[ping]

I'm a "one year" newbie to the Villages. Before purchasing I was made aware that most areas had a ban on yard decorations....unless seasonal holiday displays. When I moved into my Village, I noticed a few homes had discreet, tasteful ornaments in their front yards....a decorative frog, statue or gazing ball. I thought (yes, without checking the restrictions) it was ok for my area. Apparently it was because no one complained. However, when I arrived last month and put out a small 2ft tall mermaid...well she was not out there a week before I got a knock on my door from Community Standards. My area was restricted, mermaid was to be moved. Standards claims that infractions are only in forced if there was a complaint! That's when I noticed that the frog, statue, and gazing ball had also been removed. Apparently a lot of complaints! Now, your opinion please....these things had been displayed for years before I moved in.....neighborhood residents hadn't changed too much...So my question is: did Community Standards respond to an actual "complaint" or do they think they are the Community "Police" bent on in forcing the rules. Just wondering?

[downeaster]

Originally Posted by pting

I'm a "one year" newbie to the Villages. Before purchasing I was made aware that most areas had a ban on yard decorations....unless seasonal holiday displays. When I moved into my Village, I noticed a few homes had discreet, tasteful ornaments in their front yards....a decorative frog, statue or gazing ball. I thought (yes, without checking the restrictions) it was ok for my area. Apparently it was because no one complained. However, when I arrived last month and put out a small 2ft tall mermaid...well she was not out there a week before I got a knock on my door from Community Standards. My area was restricted, mermaid was to be moved. Standards claims that infractions are only in forced if there was a complaint! That's when I noticed that the frog, statue, and gazing ball had also been removed. Apparently a lot of complaints! Now, your opinion please....these things had been displayed for years before I moved in.....neighborhood residents hadn't changed too much...So my question is: did Community Standards respond to an actual "complaint" or do they think they are the Community "Police" bent on in forcing the rules. Just wondering?

As far as I know there are no "Community Police". Anyone can contact (anonymous) Community Standards to notify them of a possible infraction. This is the system and it is what will all live by.

BTW standards differ among areas not necessarily defined by District boundaries. Check the deed restrictions you agreed to when you closed on your property.

[Jim 9922]

Originally Posted by pting

much...So my question is: did Community Standards respond to an actual "complaint" or do they think they are the Community "Police" bent on in forcing the rules. Just wondering?

You got busted by a self appointed "Troll Patrol". Too bad people don't have more to do than worry about the neighbors' lawns.
Fortunately we live in an area where decorations are allowed, and IMHO most of them are not too objectionable and if done in reasonable taste usually adds a little personality to the neighborhood. Compare your decorations to the wild things that appear all over The Villages at Christmas when apparently it's open season on whatever Sam's Club, or whoever, is selling this year, or worse. But it's enjoyable to see anyway, lasts about a month, and goes away. That's part of the fun in The Villages.
As for your problem, it is my understanding there is little restriction on what is placed near the house under the eves or in the back yard far from the prying eyes of the "Troll Patrol"

[redwitch]

They really don't do anything unless someone complains. The complainant could have been a neighbor, someone on an adjoining street or, sadly, someone just driving by. Regardless, if your C&Rs say no lawn ornaments, that really does mean no lawn ornaments. If you'd like to have your mermaid, there are neighborhoods where it would be allowed. The further south you go, the more restrictive the rules are, up to and including backyard items.

[raynan]

Put her in your entryway or anywhere under an eave and you'll be in compliance. We had one neighbor who didn't get along with anyone and they drove around and made a list of all house numbers that had lawn ornaments and filed a complaint. Everyone got a knock on the door. Thank God they moved to NC.

[DonH57]

Originally Posted by Jim 9922

You got busted by a self appointed "Troll Patrol". Too bad people don't have more to do than worry about the neighbors' lawns.
Fortunately we live in an area where decorations are allowed, and IMHO most of them are not too objectionable and if done in reasonable taste usually adds a little personality to the neighborhood. Compare your decorations to the wild things that appear all over The Villages at Christmas when apparently it's open season on whatever Sam's Club, or whoever, is selling this year, or worse. But it's enjoyable to see anyway, lasts about a month, and goes away. That's part of the fun in The Villages.
As for your problem, it is my understanding there is little restriction on what is placed near the house under the eves or in the back yard far from the prying eyes of the "Troll Patrol"

" Troll Patrol ". That's an excellent way of putting it. A great reason I'm happy about the neighbors and village we picked.

[Sandtrap328]

Originally Posted by pting

I'm a "one year" newbie to the Villages. Before purchasing I was made aware that most areas had a ban on yard decorations....unless seasonal holiday displays. When I moved into my Village, I noticed a few homes had discreet, tasteful ornaments in their front yards....a decorative frog, statue or gazing ball. I thought (yes, without checking the restrictions) it was ok for my area. Apparently it was because no one complained. However, when I arrived last month and put out a small 2ft tall mermaid...well she was not out there a week before I got a knock on my door from Community Standards. My area was restricted, mermaid was to be moved. Standards claims that infractions are only in forced if there was a complaint! That's when I noticed that the frog, statue, and gazing ball had also been removed. Apparently a lot of complaints! Now, your opinion please....these things had been displayed for years before I moved in.....neighborhood residents hadn't changed too much...So my question is: did Community Standards respond to an actual "complaint" or do they think they are the Community "Police" bent on in forcing the rules. Just wondering?

All of the actions are complaint driven. Obviously, at least one person did not appreciate lawn decorations - and thought all residents should abide by the covenants and restrictions they had signed off when buying in the community.

North of 466, there are not the lawn ornament restrictions. No one has anything that could be offensive. People seem to love my flock of pink flamingoes!

[DougB]

Yes, different areas have different restrictions. But I believe all of The Villages from one corner to the next has restrictions on mermaid ornaments.

[Chi-Town]

Originally Posted by DougB

Yes, different areas have different restrictions. But I believe all of The Villages from one corner to the next has restrictions on mermaid ornaments.

Even the topless ones? [emoji6]

[downeaster]

Originally Posted by Sandtrap328

All of the actions are complaint driven. Obviously, at least one person did not appreciate lawn decorations - and thought all residents should abide by the covenants and restrictions they had signed off when buying in the community.

North of 466, there are not the lawn ornament restrictions. No one has anything that could be offensive. People seem to love my flock of pink flamingoes!

There are lawn ornament restrictions in some units north of 466. To check on a particular area go to: Village Community Development Districts.

Unit number can be found on individual Villages ID card.

[graciegirl]

I LOVE deed restrictions.

I chose this place partially because it had deed restrictions.

I love ARC.

[lamplighter]

Come to Alhambra...I'm pretty sure a Mrs Kravitz doesn't live here and if she does, we have been so welcoming to her she has become joyful like the rest of us.

[rubicon]

"Community Police" "Troll Patrol" thank you. One of my biggest fears living here is that the promises made concerning deed restrictions would go by the wayside.

I don't wish to offend but quite honestly I have driven past some front yards north of 466 and well was glad that I live south of 466.

Keep it going patrol

[Vladimir]

Originally Posted by rubicon

"Community Police" "Troll Patrol" thank you. One of my biggest fears living here is that the promises made concerning deed restrictions would go by the wayside.

I don't wish to offend but quite honestly I have driven past some front yards north of 466 and well was glad that I live south of 466.

Keep it going patrol

I agree...If I did not like the deed restrictions I would not have moved here, and so, a big reason I moved here is because the front yards were restricted and things are neat and orderly.

[DonH57]

Originally Posted by lamplighter

Come to Alhambra...I'm pretty sure a Mrs Kravitz doesn't live here and if she does, we have been so welcoming to her she has become joyful like the rest of us.

LOL. Mrs. Kravitz. That's pretty funny.