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Auto Covers - Florida Condominium

Started by SteveC25 • 8 replies • 201 views

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SteveC25 (Florida)
Posts: 9
Posted:
There has been some discussion at our Condo Association regarding whether we should allow auto covers at all.
Also, if we were to allow auto covers, can we specify that they have to be uniform in color?
We have parking stickers that correspond to the license plate, so they would both have to be visible through the cover.

Has anyone dealt with this issue, and if so what was the resolution.

Is this a rules and regulation issue? If so, can you provide an example of how it would be worded?
ElleN (Idaho)
Posts: 1,339
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By SteveC25 on 06/12/2025 6:49 PM
There has been some discussion at our Condo Association regarding whether we should allow auto covers at all.
Can you please quote the covenant that gives the board the authority to prohibit automobile covers?

If such a covenant does not exist, I have doubts that the board can lawfully prohibit them.

I also have doubts the board can lawfully regulate them, other than maybe saying they must be in good condition and not unsightly per se.
SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964
Posted:
What's wrong with auto covers? It's one thing if they aren't being secured and blow everywhere, creating trash and/or safety hazard, or cover the license plate, making it difficult to determine if there's a corresponding parking sticker.

If those aren't the primary issues, no point in wasting time worrying about the colors. A reminder to the community about the other stuff should suffice. Also look around to see if this is even a significant problem. If it's a few cars,, deal with those owners individually.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,062
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By ElleN on 06/12/2025 7:37 PM
Posted By SteveC25 on 06/12/2025 6:49 PM
There has been some discussion at our Condo Association regarding whether we should allow auto covers at all.


Can you please quote the covenant that gives the board the authority to prohibit automobile covers?

I don't know their policy, but one that would work would be:

Parking stickers must be visible at all times when parked on the lot.
Failure to have a visible sticker will result in your vehicle being towed at your expense.

Alternative: stickers must be displayed and visible from the rear/front of the vehicle when parked within the development.
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,062
Posted:
I did an internet search for car cover viewing window and there are kits out there to allow one to put a window in a car cover where needed.
DeanJ
Posts: 1,786
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By SteveC25 on 06/12/2025 6:49 PM
There has been some discussion at our Condo Association regarding whether we should allow auto covers at all.
Also, if we were to allow auto covers, can we specify that they have to be uniform in color?
We have parking stickers that correspond to the license plate, so they would both have to be visible through the cover.

Has anyone dealt with this issue, and if so what was the resolution.

Is this a rules and regulation issue? If so, can you provide an example of how it would be worded?

,
The most declarations allow the board to pass reasonable regulations. I don’t believe you will find a court that will rule in favor of your HOA a car cover prohibition is reasonable, nor is color regulation reasonable. A court would likely find the registration placard of the vehicle and any parking emblem issued by the HOA must be visible.

If your board desires to prohibit car covers, simply enforce the later and make the car cover owner figure it out.
DeanJ
Posts: 1,786
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By ElleN on 06/12/2025 7:37 PM
Posted By SteveC25 on 06/12/2025 6:49 PM
There has been some discussion at our Condo Association regarding whether we should allow auto covers at all.
Can you please quote the covenant that gives the board the authority to prohibit automobile covers?
Make a
If such a covenant does not exist, I have doubts that the board can lawfully prohibit them.

I also have doubts the board can lawfully regulate them, other than maybe saying they must be in good condition and not unsightly per se.

Many HOAs have the authority within the declaration to pass reasonable regulations A simple test of reasonable is the regulation justifiable and appropriate. Every HOA will have their own circumstances that make a regulation reasonable.

While you and I may not believe a car cover prohibition is reasonable, in a community of $20 million dollar homes it might be.

ElleN (Idaho)
Posts: 1,339
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By DeanJ on 06/15/2025 6:11 AM
Many HOAs have the authority within the declaration to pass reasonable regulations.
Yup. Here pertaining to use of common areas in particular. Hence the first question in my first post.
DeanJ
Posts: 1,786
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By ElleN on 06/15/2025 8:09 AM
Posted By DeanJ on 06/15/2025 6:11 AM
Many HOAs have the authority within the declaration to pass reasonable regulations.
Yup. Here pertaining to use of common areas in particular. Hence the first question in my first post.

And in HOAs with SFHs. Our HoA has broad authority to regulate what occurs on the privately owned lots.

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