HOA rule interpretation

Hello,

This is my first post on the forum. I own a detached condo (no walls shared) that is like a single family home. Kindly help me understand the language of my HOA about car repairs:

"No major auto repair shall be permitted except within enclosed garages which are kept closed. The only repairs permitted on the balance of the property are occasional casual repairs and maintenance activities such as tune-ups or oil changes".

Does it mean I can wash my car in my own drive way? How about major repairs as long as I keep my garage doors closed and do it during day time on weekends?

I do not plan to construct a car or anything. However, I do plan to change oil, change tires, install body parts like spoilers etc. in the future.

Thank you.

By my read, restated:
- ok to rebuild a car, motorcycle, etc, in your garage, with the door(s) closed
- ok to change a starter, oil, etc in your driveway

The determinate is likely related to how long the repair takes ...

tune-ups any more are simply replacing the spark plugs (at least I think this is what the rule refers to)
I'm surprised they said changing oil, but it there.
Rotate tires, fix a flat - sure.
Add fluids - yep

Brake job - no

Yeah - we can start parsing this to develop a list, but my sense is they key is that the vehicle not remain outside the garage for more than a few hours - as in like it can't be in work overnight.

DanP10, is this listed in the HOA's covenants, or in its Rules and Regulations? The difference is that the covenants were written years ago by the developer. The Rules and Regulations typically are created by the Board and can be amended, with proper notice, by the Board.

If the above is a Rule created by the Board, then I want to see the covenant on which it is based.

Either way, in my opinion the Rule/covenant is too vague to be enforceable. Meaning, if push comes to shove (and I doubt it will in this situation), you can do whatever you want when it comes to car repairs. (But so as not to rock the boat, I recommend some discretion. Put cardboard down for all repairs to keep from staining the driveway. If the repair takes a few days and the vehicle must be somewhat dis-assembled for these few days, do it in the garage. Door open maybe during the day. Door shut at night.

Sheila,

Not sure even engine rebuilds would be counter to the rules as stated - as long as the garage door(s) are closed.

The problem in this topic is the guy who either never finishes the project in the garage, or grinds on car body repairs 🤪

Were I on the BOD with docs that read as the OP published, my main concerns would be the time it takes to do the project? How the place looks after the work is done? How often do those projects take place? Do the vehicles being worked on belong to people that live there?

Less than say 6 hours, once a month or so, no tools/rigs left out, and the vehicle belongs to someone that lives there, I would not have a problem with.