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#1
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What defines a tree?
OK, so there was a 40' elm tree in my backyard... quite dead, I can
assure you. No leaves on any branches for 2 years. So I had it removed. Opened my mail today to find a ticket for $250 from the H.A. for not asking permission before I cut it down. And, although there are a few extenuating circumstances that would probably cause the DA to not prosecute if this were Law and Order - my H.A. seems to be particularly stupid with respect to common sense if they can squeeze someone for $$$. So - I ask you. Is a dead tree still a tree, or is it merely a big stick of decaying wood upended in the dirt? At what point does a tree cease to become a tree, and become firewood? |
#2
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Matt wrote:
At what point does a tree cease to become a tree, and become firewood? It's always a tree. Sometimes a dead tree, but nonetheless a tree. Here in my little community the city requires a permit before you can remove a tree, dead or alive. They have been known to require the planting of new trees before they will approve even a dead tree removal permit. The result: people leave the dead tree until it falls down on utility lines, and then the power company cuts it down. Apparently the utility company can remove trees without a permit. Or maybe they just pay the fines. Your government in action. |
#3
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Hmmmmm. I disagree. If something dies, then certainly it becomes
something else. If an old human dies, he/she is no longer a human - he/she is a corpse. An example: If a car were double parked, with a live 40 year old behind the wheel, who gets the ticket? Now, replace the 40 year old with a corpse. Who gets the ticket now? A dead tree cannot be considered a tree; it is a pile of wood waiting to collapse. IMHO. But, live tree or not, there are lots of trees on my humble lot. Reading through the H.A. rules tonight, I noticed there aren't any regulations about pruning a tree. If I should start pruning a tree, and keep trimming, trying to achieve a balanced look, and then ... suddenly notice that there aren't any branches left, but simply an oversized stick stuck in the dirt..... did I cut down a tree? I think not. |
#4
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On 4 Jun 2005 17:28:26 -0700, "Matt" wrote:
If I should start pruning a tree, and keep trimming, trying to achieve a balanced look, and then ... suddenly notice that there aren't any branches left, but simply an oversized stick stuck in the dirt..... did I cut down a tree? I think not. In this case tell them you didn't cut down the tree. You simply pruned off the dead material :-) |
#5
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Yes, Exactly!
And I'm sure all the highbrows will be thrilled to see the 5 big sticks stuck in the dirt as they walk by. And when they ask what happened... I will tell the truth. I cut down the one tree because it was dead, and it cost me $250. In order to keep the other trees from dying, and the associated $250 fine - I pruned them back a small amount. |
#6
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CAN I GET AN AMEN?
TY. |
#7
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Matt wrote: OK, so there was a 40' elm tree in my backyard... quite dead, I can assure you. No leaves on any branches for 2 years. So I had it removed. Opened my mail today to find a ticket for $250 from the H.A. for not asking permission before I cut it down. And, although there are a few extenuating circumstances that would probably cause the DA to not prosecute if this were Law and Order - my H.A. seems to be particularly stupid with respect to common sense if they can squeeze someone for $$$. So - I ask you. Is a dead tree still a tree, or is it merely a big stick of decaying wood upended in the dirt? At what point does a tree cease to become a tree, and become firewood? A tree is still a tree, even if it falls down when nobody is listening. Read your HA documents - they print them for a good reason. It's a stiff penalty, but it is probably written in the documents. If the tree was dead before your purchased your home, you might have a chance if you wrote the HA and told them it was a hazard and should have been removed long ago. Or, let them put a lien on your house and die before you pay it ) In Florida, HA's and condominiums have a different set of laws, and individual HA's or condo assns then each have their own declarations, bylaws, blah, blah, blah. I believe there is a per-incident limit on fines in Florida; wouldn't hurt to check out the law where you are. Cheaper to pay than fight, unless you are absolutely assured of winning. Loser pays legal fees here. |
#8
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clipped But, live tree or not, there are lots of trees on my humble lot. Reading through the H.A. rules tonight, I noticed there aren't any regulations about pruning a tree. If I should start pruning a tree, and keep trimming, trying to achieve a balanced look, and then ... suddenly notice that there aren't any That's a code violation where I live. branches left, but simply an oversized stick stuck in the dirt..... did I cut down a tree? I think not. |
#9
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Matt wrote:
Hmmmmm. I disagree. If something dies, then certainly it becomes something else. Yea, a dead tree. In this case, I would guess that the reason for the law would determine if a dead tree would be included. If the permit was required to assure that the tree was safely removed without falling on a neighbor's car, then dead or live I would think you would need a permit. On the other hand if the only reason for the permit was to control what trees were removed or demand replacement, then maybe a dead tree might not be included. -- Joseph Meehan Dia duit |
#11
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Matt, 6/4/2005, 7:28:49 PM, wrote:
OK, so there was a 40' elm tree in my backyard... quite dead, I can assure you. No leaves on any branches for 2 years. So I had it removed. Opened my mail today to find a ticket for $250 from the H.A. for not asking permission before I cut it down. And, although there are a few extenuating circumstances that would probably cause the DA to not prosecute if this were Law and Order - my H.A. seems to be particularly stupid with respect to common sense if they can squeeze someone for $$$. So - I ask you. Is a dead tree still a tree, or is it merely a big stick of decaying wood upended in the dirt? At what point does a tree cease to become a tree, and become firewood? This is why I will never own a home in a neighborhood that has a Homeowner's Association. I don't need someone telling me how to maintain my house and what color it should be. However, based upon the rationalizations I hear coming from you I can understand why they have done this. You would be better off going to the board pleading ignorance and asking for forgiveness. Something tells me that you have ****ed them off in the past and this is how they are coming back at you. -- No matter what happens someone will find a way to take it too seriously. |
#12
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Sorry, golfer****head; the voices in your head are lying to you again.
I spent $120,000 bringing this house up to par, reversing the last 20 years of neglect. |
#13
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"Matt" wrote in message oups.com... That's a code violation where I live. I have a master tree trimmer license. So do I. It was made by Stihl. I wonder why people voluntarily move to areas of the United Soviet Socialist Homeowners in the first place. Uncle Nikita will review your request to trim the dead tree on your property. Mr. Gorbachev called, he said your garage door is open. |
#14
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I hear ya, Ed, I hear ya.
I moved here to get away from people like me, I suppose. |
#15
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Matt, 6/4/2005, 10:26:39 PM, wrote:
Sorry, golfer****head; the voices in your head are lying to you again. You have just proved my point. -- No matter what happens someone will find a way to take it too seriously. |
#16
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What, that you are a pompous, horse's ass?
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#17
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In article .com, "Matt" wrote:
I hear ya, Ed, I hear ya. I moved here to get away from people like me, I suppose. It'll never work. -- Regards, Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com) Nobody ever left footprints in the sands of time by sitting on his butt. And who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time? |
#18
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It'll never work.
Yep. Reminds me of you. |
#19
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Matt, 6/4/2005, 10:35:48 PM, wrote:
What, that you are a pompous, horse's ass? You must wonder why people pick on you all the time. You ought to run for the President of the Homeowner's Association. Your personality is perfect for the job. -- No matter what happens someone will find a way to take it too seriously. |
#20
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You must wonder why people pick on you all the time. You ought to run
for the President of the Homeowner's Association. Your personality is perfect for the job. Wrong again, badgolfer****head. No one 'picks' on me. Your terminology is funny though. Best as I can recall "picking on someone' was something that happened in grade school. Get back on the short bus, Son. |
#21
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Matt, 6/4/2005, 11:13:32 PM, wrote:
You must wonder why people pick on you all the time. You ought to run for the President of the Homeowner's Association. Your personality is perfect for the job. Wrong again, badgolfer****head. No one 'picks' on me. Your terminology is funny though. Best as I can recall "picking on someone' was something that happened in grade school. Get back on the short bus, Son. The fact remains you have been fined for cutting down a tree on your own property by a bunch of people you gave the power to do that. The method of communication you are using with me will certainly not provide any relief if you use it on them. If it makes you feel better to insult me go ahead, I'm not the one forking out $250 to some pinheads for not asking their permission to do some yard work. Hey, make sure you cut the grass before they send the sheriff out to get you! -- No matter what happens someone will find a way to take it too seriously. |
#22
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The fact remains you have been fined for cutting down a tree on your
own property by a bunch of people you gave the power to do that. The method of communication you are using with me will certainly not provide any relief if you use it on them. If it makes you feel better to insult me go ahead, I'm not the one forking out $250 to some pinheads for not asking their permission to do some yard work. Hey, make sure you cut the grass before they send the sheriff out to get you! You get out of the house much, golfer****head? Never mind, that was a dumb question. Hey - I hear your mommy yelling for ya! |
#23
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Edwin Pawlowski wrote: "Matt" wrote in message oups.com... That's a code violation where I live. I have a master tree trimmer license. So do I. It was made by Stihl. I wonder why people voluntarily move to areas of the United Soviet Socialist Homeowners in the first place. Uncle Nikita will review your request to trim the dead tree on your property. Mr. Gorbachev called, he said your garage door is open. Gosh....every city in the US of A has gone commie, I guess. Just because I spent $500,000 on my dream shack and I don't want a neighbor raising hogs in the back yard. Nyet! |
#24
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Someone wrote:
This is why I will never own a home in a neighborhood that has a Homeowner's Association. I don't need someone telling me how to maintain my house and what color it should be. Our sympathy: maybe over regulation? In the name of 'Preserving property values'! Following is possibly a myth? But; Story few years ago (in the UK?) that a local authority, or whoever, 'got after' a certain homeowner to paint his somewhat neglected house. He did. In many varied colours: Purple, yellow, green, orange etc. and using combinations of stripes, chequered patterns and polka dots. Very 'colourful' it was said. Local authority were apparently not impressed; but the homeowner had complied with the order to paint! BTW. Good luck down there in "The land of the Free and the Brave". Because I gather there even are US residential areas where external TV or radio antenna/aerials are not allowed; but that flagpoles are? Trusting that in accordance with "Due respect be paid to any/all national flags" etc. flags are respectfully lowered, folded and stored at sunset. Also that flags do not flap and cause a 'noise nuisance' during the evening and night time hours? TV and other antenna being essentially quiet. |
#25
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clipped This is why I will never own a home in a neighborhood that has a Homeowner's Association. I don't need someone telling me how to maintain my house and what color it should be. However, based upon the rationalizations I hear coming from you I can understand why they have done this. You would be better off going to the board pleading ignorance and asking for forgiveness. Something tells me that you have ****ed them off in the past and this is how they are coming back at you. I will not ever be a strong advocate of HA's or condo associations, BUT...I have lived next to neighbors who raised rabbits and chickens in their back yard and piled all of the refuse ever owned along the property line. So, every setting has drawbacks ) And almost every condo board has a goon who will do as they wish until someone removes or objects often enough and strongly enough. Right/wrong, good/bad, feasible/idiotic, or economical/wasteful often have nothing to do with decisions. Absolute power........ We have a board member who likes to turn on sprinklers when people are in the yard. Who assaulted me for turning it off. Don't believe it? Why are they still on the board? It has to do, probably, with property values, how the board votes on remodelling or approving new purchasers, who gets in without a credit check, and how tough they get with delinquent monthly assessments ) Oh, and I ran across a semi-definition (is that a word?) of "tree", which described one as a self-supporting, straight woody stem with clear trunk of at least 10' blah, blah, blah. And when it comes to house colors, I drive by a bright purple house once in a while. Don't mind seeing it. Would it drive me wild if I lived next door? Don't know ) Bright pink should be outlawed. |
#26
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clipped
That is why it is important to buy land in the right place. Do a little snooping. Find out what the neighbors have and what the town zoning (if they have any) allows. Also find out whether the municipality ENFORCES their code. We have zoning to take care of the potential major issues, but I don't need approval on my house color, I can leave my garage door open while I'm working around the garden or in my shop, I can have overnight guests park on the street all night with no permission. Basic courtesy takes care of most problems. Basic courtesy? I remember that. |
#27
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clipped
BTW. Good luck down there in "The land of the Free and the Brave". Because I gather there even are US residential areas where external TV or radio antenna/aerials are not allowed; but that flagpoles are? Florida had enough flag/antenna battles that they finally passed a law, at least as applies in condo's. In condo's, one flag, and the right to have TV antenna. Now, our little satellite dish must face the southern sky and in the forseeable future a tree with grow enough to block it's view. So....... Trusting that in accordance with "Due respect be paid to any/all national flags" etc. flags are respectfully lowered, folded and stored at sunset. Also that flags do not flap and cause a 'noise nuisance' during the evening and night time hours? TV and other antenna being essentially quiet. There recently was an article about some folks in a mobile-home park with a long term, running skirmish. One has lights and cameras directed at neighbor, and the neighbor has all kinds of flags and windsocks. One of them will probably become exasperated enough, some day, to have a heart attack and die. Otherwise, no end in sight ) |
#28
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BTW. Good luck down there in "The land of the Free and the Brave". Because I
gather there even are US residential areas where external TV or radio antenna/aerials are not allowed; but that flagpoles are? A Brit poking sticks at US freedoms? That's a good one. Perhaps you'd like to comment on the following, my limey friend: 'Each of Britain's 24 million vehicles would be tracked by satellite if a variable "pay-as-you-drive" charge replaces the current road tax.' http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/tra...p?story=644303 |
#29
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On 06/05/05 12:03 pm Matt tossed the following ingredients into the
ever-growing pot of cybersoup: BTW. Good luck down there in "The land of the Free and the Brave". Because I gather there even are US residential areas where external TV or radio antenna/aerials are not allowed; but that flagpoles are? A Brit poking sticks at US freedoms? That's a good one. Perhaps you'd like to comment on the following, my limey friend: 'Each of Britain's 24 million vehicles would be tracked by satellite if a variable "pay-as-you-drive" charge replaces the current road tax.' http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/tra...p?story=644303 At least they're only talking about charging so much per mile at peak times. I've driven on roads in the USA where I pay accrding to the distance I travel at *all* times; they are called toll roads, and include the NY Thruway and the Ohio Turnpike. It sounds like a great idea. Perce |
#30
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In article , "Percival P. Cassidy" wrote:
On 06/05/05 12:03 pm Matt tossed the following ingredients into the ever-growing pot of cybersoup: Perhaps you'd like to comment on the following, my limey friend: 'Each of Britain's 24 million vehicles would be tracked by satellite if a variable "pay-as-you-drive" charge replaces the current road tax.' http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/tra...p?story=644303 At least they're only talking about charging so much per mile at peak times. I've driven on roads in the USA where I pay accrding to the distance I travel at *all* times; they are called toll roads, and include the NY Thruway and the Ohio Turnpike. It sounds like a great idea. You don't get it, do you? The point isn't how much they charge, or how they compute it, but rather that the national government would be tracking the location and movements of every private vehicle 24x7. If the Brits see nothing wrong with that... well, that's why we're citizens, and they're subjects. -- Regards, Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com) Nobody ever left footprints in the sands of time by sitting on his butt. And who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time? |
#31
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On 06/05/05 12:34 pm Doug Miller tossed the following ingredients into
the ever-growing pot of cybersoup: Perhaps you'd like to comment on the following, my limey friend: 'Each of Britain's 24 million vehicles would be tracked by satellite if a variable "pay-as-you-drive" charge replaces the current road tax.' http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/tra...p?story=644303 At least they're only talking about charging so much per mile at peak times. I've driven on roads in the USA where I pay accrding to the distance I travel at *all* times; they are called toll roads, and include the NY Thruway and the Ohio Turnpike. It sounds like a great idea. You don't get it, do you? The point isn't how much they charge, or how they compute it, but rather that the national government would be tracking the location and movements of every private vehicle 24x7. If the Brits see nothing wrong with that... well, that's why we're citizens, and they're subjects. When I lived in NT and had an EZPass transponder on my vehicle, various govt. authorities could track my movements: the thing worked not only in NY but in NJ and MA as well. Brits may complain about the particular government that's in power at any given time, but (unlike many Americans, ISTM) they do not usually fear government as an institution as such. Sure, George III was a bad ruler, but he would have died in due course. Perce |
#32
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On 06/05/05 12:50 pm Percival P. Cassidy tossed the following
ingredients into the ever-growing pot of cybersoup: On 06/05/05 12:34 pm Doug Miller tossed the following ingredients into the ever-growing pot of cybersoup: Perhaps you'd like to comment on the following, my limey friend: 'Each of Britain's 24 million vehicles would be tracked by satellite if a variable "pay-as-you-drive" charge replaces the current road tax.' http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/tra...p?story=644303 At least they're only talking about charging so much per mile at peak times. I've driven on roads in the USA where I pay accrding to the distance I travel at *all* times; they are called toll roads, and include the NY Thruway and the Ohio Turnpike. It sounds like a great idea. You don't get it, do you? The point isn't how much they charge, or how they compute it, but rather that the national government would be tracking the location and movements of every private vehicle 24x7. If the Brits see nothing wrong with that... well, that's why we're citizens, and they're subjects. When I lived in NT and had an EZPass transponder on my vehicle, various Make that "When I lived in *NY* and . . . " govt. authorities could track my movements: the thing worked not only in NY but in NJ and MA as well. Brits may complain about the particular government that's in power at any given time, but (unlike many Americans, ISTM) they do not usually fear government as an institution as such. Sure, George III was a bad ruler, but he would have died in due course. Perce |
#33
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"Percival P. Cassidy" wrote in message When I lived in NT and had an EZPass transponder on my vehicle, various govt. authorities could track my movements: the thing worked not only in NY but in NJ and MA as well. And in PA, MD, DE and lots of other places now. Th EZ Pass is a volantury system. It is ot being used to track people on a regular basis. If you don't like the idea, just pay the tolls at the booth. Yes, we are giving a "potential" for abuse, but until that happens, I like the benefit. -- Ed http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/ |
#34
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Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
"Percival P. Cassidy" wrote in message When I lived in NT and had an EZPass transponder on my vehicle, various govt. authorities could track my movements: the thing worked not only in NY but in NJ and MA as well. And in PA, MD, DE and lots of other places now. Th EZ Pass is a volantury system. It is ot being used to track people on a regular basis. If you don't like the idea, just pay the tolls at the booth. Sort of. To coerce people into using the transponders, Illinois has doubled the cash toll; i.e. where your transponder clicks off 40 cents, the cash lanes charge eighty cents. I have responded by avoiding the toll roads. And, miracle of miracles, it's really cost me extremely little in extra time or mileage (provided I plan my route sanely). -- I miss my .signature. |
#35
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If you're in Florida, the Homeowners Association is required to have a
separate committee for appeals to homeowner fines. Perhaps in your state there's the same capability. If so, you should be able to go to the appeals committee and tell them that you removed the tree because it was dead and a hazard, and that the logical alternative was to leave it standing (and unsightly) until it fell on something, for which you would have been liable. The real question, though, is what do the Association documents and rules require. Prior notice of any landscaping changes? Approval for contractor to enter the subdivision? A good board can't let a violation of the rules go by without taking action, because it creates precedents for others to ignore rules. That's something you signed on for when you joined a Homeowner's Association. And -- eventually -- why we moved OUT of a homeowners' association community to a better area. Regards -- "Matt" wrote in message oups.com... OK, so there was a 40' elm tree in my backyard... quite dead, I can assure you. No leaves on any branches for 2 years. So I had it removed. Opened my mail today to find a ticket for $250 from the H.A. for not asking permission before I cut it down. And, although there are a few extenuating circumstances that would probably cause the DA to not prosecute if this were Law and Order - my H.A. seems to be particularly stupid with respect to common sense if they can squeeze someone for $$$. So - I ask you. Is a dead tree still a tree, or is it merely a big stick of decaying wood upended in the dirt? At what point does a tree cease to become a tree, and become firewood? |
#36
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"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message ... "Norminn" wrote in message Gosh....every city in the US of A has gone commie, I guess. Just because I spent $500,000 on my dream shack and I don't want a neighbor raising hogs in the back yard. Nyet! That is why it is important to buy land in the right place. Do a little snooping. Find out what the neighbors have and what the town zoning (if they have any) allows. We have zoning to take care of the potential major issues, but I don't need approval on my house color, I can leave my garage door open while I'm working around the garden or in my shop, I can have overnight guests park on the street all night with no permission. Basic courtesy takes care of most problems. We **** in our lawns here! |
#37
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On Sun 05 Jun 2005 06:16:42a, Terry wrote in alt.home.repair:
Someone wrote: This is why I will never own a home in a neighborhood that has a Homeowner's Association. I don't need someone telling me how to maintain my house and what color it should be. Our sympathy: maybe over regulation? In the name of 'Preserving property values'! Following is possibly a myth? But; Story few years ago (in the UK?) that a local authority, or whoever, 'got after' a certain homeowner to paint his somewhat neglected house. He did. In many varied colours: Purple, yellow, green, orange etc. and using combinations of stripes, chequered patterns and polka dots. Very 'colourful' it was said. Local authority were apparently not impressed; but the homeowner had complied with the order to paint! BTW. Good luck down there in "The land of the Free and the Brave". Because I gather there even are US residential areas where external TV or radio antenna/aerials are not allowed; but that flagpoles are? Trusting that in accordance with "Due respect be paid to any/all national flags" etc. flags are respectfully lowered, folded and stored at sunset. Also that flags do not flap and cause a 'noise nuisance' during the evening and night time hours? TV and other antenna being essentially quiet. Three stories come to mind. The first, when we lived in a rather upscale gated community in NE Ohio, we installed a very tasteful solid copper weathervane on our chimney. Almost immediately we received a notice from the HOA that we had to remove it. A thorough reading of all the HOA documents revealed that weathervanes were not covered by any regulation. We did discover, however, that television and radio antennas were covered and allowed, up to a size approximately 10 times the size of our weathervane. The easiest response to the HOA was that we would agreeably remove the weathervane, and would install in its place a 15 foot tall television antenna of a rather complex design. We were quickly advised to leave the weathervane in place. The second was in the same community, the HOA allowed only one home per street or cul-de-sac to have an installed flagpole. The third involves a lovely 1920s vintage two-story frame home with double front porches in a nearby neighborhood. The homes and streets lined with huge old trees are picturesque and evoke another era. The house involved was on a prominent corner lot. At one point it was put up for sale and purchased fairly soon afterward. A few months later I happened to drive through the area and discovered that the house had been painted a vivid lavender with bright yellow trim and shutters. It soom came to be known as the "Easter Egg House", and has remained that color for over 20 years. There is no HOA, nor any local code or regulation that could force the owner to repaint the house in a more suitable color scheme. -- Wayne Boatwright *¿* ____________________________________________ Give me a smart idiot over a stupid genius any day. Sam Goldwyn, 1882-1974 |
#38
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On 6 Jun 2005 07:51:59 +0200, Wayne Boatwright
wrote: The third involves a lovely 1920s vintage two-story frame home with double front porches in a nearby neighborhood. The homes and streets lined with huge old trees are picturesque and evoke another era. The house involved was on a prominent corner lot. At one point it was put up for sale and purchased fairly soon afterward. A few months later I happened to drive through the area and discovered that the house had been painted a vivid lavender with bright yellow trim and shutters. It soom came to be known as the "Easter Egg House", and has remained that color for over 20 years. There is no HOA, nor any local code or regulation that could force the owner to repaint the house in a more suitable color scheme. My friend's old house on a shady street with cute Dutch Colonials and adorable cottages, has been recently painted fluorescent mustard by the new owners. I assume they wanted to express their individuality and make a statement, and were not satisfied doing so on the interior. Ironically, they are not even the ones who have to look at it from their windows; the people across the street do. Sue(tm) Lead me not into temptation... I can find it myself! |
#39
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On Mon 06 Jun 2005 05:07:37a, Curly Sue wrote in alt.home.repair:
On 6 Jun 2005 07:51:59 +0200, Wayne Boatwright wrote: The third involves a lovely 1920s vintage two-story frame home with double front porches in a nearby neighborhood. The homes and streets lined with huge old trees are picturesque and evoke another era. The house involved was on a prominent corner lot. At one point it was put up for sale and purchased fairly soon afterward. A few months later I happened to drive through the area and discovered that the house had been painted a vivid lavender with bright yellow trim and shutters. It soom came to be known as the "Easter Egg House", and has remained that color for over 20 years. There is no HOA, nor any local code or regulation that could force the owner to repaint the house in a more suitable color scheme. My friend's old house on a shady street with cute Dutch Colonials and adorable cottages, has been recently painted fluorescent mustard by the new owners. I assume they wanted to express their individuality and make a statement, and were not satisfied doing so on the interior. Ironically, they are not even the ones who have to look at it from their windows; the people across the street do. Sue(tm) Lead me not into temptation... I can find it myself! Clearly there is no accounting for taste! -- Wayne Boatwright *¿* ____________________________________________ Give me a smart idiot over a stupid genius any day. Sam Goldwyn, 1882-1974 |
#40
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Matt wrote:
OK, so there was a 40' elm tree in my backyard... quite dead, I can assure you. No leaves on any branches for 2 years. So I had it removed. Opened my mail today to find a ticket for $250 from the H.A. for not asking permission before I cut it down. And, although there are a few extenuating circumstances that would probably cause the DA to not prosecute if this were Law and Order - my H.A. seems to be particularly stupid with respect to common sense if they can squeeze someone for $$$. So - I ask you. Is a dead tree still a tree, or is it merely a big stick of decaying wood upended in the dirt? At what point does a tree cease to become a tree, and become firewood? Simple. A tree is a tree whether it is growing or dead. Write a letter that tells them that you had the tree removed for safety reasons because of immediate danger. Tell them that you will pay the fine if they are in favor of dangerous situations and don't care about safety to neighbors and negiborhood kids. |
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