Signs. Allowed or not?

[Dbinac]

A friend had a political sign placed on an inside window of his home but visible from the street. He received a letter from VCDD demanding that it be removed. Does anyone know the ruling on this?

[skip0358]

A friend had a political sign placed on an inside window of his home but visible from the street. He received a letter from VCDD demanding that it be removed. Does anyone know the ruling on this?

Just sent you a PM

[CaptJohn]

Check the restrictions on the particular village in question. There are differences over the years.

[skyguy79]

In the Amendment of the Declaration of Restriction covering our property, item 2.15 indicates that signs are not allowed with the only exceptions being one, for a name sign on your lamppost and two, for a for sale or rent sign in your window within the stipulations indicated in the restriction itself. You can check your own declaration by going to the following website and finding your own district and section. If your now sure of your section number, it can be found on your resident card.

VCDD Deed Compliance - Sumter County (http://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/deedrestrict-SumterCounty.aspx#dist7)

[skip0358]

Go to VCDD website and do a search for political signs. There's a new letter from Jannette Tutt District manager. Yes you can.
If you can't sign on there do a search on TOTV the moderator posted the letter on an earlier post.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Go to VCDD website and do a search for political signs. There's a new letter from Jannette Tutt District manager. Yes you can.
If you can't sign on there do a search on TOTV the moderator posted the letter on an earlier post.

Here's a link to the letter referenced:

Janet Tutt's letter (http://www.districtgov.org/PdfView/PdfView.aspx?path=%27/PdfUpload/Political%20Signage%20Memo.pdf%27&ql=standard)

Bill :)

[skip0358]

Here's a link to the letter referenced:

Janet Tutt's letter (http://www.districtgov.org/PdfView/PdfView.aspx?path=%27/PdfUpload/Political%20Signage%20Memo.pdf%27&ql=standard)

Bill :)

Thanks Bill I couldn't post just the letter. It seems several people are getting letters about their signs in the windows.

[JeffAVEWS]

I think they have opened a Pandora's Box here. Who is to determine what is a "Political Sign"? If the rules are no signs it should mean no signs.

[Serenoa]

Whether or not it's legal or permitted by TV, why would anyone feel the need to, or want to have an ugly sign visible on their house? Who do they think is going to see a sign in a window & immediately be swayed to vote for that candidate? I make my own decisions who to vote for. No silly sign or bumper sticker has any effect on how I mark my ballot.

[justjim]

While playing Arnold Palmer on Friday, I noticed a couple of political signs. Apparently, folks feel that by the time a complaint is filed and all the "hoops" are jumped the election will be over. They are probably right!

[perrjojo]

:BigApplause::BigApplause::bigbow:Whether or not it's legal or permitted by TV, why would anyone feel the need to, or want to have an ugly sign visible on their house? Who do they think is going to see a sign in a window & immediately be swayed to vote for that candidate? I make my own decisions who to vote for. No silly sign or bumper sticker has any effect on how I mark my ballot.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I think that the VCDD might have a lot of trouble telling people what they can or cannot do INSIDE of their house, even if it's visible from the outside.

[Bogie Shooter]

I think any sign looks like crap.
Always wondered if the sign on a lawn or window was for the candidate or the ego of the one who posted the sign.

[gomoho]

Currently have the "support breast cancer" pink ribbon in my window sent to me by The Village newspaper. Hope no one has issues with this.

[graciegirl]

Currently have the "support breast cancer" pink ribbon in my window sent to me by The Village newspaper. Hope no one has issues with this.


I vote for your sign, gomoho. Good for you.

[buggyone]

I think they have opened a Pandora's Box here. Who is to determine what is a "Political Sign"? If the rules are no signs it should mean no signs.

It should not be difficult to determine what is a Political Sign. The rules, according to Janet Tutt, are that a political sign can be placed inside your home in a window. It cannot be place on the outside of your home. You can also go hold political signs at your mail box areas. You can put political signs on your golf carts as you drive around The Villages.

[blueash]

I read the Janet Tutt letter linked above. If her letter represents official policy, then why would anyone receive a complaint from the VCDD. Additionally, the use of the term "windows" would seem to suggest that a homeowner could fill each and every window space with signs as

"political signs may be placed in the windows inside of homes, visible to the exterior."

Snarkily I do wonder about whether you can place signs in your windows that are NOT visible to the exterior.

[Warren Kiefer]

One of the writers to the sign question has a great point . Regardless of what the rules are for your particular district, what do you think placing a campaign poster in your window or yard will accomplish. Would any voter ever determine who to vote for by seeing a sign in someones window or yard.????

[gomoho]

One of the writers to the sign question has a great point . Regardless of what the rules are for your particular district, what do you think placing a campaign poster in your window or yard will accomplish. Would any voter ever determine who to vote for by seeing a sign in someones window or yard.????

It doesn't accomplish anything - simply shows your support. Just like the pink ribbon breast cancer sign the paper included - doesn't cure breast cancer but it is your statment that you support their research. Everything doesn't haven't to accomplish something - it's simply a statement.

[JeffAVEWS]

My point is that Janet Tutt's letter gives license to put anything in your window so long as it reads something like "vote for", "I support", "repeal" or "recall". It does not matter what opinion you want to express. It opens the door for inflammatory, obscene and divisive displays, as long as they have a "political" meaning.

[buggyone]

My point is that Janet Tutt's letter gives license to put anything in your window so long as it reads something like "vote for", "I support", "repeal" or "recall". It does not matter what opinion you want to express. It opens the door for inflammatory, obscene and divisive displays, as long as they have a "political" meaning.

Remember that this is The Villages. I do not know what kind of inflammatory, obscene or divisive displays you mean but on the whole, people in The Villages are not the kind to have those displays in their windows.

The only political signs in windows I have seen are those supporting the Democratic or Republican candidates. Have you seen others?

[PennBF]

What you do or show from inside your home is your option and authority. The last I knew no one could dictate what we do within our home. Whether a sign is appropriate or not is not relevant. To show how dumb the question is could you see having to get approval to move a piece of furniture within your home. I also understood no one could pass a law that governs the inside of your home. The outside is another story...This whole subject shows how things can get out of hand and people (e.g.VCDD) try to abuse their power. Didn't anyone in the VCDD stop and think before sending out such an inflamatory note without having an ounce of sense? Heck this is simple what is scary is how far the VCDD think they can go? Now that is scary if their best thinking leads them to believe they can control what a person does within his/her own home. :sad:

[ndominesey]

Many people are drawn to The Villages for a lot of reason. ONE BIG ONE is its clean.
If a person feels a need to make a statement; political or otherwise then they should invite all their friends over say what they compelled to say and then see how many friends are left. Keep your signs where the rest of us cannot see them IN YOUR LIVINGROOM.

[Serenoa]

It doesn't accomplish anything - simply shows your support. Just like the pink ribbon breast cancer sign the paper included - doesn't cure breast cancer but it is your statment that you support their research. Everything doesn't haven't to accomplish something - it's simply a statement.

If it's not supposed to accomplish anything, why do candidates often spend thousands of dollars for signs that get placed out in street & road right-of-ways? I've always assumed that perhaps they think that name recognition alone might get them elected, regardless of what they stand for. But I would certainly hope that very few voters mark their ballot according to who's signs they happen to spot on the way to the polling place.

[lovesports]

What you do or show from inside your home is your option and authority. The last I knew no one could dictate what we do within our home. Whether a sign is appropriate or not is not relevant. To show how dumb the question is could you see having to get approval to move a piece of furniture within your home. I also understood no one could pass a law that governs the inside of your home. The outside is another story...This whole subject shows how things can get out of hand and people (e.g.VCDD) try to abuse their power. Didn't anyone in the VCDD stop and think before sending out such an inflamatory note without having an ounce of sense? Heck this is simple what is scary is how far the VCDD think they can go? Now that is scary if their best thinking leads them to believe they can control what a person does within his/her own home. :sad:

There are the Presidential signs all over the Villages. How can they send a VCDD letter that the same signs others have, can't be in your window?? I will just wait this out and see what is the final answer.
Another one of those topics that you have to be here and out and about to know what is going on. At this point, I think someone had a misunderstanding on signs and over stepped their power.

[Serenoa]

There are the Presidential signs all over the Villages. How can they send a VCDD letter that the same signs others have, can't be in your window?? I will just wait this out and see what is the final answer.
Another one of those topics that you have to be here and out and about to know what is going on. At this point, I think someone had a misunderstanding on signs and over stepped their power.

Gee, I was hoping TV would be free of such useless clutter.

[lovesports]

Serenoa,
I hear ya.

[PennBF]

My point has been missed. Of course no one wants bad signs in the home
windows. I don't think that is a question. What is the question is that anyone or any organization believes they have the right to act as censors as to what people do in their homes. That is outrages and sympton of a more serious problem with the organization. I have seen signs that I don't agree with but respect the right of the owner to do as he wishes within his home. :sad:

[mulligan]

What you do or show from inside your home is your option and authority. The last I knew no one could dictate what we do within our home. Whether a sign is appropriate or not is not relevant. To show how dumb the question is could you see having to get approval to move a piece of furniture within your home. I also understood no one could pass a law that governs the inside of your home. The outside is another story...This whole subject shows how things can get out of hand and people (e.g.VCDD) try to abuse their power. Didn't anyone in the VCDD stop and think before sending out such an inflamatory note without having an ounce of sense? Heck this is simple what is scary is how far the VCDD think they can go? Now that is scary if their best thinking leads them to believe they can control what a person does within his/her own home. :sad:

The VCDD does, in fact have the right to regulate that which can be seen from outside your home, even something on the inside of your windows.

[rubicon]

The issue here is not a question of control it is a question of trust. The VCCDD like government everywhere believes and with merit that some people will push rules to their limits.

It is true that no government agency, or neighbor has the right to demand that a person remove a political sign. However within that same vein some people would push the issue. As an example suppose your neighbor wants to push for legalization of drug use, pornography, etc. How as a next door neighbor would you react? Worse yet what if your neighbor decided to use his interior window to flash passerbys? Keep in mind we have had a number of incidences with pedophiles moving into The villages

I mention this because some residents seem to believe that The villages is immune from having criminals and the like from settling here. I certainly would like to sit and have these folks detail their theory of immunity.

The political signs are a symbol of unity and commonality for those displaing them no different than raising a flag, wearing a flag pin etc.

I am glad that we have that freedom. For those who feel it effects the aesthics of heir neighborhood at least the signs come down after the election or shortly thereafter....depending on if their candidate won or lost

[Bogie Shooter]

It seem obvious that the posters above missed this recent thread that can answer the questions you are raising. There were 205 posts to this thread. Enjoy!
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/todays-daily-sun-thursday-august-9-2012-a-58207/

Not enough.....here's more.
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/do-totvers-villagers-wannabes-process-moving-want-sale-signs-lawns-57022/

More
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/daily-sun-july-31-2012-districts-discuss-yard-sign-deed-restriction-57630/



More
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/realty-executives-tri-county-273/we-need-sale-sign-yard-not-window-56904/

[woolman44]

I can't hold it in any longer.....I live in Hadley, and I believe it's on Rhapsody Path, there is an empty folding chair along with a small American flag sitting in the middle of their front yard???? I have no doubt this is a political sign refering to a Clint Eastwood speech. Is it just me or should this display be removed as per political signage restrictions? :spoken:

[gomoho]

I can't hold it in any longer.....I live in Hadley, and I believe it's on Rhapsody Path, there is an empty folding chair along with a small American flag sitting in the middle of their front yard???? I have no doubt this is a political sign refering to a Clint Eastwood speech. Is it just me or should this display be removed as per political signage restrictions? :spoken:

I hope it is just you - if in fact "it is what it is" I think someone was very creative and hope the powers that be don't stomp on them. Now :spoken:

[woolman44]

I hope it is just you - if in fact "it is what it is" I think someone was very creative and hope the powers that be don't stomp on them. Now :spoken:

I guess thats why we bought into a place with restrictions........so the rules can be broken.....

[PennBF]

Two last and final points. (1) Someone would have to show us where it is stated that the VCDD can dictate anything in our homes. Of course the
Sheriff has the right to enter and make charges if there is pornography,
lewd signs, or anthing else that violates the law. That does not include the
right of the VCDD to make the laws and enforce the laws. That action is restricted to the law and law enforcement based on "legal" violations. (2)
I don't understand the remarks regarding showing an illegal (note illegal by
law) thing in the window. Of course that cannot be shown. Why anyone even states such a point defies sound thinking.
I guess there will always be some attempt to make an outrages
statement which defies logic or rationale thought.
ONE LAST POINT..DO THE WORDS "SEARCH WARRANT" RING A BELL. The VCDD can make all the stupid statements they wish but in the end it would take a "search warrant", signed by a Judge and enforced by the Law to effect activities in your home. The last I heard a sign inside your home,
which is not pornography, etc. would not qualify to create a search warrant
authorizing anyone to enter your home "without legal cause".
I kind of feel silly writing this note as I would think almost everyone would know the basis for entering your home and how/why it would be authorized.
Please don't come back with the Police can enter if they suspect a crrime is being committed within the home. Everyone knows this.:ohdear:

[graciegirl]

If you bought a house here in TV you signed into the deed restrictions which gives the authority to fine you for not adhering to the restrictions.

Somebody. Print the link to deed restrictions south of 466A.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Yes ma'am....... :1rotfl: Here's the link to the deed restrictions:

Deed restrictions (http://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/download.aspx)

Bill :wave:

[buggyone]

Two last and final points. (1) Someone would have to show us where it is stated that the VCDD can dictate anything in our homes. Of course the
Sheriff has the right to enter and make charges if there is pornography,
lewd signs, or anthing else that violates the law. That does not include the
right of the VCDD to make the laws and enforce the laws. That action is restricted to the law and law enforcement based on "legal" violations. (2)
I don't understand the remarks regarding showing an illegal (note illegal by
law) thing in the window. Of course that cannot be shown. Why anyone even states such a point defies sound thinking.
I guess there will always be some attempt to make an outrages
statement which defies logic or rationale thought.
ONE LAST POINT..DO THE WORDS "SEARCH WARRANT" RING A BELL. The VCDD can make all the stupid statements they wish but in the end it would take a "search warrant", signed by a Judge and enforced by the Law to effect activities in your home. The last I heard a sign inside your home,
which is not pornography, etc. would not qualify to create a search warrant
authorizing anyone to enter your home "without legal cause".
I kind of feel silly writing this note as I would think almost everyone would know the basis for entering your home and how/why it would be authorized.
Please don't come back with the Police can enter if they suspect a crrime is being committed within the home. Everyone knows this.:ohdear:

I did not see in this thread anything about Janet Tutt or the VCDD entering a home to remove a political sign. This thread was about political signs in windows. Nothing wrong with that according to the VCDD. Political signs on the outside of the house are NOT allowed. Very simple. Put a political sign on your golf cart or car and drive around. No problem. Stand with a political sign at your mail depot. No problem. Everyone should respect your right to do these things - and the VCDD has no problem with them, either.

As for the person that claims they were told to remove a political sign from the window inside their house, call Janet Tutt's office. More than likely, a neighbor complained and an accidental letter was sent to remove the sign. Someone did not understand the rules. Call and ask for an explanation.

[mulligan]

BUT, the VCDD does have the right to dictate appearance issues, and a fine can be levied in some of the districts, which,if not paid, becomes a lein on the property.

[CFrance]

I understood from reading the POA news bulletin that the political sign think in TV got into a murky legal area due to freedom of speech, and the political sign-in-the-window allowance was done to avoid lawsuits.

Does that ring a bell with anyone?

[Bogie Shooter]

BUT, the VCDD does have the right to dictate appearance issues, and a fine can be levied in some of the districts, which,if not paid, becomes a lein on the property.

See post #31

[djplong]

And this is why I think I will never live at The Villages - regardless of all of the other good reasons to live there.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; *or abridging the freedom of speech*, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

It's not like I have a political sign in my yard. But the very thought that I could not put up an inoffensive sign, even INDOORS, is something I find very offensive. I mean, if I have a picture window and someone is peeking in on me, that USED to be considered to be against the law.

It's sad that such a seemingly wonderful community in so many respects can turn terribly ... Well, I want to avoid some inflammatory adjectives and I can't think of one that WOULDN'T be inflammatory.. ..and just over appearance. It seems so shallow to me.

[CFrance]

And this is why I think I will never live at The Villages - regardless of all of the other good reasons to live there.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; *or abridging the freedom of speech*, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

It's not like I have a political sign in my yard. But the very thought that I could not put up an inoffensive sign, even INDOORS, is something I find very offensive. I mean, if I have a picture window and someone is peeking in on me, that USED to be considered to be against the law.

It's sad that such a seemingly wonderful community in so many respects can turn terribly ... Well, I want to avoid some inflammatory adjectives and I can't think of one that WOULDN'T be inflammatory.. ..and just over appearance. It seems so shallow to me.

Every community, be it condo, HOA, or just plain city neighborhood, has rules and regs regarding appearances. In the neighborhood surrounding our condos in Michigan, you may not let your yard go to weeds, you may not use your house as a billboard (cover it in writing), you may not leave boats and rv's parked outside in view of the public for more than three days.

In our condo complex, you may only have real estate signs in the yard on the weekend (in the window is okay), you may not have a boat parked in your driveway for more than three days, and for a while you could only have a satellite dish on your limited common grounds, i.e., your deck (tested and held up by the FTC). You are not supposed to have flags other than the USA flying anywhere, even off your deck, although this is largely ignored.

So... free speech or no free speech, the limiting of where you can place such speech is perfectly legal. So I would not shun living in TV because of this rule. It is not an uncommon reg.

[perrjojo]

:agree::agree::agree:One of the writers to the sign question has a great point . Regardless of what the rules are for your particular district, what do you think placing a campaign poster in your window or yard will accomplish. Would any voter ever determine who to vote for by seeing a sign in someones window or yard.????

[bkcunningham1]

And this is why I think I will never live at The Villages - regardless of all of the other good reasons to live there.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; *or abridging the freedom of speech*, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

It's not like I have a political sign in my yard. But the very thought that I could not put up an inoffensive sign, even INDOORS, is something I find very offensive. I mean, if I have a picture window and someone is peeking in on me, that USED to be considered to be against the law.

It's sad that such a seemingly wonderful community in so many respects can turn terribly ... Well, I want to avoid some inflammatory adjectives and I can't think of one that WOULDN'T be inflammatory.. ..and just over appearance. It seems so shallow to me.

Hi there djplong. I wanted to say hello. I haven't seen you around TOTV in a while. It is a little strange that a discussion about signs, words and their meanings is taking place on a forum where there are restrictions and there can be no mention of, um, certain words.

[buggyone]

And this is why I think I will never live at The Villages - regardless of all of the other good reasons to live there.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; *or abridging the freedom of speech*, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

It's not like I have a political sign in my yard. But the very thought that I could not put up an inoffensive sign, even INDOORS, is something I find very offensive. I mean, if I have a picture window and someone is peeking in on me, that USED to be considered to be against the law.

It's sad that such a seemingly wonderful community in so many respects can turn terribly ... Well, I want to avoid some inflammatory adjectives and I can't think of one that WOULDN'T be inflammatory.. ..and just over appearance. It seems so shallow to me.

There is NO rule against putting a political sign inside your house in a window facing outward. You cannot have one in your yard or attached to your house or garage outdoors. You can carry a political sign at your mail depot. You may have a political sign on your car or cart.

[graciegirl]

Every community, be it condo, HOA, or just plain city neighborhood, has rules and regs regarding appearances. In the neighborhood surrounding our condos in Michigan, you may not let your yard go to weeds, you may not use your house as a billboard (cover it in writing), you may not leave boats and rv's parked outside in view of the public for more than three days.

In our condo complex, you may only have real estate signs in the yard on the weekend (in the window is okay), you may not have a boat parked in your driveway for more than three days, and for a while you could only have a satellite dish on your limited common grounds, i.e., your deck (tested and held up by the FTC). You are not supposed to have flags other than the USA flying anywhere, even off your deck, although this is largely ignored.

So... free speech or no free speech, the limiting of where you can place such speech is perfectly legal. So I would not shun living in TV because of this rule. It is not an uncommon reg.

That is our experience too and we have lived with these kinds of deed restrictions by choice in the last two neighborhoods and for 30 years,..for a number of reasons, but mostly because homes are more easy to resell. Beauty IS in the eye of the beholder and unfortunately some people don't know when to stop embellishing their home and property and do not see motor homes or boats as too much parked in the driveway.

[Pturner]

I'm confused. ("But that's not unusual. It's just that the moon is full. And you happened to call." ... no wait, I digress.)

The letter from Mrs. Tutt clearly says that you can have signs in your windows inside the house. In response, numerous posters have expressed outrage that TV would would say that you can't have signs in your windows inside the house.

Could someone please explain to me why people are outraged about a rule that doesn't exist?

Thanks y'all.

[skyguy79]

I'm confused. ("But that's not unusual. It's just that the moon is full. And you happened to call." ... no wait, I digress.)

The letter from Mrs. Tutt clearly says that you can have signs in your windows inside the house. In response, numerous posters have expressed outrage that TV would would say that you can't have signs in your windows inside the house.

Could someone please explain to me why people are outraged about a rule that doesn't exist?

Thanks y'all.I think the confusion is from a letter by Janet Tutt indicating that signs are ok in the windows, then some residents are getting letters that their sign don't belong in their window. I don't know any answers, but my wife mentioned something to me yesterday that might cause the letters. Might the signs be larger than allowed? I think the for sale/rent signs are limited in size!

[Skybo]

I live in a CYV neighborhood in District 8 and here�s what my deed restrictions say about signs:

�No sign of any kind shall be displayed to public view on a Homesite or any dedicated or reserved area without the prior written consent of the Declarant, except customary name and address signs and one sign advertising a property for sale or rent which shall be no larger than twelve (12) inches wide and twelve (12) inches high and which shall be located wholly within the residence and only visible through a window of the residence.�

I take this to mean that only For Sale/For Rent signs are allowed in windows. Personally, I don�t care one way or the other about signs in windows, but it seems to me that (at least in my neighborhood) political signs in windows are against the deed restrictions.

[buggyone]

I live in a CYV neighborhood in District 8 and here�s what my deed restrictions say about signs:

�No sign of any kind shall be displayed to public view on a Homesite or any dedicated or reserved area without the prior written consent of the Declarant, except customary name and address signs and one sign advertising a property for sale or rent which shall be no larger than twelve (12) inches wide and twelve (12) inches high and which shall be located wholly within the residence and only visible through a window of the residence.�

I take this to mean that only For Sale/For Rent signs are allowed in windows. Personally, I don�t care one way or the other about signs in windows, but it seems to me that (at least in my neighborhood) political signs in windows are against the deed restrictions.

Common sense has to prevail sometimes. If the Director of the VCCD says it is permissible to have the political sign in your window - IT IS OKAY TO DO SO.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CALL JANET TUTT FOR AN ANSWER DIRECTLY FROM THE SOURCE - DO NOT JUST SPECULATE ON AN ONLINE FORUM! :doh:

[Challenger]

Common sense has to prevail sometimes. If the Director of the VCCD says it is permissible to have the political sign in your window - IT IS OKAY TO DO SO.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CALL JANET TUTT FOR AN ANSWER DIRECTLY FROM THE SOURCE - DO NOT JUST SPECULATE ON AN ONLINE FORUM! :doh:

It aint necessarily so. Deed restrictions have generally been upheld by courts in most jurisdicions unless they violate law. I don't believe one is speculating when they present a citation supporting their premise.

[graciegirl]

Common sense has to prevail sometimes. If the Director of the VCCD says it is permissible to have the political sign in your window - IT IS OKAY TO DO SO.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CALL JANET TUTT FOR AN ANSWER DIRECTLY FROM THE SOURCE - DO NOT JUST SPECULATE ON AN ONLINE FORUM! :doh:

My first guess is that your side, North of 466 can and their side south of 466 can't.

[PennBF]

I was wrong in a prior note. It is alleged that if a neighbor complains about a sign, including political, religious, etc. then the person is notified to remove the sign from their window even if it meets the size as contained in the covenant which was signed at the time or purchase. Now think about this..! On the surface that sounds good. BUT it means that when you bought your home you signed a covenant which essentially allegedly took away
your constitutional rights to freedom of speech within you own home. How will that work for you? Since it is illegal to demand someone sign a document that is not legal (e.g.removes constitutional right to freedom of speech) would this stand the legal test. It makes your actions within your own home potentially illegal. If this is all true it would appear to be allegedly outrages to ask anyone to give up their freedom of speech within their own home in order to purchase the home or live in a community. :police:

[gomoho]

The good news is the election is right around the corner and all the signs will be gone then we will have to find something else to challenge!

[Chuckw]

What you do or show from inside your home is your option and authority. The last I knew no one could dictate what we do within our home. Whether a sign is appropriate or not is not relevant. To show how dumb the question is could you see having to get approval to move a piece of furniture within your home. I also understood no one could pass a law that governs the inside of your home. The outside is another story...This whole subject shows how things can get out of hand and people (e.g.VCDD) try to abuse their power. Didn't anyone in the VCDD stop and think before sending out such an inflamatory note without having an ounce of sense? Heck this is simple what is scary is how far the VCDD think they can go? Now that is scary if their best thinking leads them to believe they can control what a person does within his/her own home. :sad:

Yes, they CAN regulate what you do inside your home.... Think about it; 1) No children under the age of 19 are allowed to reside in the home. 2) You may not conduct a business in your home (with some possible exceptions) and I am sure there are others if we dig.

These things are in the document we signed upon purchase...

[graciegirl]

I was familiar with these deed restrictions before I bought here and was familiar with similar ones in the homes we lived in for the last thirty years. Before that I lived in neighborhood without deed restrictions.

These are choices for home buyers throughout our country, to choose to live in neighborhoods with deed restrictions or not.

[mulligan]

And if you didn't read, understand, and agree to the restrictions, shame on you!!

[rustyp]

Those things in my window/ They are my drapes. :jester:

[PennBF]

1. The covenants south of 466 authorize 12 inch by 12 inch for sale or rent
sign in the windows.
2. If a complaint is made to The Village government they will tell the Developer and a letter is sent to the owner.
3. A developer can include in a covenant rules inside your home. A government cannot enforce any rules inside the home.
4. The VCCDD could enforce rules regarding outside the home and
apply fines if the rules are violated.
5. The risks are associated with signs that are political, or religious. How far
anyone can go to make someone rip them down, etc. is ripe for a court test.
When anyone buys a house in The Villages they sign off on the covenants.
I would bet 1 out of 1000 actually read these when they purchase and in the excitement just sign what is put in front of them. I am not sure what happens if you want to buy and refuse part of or all of the covenant. Does that mean you can't purchase? I have no idea.
The Villages is a wonderful place and we would not live anywhere else but like
it is said, "nothing is perfect" :eclipsee_gold_cup:

[skip0358]

I would like to know if anyone outside of Bonita got one of these letters. Seems we have been getting nailed for quite a bit of BS complaints lately. Supposedly only complaints on deed restrictions will be acted on so someone has to much time on their hands. Just curious.

[Golfingnut]

I would like to know if anyone outside of Bonita got one of these letters. Seems we have been getting nailed for quite a bit of BS complaints lately. Supposedly only complaints on deed restrictions will be acted on so someone has to much time on their hands. Just curious.

You may have hit the nail on the head. Perhaps someone in Bonita has found idle time and is filling it with a new way to be negative. I personally am curious why anyone would want their neighbors do Know their personal views anyway. Are they insecure or just trying to get someone else in a bad mood. Either is wrong in my opinion.

[Tweety Bird]

Whether or not it's legal or permitted by TV, why would anyone feel the need to, or want to have an ugly sign visible on their house? Who do they think is going to see a sign in a window & immediately be swayed to vote for that candidate? I make my own decisions who to vote for. No silly sign or bumper sticker has any effect on how I mark my ballot.

I think the signs are there to annoy the opposing party or to state..."look how many of US there are"!! Can you imagine all these political signs being on lawns? What would the lawn maintenance guys do? Remove and replace every single time? It's refreshing not to have that crap all over the place. I love our clean little world inside here. The "BUBBLE" that is. LOL

[skip0358]

Another neighbor got a notice today from Deed Compliance. They called Deed Compliance who said they knew nothing about Jannet Tuts letter when he called Jannet Tuts office they knew nothing about Deed Compliance sending letters out. To many Departments here.

[graciegirl]

And this is why I think I will never live at The Villages - regardless of all of the other good reasons to live there.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; *or abridging the freedom of speech*, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

It's not like I have a political sign in my yard. But the very thought that I could not put up an inoffensive sign, even INDOORS, is something I find very offensive. I mean, if I have a picture window and someone is peeking in on me, that USED to be considered to be against the law.

It's sad that such a seemingly wonderful community in so many respects can turn terribly ... Well, I want to avoid some inflammatory adjectives and I can't think of one that WOULDN'T be inflammatory.. ..and just over appearance. It seems so shallow to me.

I always thought you DID live in The Villages.

[perrjojo]

And this is why I think I will never live at The Villages - regardless of all of the other good reasons to live there.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; *or abridging the freedom of speech*, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

It's not like I have a political sign in my yard. But the very thought that I could not put up an inoffensive sign, even INDOORS, is something I find very offensive. I mean, if I have a picture window and someone is peeking in on me, that USED to be considered to be against the law.

It's sad that such a seemingly wonderful community in so many respects can turn terribly ... Well, I want to avoid some inflammatory adjectives and I can't think of one that WOULDN'T be inflammatory.. ..and just over appearance. It seems so shallow to me.

I'm confused. If you don't live in The Villages and would never consider living here, why are you lurking on TOTV? Just curious.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

The latest on this from the VHA:

"Signage Restrictions in The Villages Update

Most Villagers� Covenants and Restrictions contain a statement to the effect that: The only professional For Sale and For Rent signs that will be allowed within The Villages community is twelve inches high by twelve inches wide, located wholly within the home and only visible through a window of the home. This sign restriction, challenged by some Villagers and Real Estate personnel, has resulted in the Amenity Authority Committee and Districts 1 through 4 are handling the matter very differently. CDDs south of CR466 are unified in maintaining uniformity in the high standards agreed to by residents in their Covenants and supporting the quality in appearance of their community afforded by the signage restrictions.

Southern Districts United on Sign Restriction Enforcement

Community Development Districts 5 through 10 will continue to enforce Covenants and Restrictions as they apply to signage. There is no further action contemplated in the southern CDDs in the near future on this matter.

AAC and Northern Districts Split on Sign Restriction Enforcement

The AAC is still considering inputs from residents on both sides of enforcement of the restriction, as well as, an offer from the Developer to amend the Covenants and Restrictions to essentially quadruple the size of the For Sale/For Rent signs and place them on the outside of the home. The AAC is expected to again discuss whether or not to recommend to the VCCDD a change in enforcement of sign restrictions in the Lady Lake/Lake County region of The Villages. Districts 1 and 4 voted not to enforce sign restrictions in Districts 1 and 4, and may take action at their meetings this month on removing these enforcements from their penalties matrix. Districts 2 and 3 are continuing to enforce existing Covenants and Restrictions."

Here's the link to the article: The Villages Voice (http://www.thevha.net/the-villages-voice?op=3&issue=48&article=1160)

Bill :)

[graciegirl]

I HATE when people challenge the deed restrictions here. It is one of the main reasons we were drawn to this place.

[travelguy]

I HATE when people challenge the deed restrictions here. It is one of the main reasons we were drawn to this place.

thanks gracie. that is also one of the reasons we moved here...if there are rules they should be enforced.

[CFrance]

thanks gracie. that is also one of the reasons we moved here...if there are rules they should be enforced.

I agree, but I strongly disagree with this "selective enforcement" idea that a restriction is only enforced if a complaint comes in. Our condo board in MI decided to go that route, and it resulted in some people being made to remove things to comply with the restrictions, while others went scot free breaking the rules.

Not everyone wants to file complaints, even if what others are doing is diluting the intent of the rules in the first place, which is to keep the properties clean, pristine, and uniform, one of the reasons we were drawn to TV.

My feeling is if they're going to have deed restrictions, they ought to accept the responsibility of enforcing them across the board.

And by the way... there are lawn ornaments all over the place down here by 466A. No one seems to be following ANY deed restrictions!! It reminds me of when our boys were teenagers and found it easier to beg forgiveness than to seek permission.

[maparker50]

Who approves placement of satellite dishes on the property? There is a dish next to my house that is on the side of the home but toward the front next to the garage and can be clearly seen from the street.

[Bogie Shooter]

Who approves placement of satellite dishes on the property? There is a dish next to my house that is on the side of the home but toward the front next to the garage and can be clearly seen from the street.

What do you deed restrictions say about satellite dishes?

[Ooper]

Nobody approved our dish. The technician came out and we talked about where to put it.

[Challenger]

Have religious signs now been approved for posting in residential lots?

I thought that no signs were allowed on lots , at least below 466

[LndLocked]

I HATE when people challenge the deed restrictions here. It is one of the main reasons we were drawn to this place.

Then you would agree that all of those "Jesus is the reason" yard signs need to go post haste.

[Challenger]

Then you would agree that all of those "Jesus is the reason" yard signs need to go post haste.

For me the answer is yes. It's not the words it is the sign . I believe we are playing with fire not to act on the deed restricrions.

[graciegirl]

Then you would agree that all of those "Jesus is the reason" yard signs need to go post haste.

People are allowed to have any kind of Christmas decorations.

[BobnBev]

Nobody approved our dish. The technician came out and we talked about where to put it.

We had a DISH network dish on the roof when we moved in. The DIRECTV installer removed it and replaced it with a DIRECTV dish. I guess it was a don't ask/don't tell situation. The trash pickup took the old one away.

[skip0358]

You are allowed a Dish in your yard, as for decorations they to are allowed for a 30 day period during that particular holiday period. I'll bet if you could or wanted to check you'd find that more then half the homes and properties in TV including the developers properties violate something in the deed restrictions if you wanted to push the letter of the law.

[Bogie Shooter]

You are allowed a Dish in your yard, as for decorations they to are allowed for a 30 day period during that particular holiday period. I'll bet if you could or wanted to check you'd find that more then half the homes and properties in TV including the developers properties violate something in the deed restrictions if you wanted to push the letter of the law.

If true, that does not make it right.

[skip0358]

If true, that does not make it right.

Agree 100% but pick on Christmas Decorations give me a brake. Besides when the only way it's corrected is that you complain about your neighbor that's not a good thing either. So I guess what I should have added was be carefull what you ask for as there are MANY homes with violations. JMO

P'S Mery Christmas & Happy & Healthy New Year to all.

[buggyone]

Agree 100% but Christmas Decorations give me a brake. Besides when the only way it's corrected is that you complain about your neighbor that's not a good thing either. So I guess what I should have added was be carefull what you ask for as there are MANY homes with violations. JMO

P'S Mery Christmas & Happy & Healthy New Year to all.

I did read in the Daily Sun a week or so ago that one of the CDD attorneys did issue an opinion regarding those "signs" about Christmas. He said they were considered Christmas decorations and not part of sign violation.

Just imagine the uproar if those Jesus Is The Reason signs were part of the sign violation policy.

[janmcn]

What do you deed restrictions say about satellite dishes?

Deed restrictions in some of the older neighborhoods say "no outdoor antennas". These obviously were written before satellites were broadcasting TV signals.

[graciegirl]

Agree 100% but Christmas Decorations give me a brake. Besides when the only way it's corrected is that you complain about your neighbor that's not a good thing either. So I guess what I should have added was be carefull what you ask for as there are MANY homes with violations. JMO

P'S Mery Christmas & Happy & Healthy New Year to all.

I don't see anything wrong with those signs, they just aren't very...um MERRY, but to each his own. You can't say they aren't Christmas related.

AND MERRY CHRISTMAS BACK AT YOU. We have our lights on our trees and will have luminaria too on Christmas eve. Listen for the fire department. ;)

[LndLocked]

I did read in the Daily Sun a week or so ago that one of the CDD attorneys did issue an opinion regarding those "signs" about Christmas. He said they were considered Christmas decorations and not part of sign violation.

Just imagine the uproar if those Jesus Is The Reason signs were part of the sign violation policy.

Then I should be able to put up Chanukah, Kwanza, Boxing Day, Easter, Valentines, Memorial, 4th of July, Labor and Thanksgiving Day signs.

[Indydealmaker]

Deed restrictions in some of the older neighborhoods say "no outdoor antennas". These obviously were written before satellites were broadcasting TV signals.

The television antennae and satellite dishes cannot be forbidden according to federal regulations. A HOA can have input on the actual location as long as the optimum signal is obtained.

[graciegirl]

Then I should be able to put up Chanukah, Kwanza, Boxing Day, Easter, Valentines, Memorial, 4th of July, Labor and Thanksgiving Day signs.

Sounds like it. Just no for sale signs.

[skip0358]

Then I should be able to put up Chanukah, Kwanza, Boxing Day, Easter, Valentines, Memorial, 4th of July, Labor and Thanksgiving Day signs.

If you read the deed restrictions Section 2.15 states Lawn ornaments are prohibited EXCEPT for seasons displays not to exceed a 30 day duration.

[Bogie Shooter]

Then I should be able to put up Chanukah, Kwanza, Boxing Day, Easter, Valentines, Memorial, 4th of July, Labor and Thanksgiving Day signs.

Go for it!

[Yorio]

Our neighbor put up a Drive Slowly sign but after few days it was gone. VCDD took it away as illegal. Some people drive as though if there is no tomorrow but still sign is against the law. He got the sign back but now he is selling the sign at a discount. Guess if you allow one sign, no one knows what's next.

[Challenger]

Understand the 30 day decoration exception. With the great difference of opinion and bruhaha over signs it seems that we may be wandering into uncharted territory and jepordiaing other sign rules. I wonder if we would be tolerant of signs placed in yards for other religions during their holy celebrations .

[buggyone]

Understand the 30 day decoration exception. With the great difference of opinion and bruhaha over signs it seems that we may be wandering into uncharted territory and jepordiaing other sign rules. I wonder if we would be tolerant of signs placed in yards for other religions during their holy celebrations .

Why not? If the residents of that house celebrate a religious time, they certainly would be welcome to put up a sign denoting that celebration. I honestly do not think there are too many religions having a presence in The Villages except for Catholics, Protestants, and Jewish. Might be a stray Druid or two roaming around - who knows?

[graciegirl]

Why not? If the residents of that house celebrate a religious time, they certainly would be welcome to put up a sign denoting that celebration. I honestly do not think there are too many religions having a presence in The Villages except for Catholics, Protestants, and Jewish. Might be a stray Druid or two roaming around - who knows?

I agree.

[Villages PL]

I agree.

:agree:too. :ho:

[skip0358]

Agree what's fair is fair. Last I heard we're all equal.

[travelguy]

I did read in the Daily Sun a week or so ago that one of the CDD attorneys did issue an opinion regarding those "signs" about Christmas. He said they were considered Christmas decorations and not part of sign violation.

Just imagine the uproar if those Jesus Is The Reason signs were part of the sign violation policy.

I find that the religious signs are inappropriate. I grew up in an area of Pennsylvania which had various religious quotes painted on barns. I found those inappropriate also. While I am certainly a believer in free speech and free press I also am a believer that your freedoms' end where mine begin. In other words I do not have to view what you put out there, and as long as it is visible to the public from a public street it should be prohibited. And this goes for offensive bumper stickers on cars as well.:posting:

[njbchbum]

I find that the religious signs are inappropriate. I grew up in an area of Pennsylvania which had various religious quotes painted on barns. I found those inappropriate also. While I am certainly a believer in free speech and free press I also am a believer that your freedoms' end where mine begin. In other words I do not have to view what you put out there, and as long as it is visible to the public from a public street it should be prohibited. And this goes for offensive bumper stickers on cars as well.:posting:

gotta disagree with your belief...my rights are the same as your rights and my freedoms are the same as your freedoms. we simply have to respect how each other expresses them - or just ignore them. no one's rights/freedoms trump another's.

[buggyone]

I find that the religious signs are inappropriate. I grew up in an area of Pennsylvania which had various religious quotes painted on barns. I found those inappropriate also. While I am certainly a believer in free speech and free press I also am a believer that your freedoms' end where mine begin. In other words I do not have to view what you put out there, and as long as it is visible to the public from a public street it should be prohibited. And this goes for offensive bumper stickers on cars as well.:posting:

Well, this was the advisory opinion of a CDD attorney. Take it up with them if you want. :blahblahblah::blahblahblah:

[travelguy]

freedom OF religion vs freedom FROM religion.
I just don't want to hear(or see) about the beliefs of others. My core belief about religion is that it is highly personal and should be kept to oneself.

[Challenger]

I find that the religious signs are inappropriate. I grew up in an area of Pennsylvania which had various religious quotes painted on barns. I found those inappropriate also. While I am certainly a believer in free speech and free press I also am a believer that your freedoms' end where mine begin. In other words I do not have to view what you put out there, and as long as it is visible to the public from a public street it should be prohibited. And this goes for offensive bumper stickers on cars as well.:posting:

I believe that one should be able to post any sign they want on their own property if there are no covenants or restrictions that otherwise bar them.I am not opposed to the words on the sign but am opposed to th sign itself. IMO the advisory opinion is wrong and if it stands will jeapordise the enforcement of the current sign restrictions which are such a hot topic right now.

[travelguy]

so are you telling me that there should be no signs at all as according to the CCD convenants? or is it dependent on the content of the words on the signs? or can we only have sale/rent signs? i do believe that the convenants are ambiguous at best.

[pleverich]

Happy Solstice!

[pleverich]

This is the Solstice Season after all