[JoMar]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

I stated in an earlier post that I lived in another community with restrictions before moving here. In the other community, we had an opportunity to and a method to suggest changes or additions to the original rules if it was shown to be a benefit to the community. Property owners were able to request a variance for certain things that could enhance the property and would not negatively impact their neighbors (neighbors approval). Posts 65 and 68 show that, apparently, only the developer has the ability to make changes to the covenants. If this is true, than an appeal to the developer is the only hope of providing an avenue for updating or improving the covenants. If this is also true, and, as has been suggested or inferred from time to time, the developer has a financial interest in some of the companies that supply products and services to our community, than there is little, if any hope of any changes that might impact their bottom line.
So, tow the line or leave. Many of us, me included, turned our lives upside down to move here. This is home now. And, I love living here, but it would be nice if the ARC or CDDs had the ability to make a judgement call instead of just leveling fines.

Then where do the judgement calls end and if mine gets approved and your's doesn't then what? I have a number of friends that live in gated and private communities and all have an HOA that make the rules and they are not negotiable. While they would all like flexibility they accept that the rules are the rules and when you know them before you buy acceptance should be part of your purchase decisions. I agree with you, this is our home now and honestly, the deed restrictions are a nit to the joy this place brings.