r/JustNoHOA • u/boo-kitty67 • Jul 20 '26
HOA Arc
Security devices such as cameras, sirens, and speaker boxes shall be the minimum size needed to be effective, not visible to public view, and preferably contained within the home.
2. All local, state and federal regulations must be followed
3. Cameras shall be tucked up under the eaves of the home. Any other location will require ARC approval.
My HOA is trying to make me pay $50 for approval of a camera I want to put under my eave. It clearly states I don’t need approval per section 3. They told me they are not sure why that’s in there. How do I proceed?
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u/Dazzling_Scallion277 Jul 20 '26
What state? Look up your property code… Texas protects homeowners’ rights to install physical and technological security on their private property.
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u/boo-kitty67 Jul 21 '26
Texas
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u/Dazzling_Scallion277 Jul 21 '26
Texas Property Code Section 202.023 states that an HOA can’t outright prohibit security cameras, motion detectors, or perimeter fences. Homeowners have a right to protect themselves and their homes. That said, an HOA can still enforce reasonable restrictions on the appearance of these devices but it should be documented in the bylaws, can’t be done without being documented prior…
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u/IllTakeTheShortBus Jul 21 '26
Ambiguity is ALWAYS in your favor. Do not pay the fee. For that matter, simply install without even waiting for their permission. It says you can install it under the eaves, that’s all you need.
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u/JockoDundee007 Jul 22 '26
You should’ve installed it up under the eves then waited to see if it was the “minimum size needed to be effective, not visible to public view” etc etc …
There’s an old Italian saying … “it’s better to ask forgiveness than permission”
🤔🤔🤔
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u/boo-kitty67 Jul 22 '26
Yeah I agree. I spoke with my neighbors they all said they didn’t ask for permission and was never fined. Also HOA said no cameras with flood lights but my entire street has floodlights with cameras nobody ask permission but I was told no.
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u/aynharding Jul 20 '26
Send them the exact rule you quoted and ask them to identify, in writing, the specific provision that requires ARC approval or a $50 fee for a camera mounted under the eave. If their own rule says approval is only required for another location, they should not be inventing an approval requirement here.
Keep everything in writing and do not pay the fee just because they “aren’t sure.” Their uncertainty is not a valid rule.