The HOA is strictly regulated by state laws and they are incorporated into the deed you received. Additionally, you MUST acknowledge the HOA prior to closing and there is full disclosure before you sign on. There are NO surprises down the road other than to find out you got caught.
The rules are there for a reason and it ensures that some dirt bag can not come in and do as they see fit without consequence. All that I have ever seen have a lot of teeth and can lien your property for non payment of dues and levy hefty fines as well.
It is the folks who think they can thumb their nose at their neighbors and do as they see fit that have issues. It is not a matter for each of us to decide which rules apply and which don't. You buy in then play ball. You need a reasonable exception then ask for one and generally it is approved . Operative work is reasonable. Unfortunately a lot of folks are lazy and don't do their homework so it isn't a matter of paying close attention ... it is simply a matter of looking at the few pages of documents given to you before you purchase to decide if the rules are reasonable for your circumstance.
That said, I am no fan of HOA's at all and I will never live in one again. I am prudent, neat and don't need what we called the HOA Cops snooping around to see if I parked on my grass for 30 seconds or wanted to paint my home trim a different color. Not for me, but at the same time I don't care to have your dog crapping in my driveway either - so the dilemma.
