What? No trampolines?

OK, you trampoline fans. Are your rights and privileges being tramped on by your Board of Directors?

The office sent out an email just before 2:00PM threatening you with a dreaded violation notice and the possibility of fines, if you dare to put a trampoline in your yard. 

This is what the email from the office said, 

"Please be advised that, pursuant to Section 13, Page 22, Article XII of the covenants, no structure of a temporary nature shall be placed upon any unit or any part of the properties. This includes, but is not limited to, tents, temporary gazebos, shacks, trailers, and any other structure of a temporary nature. 

"Kindly note that trampolines are classified as temporary play equipment and, as such, are not permitted within the community. We ask that you ensure there is no trampoline present on your property to avoid receiving a violation notice and subsequent fines."

What do the Covenants say?

"Section 13. Tents. Trailers and Temporary Structures. Except as may be permitted by the Declarant or the NCC during initial construction within the Properties, no tent, utility shed, shack, trailer or other structure of a temporary nature shall be placed upon a Unit or any part of the Properties. Notwithstanding the above, party tents or similar temporary structures may be erected for special events with prior written approval of the Board, or by the Declarant."

"Temporary gazebos" are not included in the Covenants. 

What makes a trampoline a "structure"? From the looks of Section 13, a structure is a "tent, utility shed, shack, trailer". All of those are enclosed, have sides, have a top or roof, have openings (like doors or windows). They are not easily moved. 

Don't you think it's a real stretch to call a trampoline a "structure"?

Where does it say in Art. XII, Section 13 that temporary play equipment is not permitted? Will the HOA Police swoop in with a ticket book, if you put up a badminton net in your backyard?

If you need an advocate to help you fight the HOA, I have recent experience. Just give me a shout.

Did one person complain to a board member about noise from kids playing on a trampoline next door? What lit a fire under the office on this one?

What's next? Is your BBQ grill a structure? It's enclosed. It has openings. And, worse, there are smoke and aroma (odor!) to offend a neighbor.

Show up at the April 1st board meeting and ask your questions. Who hates trampolines? Ignore Danny's attempt to squash public comment at board meetings. Ask away. Tell the Board that you want public comment at board meetings.

Be polite, of course. Remember, the HOA is your organization. You are the Members. If the Board doesn't, or won't, listen to you, replace them. The next election is November 4, 2025. Four seats will be open.