/attachments). The board should still come up what we should in the future: update our color pallet, do nothing, accept just about any color.

I do appreciate everyone's inputs. In the grand scheme of things, there are worse things an HOA is faced with on a daily basis. Especially after reading some of the issues posted on here.

JohnB26 (South Carolina)
Posts: 1,001

Posted:

on a more serious note:

since there is a 'ker-fuffle' surrounding the issue the 'rules' must be vague

therefor

unenforceable

either:

put an actual color chart to a member vote as part of the actual covenants

or

'fuh-ged-bout-it

.

.

.

the advantage to an actual printed color chart hung on the office wall / in the clubhouse is that a submitted color sample can be held up against it for approval - then (if there is an issue) the same sample can be held up against the finished home - lighting then becomes a non-issue as you have compared apples to apples

yes, you have - it works for 25+ years in my HOA

JerryD5 (Colorado)
Posts: 218

Posted:

Wise advice John. Thanks again for your input. So far, only 1 or 2 people have complained (one is the partner of a board member; the partner is a real estate agent).

A displayed color chart/pallet seems reasonable. I plan to have our committee think about all this and present a reasonable plan to us by our next meeting.

MarkM31 (Washington)
Posts: 556

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MelissaP1 on 12/15/2014 3:22 AM
I had a poor homeowner who had to repaint 3 times!!! He kept finding the wrong color hue. One of the colors was approved but it was a "purple". Another owner or 2 had the same color. However, when freshly painted it came out a Brighter color. Which was quite eye catching. So had to disapprove not because it was wrong but was not going to fade in a timely matter.

The HOA made a owner repaint multiple times because the the approved color met with some dissatisfaction after the fact? That HO was too easy, he should have said to pound sand, and pointed out it was a approved color.

NpS (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 4,216

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MarkM31 on 12/23/2014 10:07 AM

Posted By MelissaP1 on 12/15/2014 3:22 AM
I had a poor homeowner who had to repaint 3 times!!! He kept finding the wrong color hue. One of the colors was approved but it was a "purple". Another owner or 2 had the same color. However, when freshly painted it came out a Brighter color. Which was quite eye catching. So had to disapprove not because it was wrong but was not going to fade in a timely matter.

The HOA made a owner repaint multiple times because the the approved color met with some dissatisfaction after the fact? That HO was too easy, he should have said to pound sand, and pointed out it was a approved color.

Pounded Sand is not an authorized color. You can choose from Sand Witch or Kitty Litter Sand. Both come pre-faded.

Sikubali jukumu. Read all posts at your own risk.

JohnB26 (South Carolina)
Posts: 1,001

Posted:

see: http://www.aliexpress.com/item-img/Free-Option-100g-10-pcs-lot-Enlighten-Educational-Novelty-Indoor-Creative-Pearl-Clay-Magic-Sand-Kinetic/32232923231.html

JerryD5 (Colorado)
Posts: 218

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By NpS on 12/23/2014 10:34 AM

Posted By MarkM31 on 12/23/2014 10:07 AM

Posted By MelissaP1 on 12/15/2014 3:22 AM
I had a poor homeowner who had to repaint 3 times!!! He kept finding the wrong color hue. One of the colors was approved but it was a "purple". Another owner or 2 had the same color. However, when freshly painted it came out a Brighter color. Which was quite eye catching. So had to disapprove not because it was wrong but was not going to fade in a timely matter.

The HOA made a owner repaint multiple times because the the approved color met with some dissatisfaction after the fact? That HO was too easy, he should have said to pound sand, and pointed out it was a approved color.

Pounded Sand is not an authorized color. You can choose from Sand Witch or Kitty Litter Sand. Both come pre-faded.

Hilarious. Thanks for the laugh.

AnnH5 (Florida)
Posts: 304

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JamesO6 on 12/19/2014 11:16 PM

Posted By AnnH5 on 12/15/2014 6:26 PM

Posted By JerryD5 on 12/14/2014 7:34 PM
Ann, that is a common sense approach. Part of me wants to stick to our original color pallet. However, we have new homes being built in our master community (not in our specific HOA; it is totally built out). Tthose builders, different from our original builder, are coming up with "fresher" colors that now our homeowners would like to emulate.

I will take everyone's input and present them at our next meeting and we will come up with a game plan. I also want to meet with our ARC and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Jerry,
I understand because in some instances, those newer colors may be on par with the latest trends. If you could find a way to select a few of those newer colors that don't clash with the existing colors then you might be able to give the owners a way to "refresh" their décor without clashing. What you would need is someone with a background in design and a high regard for aesthetics to select the paints that can be incorporated in the more established area of your community.

In my community, I wouldn't even mind if some of the older colors were "retired" because they are truly dated and replaced with more modern colors that won't clash should owners choose them.

What's the point then having a color scheme nobody likes anymore and likes the faded color plats and now wants everyone to go with the faded out looks because if you follow they HOA by-laws and CC&R's their still in the wrong because their houses are now brighter then everyone's else's and are forced under false pretense their in the wrong and have to repaint their houses a more drab shades lighter to match the community that's are in the wrong color scheme they signed a contract in being..???

Thank God imam not in a HOA, yaws just make stuff up as yaws go along.

I wouldn't make the assumption that NOBODY likes this community's color scheme. The owners must have liked something about it at some point in time. I think the issue is that somebody painted their home in a color that didn't exactly mesh and perhaps the proposed color didn't end up looking anything like it was supposed to. I can only offer my HOA up as a cautionary tale. Don't add colors that clash or are the polar opposite of the original colors. Don't alter the developers vision (ie painting multiple houses in close proximity and on smaller lots THE SAME COLOR looks unfortunate. Trust me on that). If you add a new color that doesn't clash, consider retiring a dated color or color that is no longer in production. Don't approve colors that are not even on the official "list" (doing so makes it harder to tell another owner they can't paint their home Orange Soda when owner X painted their home Ronald McDonald Red).