For Sale Signs in Yards
QUESTION:
I live in a condominium townhouse and recently placed a “For Sale” sign in my yard. I was notified by the Association Manager that my sign was not allowed and would have to be removed. She also sent me the “guidelines” for all signs which has all sorts of information about the size of the sign, what it can say, whether it can be hand-painted, etc. When I bought this house I know there were lots of signs that don’t sound like they were alright under the guidelines. Are they serious?
ANSWER:
Yes, they are probably serious and we are finding more and greater restrictions on yard signage all the time. The Virginia Code does not address the issue specifically. It generally provides that an Association may “Grant or withhold approval of any action…. which would change the exterior appearance of any unit or of any other portion of the condominium…” (Virginia Code § 55-79.80) and signs do change the exterior appearance of a residence or condominium area. I know we have said this many times before, but for the best answer, you have to look at the governing documents for your Association and see if it allows such restrictions. Ask your manager or a member of the Board and they can probably point you right to the source of the authority.
As for whether the sign restrictions are being applied consistently, this is also a matter that you can take up with management or the Board but it won’t necessarily excuse you from compliance. You don’t say whether you bought directly from the developer, but if you did, the rules were probably written with a special exception for them. This is both legally acceptable and pretty common. Good luck with the sale of your house.
Jeanne S. Lauer