Who wants to be a holiday Scrooge?

 

For many property owners, October and November means it's time to start putting up holiday decorations both inside and outside their homes.  For some, ‘decking the hall with boughs of holly’ is a way to get into the holiday spirit!

 

The Villages at Lafayette Park Property Owners Association would like to take the “Ba Humbug” out of the holiday discourse.  However, with all diligence, we are always looking out for the whole community!

 

Let Reason Rule

 

Within reason, the POA’s focus is on the size and timing of holiday displays and lights. In the spirit of the holidays, some may express more exuberance than others.  Then, there are those who may erect over-exuberant Christmas displays.  For example, bright and noisy Christmas displays may make neighbors gnash their teeth for an entire month. A ghastly and noisy Halloween display may be a hit among neighborhood children, and it most likely be at its peak creepiness and spooky-music strength for only one night—when kids are trick-or-treating.  However, neighbors may or may not be filled with much spooky enthusiasm.

 

Consider what's too much. Our POA rules identify when holiday lights and displays may be put up and must be taken down, such as no sooner than 30 days before the holiday and no later than ten days afterward. There are restrictions on the scope of the display.  For example, places on which lights may be hung, such as along the roof line, front door and front windows.  For more information, please refer to the POA Covenant Architectural Section 9.4 b iii.

  

 

Consider thy Neighbor

 

As a holiday observer, you may want to remember roof-anchored displays are not allowed, such as inflatable Santa’s and reindeer. And let’s not forget sound restrictions. We would encourage all sound elements to be restricted during certain hours, say from 10 PM to 7 AM, so that neighbors don't complain about being bombarded with holiday music while they're trying to sleep.

 

Holiday Lights & Displays

 

When it comes to holiday lights and displays, it’s not always easy to define what's over-the-top until the homeowner goes there.  That's why it is appropriate for the Architectural Review Board to approve (or disapprove) holiday displays. That way, if there are features that the POA never anticipated, and if it violates the covenant rules, the ARB (Architecture Review Board) may ask a resident to modify or remove over lighting or inappropriate displays.

 

Remember the Spirit

 

Though it's important for the POA to retain its aesthetic integrity for the community it serves, we will always choose to revel in the spirit of the season. Most of our homeowners are active and good neighbors throughout the year and we would rather spread goodwill not only during the holidays, but year-round.

 

Other Considerations

 

Outside of holiday décor, we require our community to abide by the Villages POA Covenant concerning the following:

• Yard art

• House art

• Decals

• Craft décor

• Yard signage (“For Sale”, Construction, etc.)

 

Please see: Article 9, section (i), page-27.  Click on the “Documents & Forms” tab to view.