Article VI: The Right to Individual Autonomy

Homeowners shall not surrender any essential rights of individual autonomy because they live in a common-interest community. Homeowners shall have the right to peaceful advocacy during elections and other votes as well as use of common areas.

Signs and Flags:

Homeowners have the right to display noncommercial signs or flags as well as for sale signs on their property. The association shall also not forbid any display of reasonable-sized signs relating to an election. Signs of election held by a community, government, or association must be held to three months prior to the election.

Neighbor Contacts:

Homeowners can peacefully visit, petition, telephone, or contact their neighbors. A declaration can set reasonable restrictions to permits some weekday afternoon and weekend hour contact is it so chooses.

Peaceful Assembly:

Homeowners have the right, if they so choose, to invite guests to assemble on their property so long as it is done peacefully. Reasonable limits can be enacted to protect nearby homes.

Common Property:

Governing documents will not restrict the right that the homeowner’s have to invite public officials or candidates from appearing and speaking in common areas. Any charge for use of the commonly owned space must be reasonable and not exceed the association’s marginal cost for use.

Discrimination Prohibited:

Restrictions shall be the same across the board. They shall not differ based on content of a viewpoint, or whatever may be expressed by the homeowner. If one homeowner is allowed to express a viewpoint, then all shall be allowed this privilege.

No Forced Membership in Another Organization:

Homeowners cannot be forced by an association to join a separate organization unless it was clearly stated before the purchase, and the associations follow state laws.

No Mandatory Charitable or Political Funding:

Any assessment of mandatory dues from association members cannot be used by the association for any charitable or political purposes or gain. Any collection of will be done on a separate basis and will always be voluntary.

Ultimate Limit on Governing Documents:

Any document must be created in compliance with the law and not include illegal or unconstitutional terms. It also must not violate public policy. Any spiteful, capricious, or terms that unreasonably burden a constitutional right, restrain trade are not permitted.

This article is all about the protection of free speech. You can feel free to promote your cause so long as you respect the other person’s right to do so. You also cannot express your cause it is hurtful or flat out bad for the community. Your house is protected if you want to use your home as political tool, but you must also respect those around you. It is important that free speech is not limited, but community members must remember that there are differing points of view on the street. So long as you respect the other views your views will be respected as well. Your signs and flags must not be burden on the community and must follow the rules. This is a solid article that works well with free speech.