Orchard Hill

Is there anyone who agrees with me that statues placed in the yards should be no taller than 3 feet. Right now our homeowners bylaws have no restrictions or even mention this potential eyesore of large statues or other socalled ornamental items "adorning" our neighborhood.    inandout

I would suggest allowing the HOA to focus on restrictions that are in violation at this point in time. Also, they are busy getting the neighborhood in order as far as roads, irrigation , ect.  There is a meeting in September.

 I would agree with you except a lack of his kind of restriction has already resulted in the installation of 2 4-5foot pieces of "ornamental" statuary plunked down in the middle of a backyard in midst of assorted clutter and uncut grass in clear view of our site and that of the other neighbors as well as those on the golf course. "To each is own"--fine-but we wanted to construct a 6' fence needed to obstruct the vision of these things, which can be seen over a 5 foot fence and were denied, even though our copy of the covenant makes no mention of a 5 foot fence restriction. Our copy and a neighbor's have no such restriction. The enjoyment of our home and property, not to mention the value is diminished. We keep are place neat. We care about what our neighbors have to look at each day. Without a height restriction, what is to stop people from installing replicas of the Effel Tower, the Acropolis, windmills, etc. inandout

I am surprised it is a backyard you are speaking of.   This type of restriction would be a difficult one to single out statues, seems a bit discriminatory relating to your certain case. The number of items that can be placed in a back yard that are 5-6 feet are numerous E.G. Bird feeders, bird houses, water fountains, swing sets, childrens toys, umbrellas, clothes lines, ect.

I was not aware that a fence could not be 6' in your de"fence".  Maybe 5' with barbedwire will be sufficient

Normally restrictions are strict for the side and front yards of homes for curb appeal. I have a swing set that I am sure a number of neighbors in Orchard Hill would not want to look at all the time, but the purpose is for my children to enjoy it. Back yards are meant to be lived in.

If this were my next door neighbor I would focus on the uncut grass. I actually am 95% sure I know what house you are speaking of. In this situation I think good fences make good neighbors and your 6 foot fence, as long as it is tasteful, should be allowed (instead of the enforcement/development of backyard restrictions).

I would also look into possibly a City ordinance to see if there is a height restriction for yard ornaments in case that Eifell tower comes along!!

I believe the choice to decorate and display things in your yard is a very important feature in a neighborhood otherwise it would be a cookie cutter look with only the number on the mailbox to distinguish your house from mine.

Good Luck,

The meeting in September will be a good opportunity to bring this issue up.

Rob