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Seasonal decorations

Started by AdamD1 • 11 replies • 791 views

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AdamD1 (Indiana)
Posts: 179
Posted:
Is it common for HOAs to place seasonal decorations on common areas? These would be non-religious items such as pumpkins, corn stalks, straw bales, etc. this time of year, and maybe a warm winter wreath or two around entrance signs into the community.

Just curious if others do this or if it's generally frowned upon to spend HOA funds on this. Thanks!
MarkM19 (Texas)
Posts: 1,459
Posted:
Adam,
We did it since our community was formed 20 years ago. Never was questioned even though several boards questioned the risk. In our case we did Christmas light or Seasonal lights on two of our building and 4 foot ornaments hanging from our light poles at the front of our development (24) total. Our budget was $1500.00 of a 1 million annual budget.
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061
Posted:
We have Santa visit the development every year.
No complaints.
The first time there is one, the board would have to decide what to do.

As I was told by a previous board member, there is no need to consult legal until there is actually an issue. Since laws and court opinions change, save the money and get the best advice possible when it is needed vs. relying on advice that might change when an issue actually materializes.
MarkM19 (Texas)
Posts: 1,459
Posted:
Adam and Tim,
How could I forget we also had Santa come every year and also did Horse drawn carriages ride people around the community. Santa was a homeowner and we would donate 3oo to his charity. Carriages were around $2000.00 in California. No problems with that event as well.
GeorgeS21 (Florida)
Posts: 3,808
Posted:
Adam,

In my last three neighborhoods there have seasonal decorations.

To my knowledge, no one ever complained.
AdamD1 (Indiana)
Posts: 179
Posted:
Appreciate all of the info!
KellyM3 (North Carolina)
Posts: 2,239
Posted:
Hi Adam!

There are no religious or speech freedom issues associated w/ an HOA deciding on decorations. Would a single complaint change your policy? It doesn't have to if the overwhelming majority of your residents value the decor.
JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265
Posted:
The only Holiday our HOA decorates for is the 4th of July. Owners do decorate their homes for Xmas and while we could control what they do, we keep a blind eye to it as we know it will go away.
KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
Clarification, please. By "HOA," Adam, you do mean the Board, right? Or a committee it appoints? You do not mean individual owners?

Our Social Committee coordinates a tree trimming event for both of our high rise lobbies & serves pastries & mimosas. Our bldg. engineer winds lights around a few palm trees.

We have a credenza in each lobby that has a menorah on it and some related small decorations.

I think both of the trees and many ornaments were donated by residents.
KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550
Posted:
Clarification, please. By "HOA," Adam, you do mean the Board, right? Or a committee it appoints? You do not mean individual owners?

Our Social Committee coordinates a tree trimming event for both of our high rise lobbies & serves pastries & mimosas. Our bldg. engineer winds lights around a few palm trees.

We have a credenza in each lobby that has a menorah on it and some related small decorations.

I think both of the trees and many ornaments were donated by residents.
AdamD1 (Indiana)
Posts: 179
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By KerryL1 on 09/26/2018 8:22 AM
Clarification, please. By "HOA," Adam, you do mean the Board, right? Or a committee it appoints? You do not mean individual owners?

Our Social Committee coordinates a tree trimming event for both of our high rise lobbies & serves pastries & mimosas. Our bldg. engineer winds lights around a few palm trees.

We have a credenza in each lobby that has a menorah on it and some related small decorations.

I think both of the trees and many ornaments were donated by residents.

Yes, the HOA comprises of the Board and/or appointed Committee in my usage of the term, and not individual homeowners.
FredS7 (Arizona)
Posts: 927
Posted:
Provided it doesn't cost much, I am neutral on decorations for that "winter holiday." If there were a complaint I would vote to drop the whole thing rather than attempt to make things totally denomination-neutral.

I would draw the line at Halloween (although where I live dia de los muertos would be more appropriate...)

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