Most of us associate ‘Holiday Light Displays’ around Christmas time. Many Associations have Rules and Regulations regarding ‘Holiday Lights,’ which I imagine I will be discussing here again in December.  However, what do you do if your neighbor thinks ‘Holiday Light Display’ applies for Halloween?

Personally, I think the thought of a ‘Halloween Light Display’ sounds much more intriguing and interesting than the typical display one would expect to see around Christmas. However, this Owner’s display may be a bit too much. (You’ll want to scroll down to the end of the article to watch the video).

While I hope you enjoyed the video as much as I did, I doubt the neighbors within the Association enjoyed seeing (and hearing) that display on a daily basis.

 Associations can learn some things from that video.  The Article that accompanied the video stated the Association subsequently banned similar displays, but Associations can take steps to prevent displays from getting to that point and going overboard.

Below are some possible Rules an Association may consider to help maintain the aesthesis of the community, while at the same time Owners can continue to decorate their homes with Holiday Lights (which may even include Halloween Lights):

 

  • Regulate the duration lights can be displayed. For example, the Association could pass a Rule stating lights are allowed one month prior to the Holiday, and must be removed one month after the Holiday (for more minor Holidays such as Halloween, there may need to be a shorter time period);
  • Regulate the placement of lights within reason. For example, Association may consider prohibiting Owners from placing lights on the tops of their roofs;
  • Regulate the sound and music associated with Holiday Lights. While some Owners may want to set the Holiday Lights to music or sound, the Association could prohibit the use of sound that could be heard from neighboring Lots.

Before an Association considers adopting any Rules or Regulations, the Association should carefully look at its governing documents to adhere to the proper procedure for adopting Rules or Regulations.

Everyone at Mulcahy Law Firm P.C. hopes that everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!