Signage & HSC Rules

This is a touchy-subject, about touchy subjects. Put a different way, I’m going to write about limiting the free expression of content that incites harsh discourse.

If we were in a normal residential area, I would not be authoring this post. Because we live in an association with By-Laws and a set of Rules & Regulations governing how we can behave, I am compelled to write this post.

I’ll start out by shielding myself with the letter of our laws by reiterating the founding documents:

This makes it very clear that we, collectively, are not allowed to express our endorsements or ridicule of any causes, politicians, public servants, groups, sports teams, or even favorite pets. It’s not just a violation to do it in the common area of the lawns and/or gardens, but it’s even prohibited in our windows where the outside world can see our expression.

In contrast to the prohibition of signage noted above, I have been told by people who have lived here much longer than I have, Board members of the past decided that signs in the windows visible to the public were to be tolerated. It doesn’t mean they aren’t tacky, or that at some point in the future a set of board members won’t decide to rescind the special dispensation of showing signs behind indoor glass.

Ignoring the outside world, signs can still have the same deleterious effect on neighbors within our community.

So have fun thinking whatever you want to think and talk about it to whoever you want, but don’t use signs to express yourself inside the confines of the Harrogate Square Condominium association property.