I too hate HOA's I had multiple run ins with mine when I was living in an HOA community. First they said I had too many cars (3) for the number of drivers (2) After I sold a car I found out that the A-hole who turned me in had five cars for two drivers and wanted the extra parking space I was using! Of course HE was on the board so it was OK for him...
It got so bad that I told the 'enforcer' go get the hell off my property and that they could go ahead and sue me if they felt like it. This in a community where a lot of people started holding back their HOA dues in protest! I was selling the place and had stuck a "FOR SALE" sign in the yard. Apparently even that was against the rules!
I feel for all you guys having to put up with HOA blackshirts! I know I could never do that again.
When I moved away from there, I made sure that an development I move into was an older one without any boards. I am not a redneck and keep things neat and clean, however MY HOME IS MY CASTLE and I if I want to paint the place purple I will do so (not that I would, but you get the idea)
My next place will be on acreage with no close neighbors and hopefully no zoning to stop me from putting up a pole barn or large garage. I have been trying to put up a garage at my current house, but have been thwarted by the zoning board as the building I want to put up is "too large for a garage"
I
only want a building that can house five cars, a shop, and the lawn equipment
I have a friend who also had multiple run ins with his HOA. He ran for the board on a 'reform platform' and beat one of the NAZIs who had ben on the board for decades. If you really want to change things, try running for the board... Most of the board members in these places have been running unopposed for years and people would welcome a change.