Don’t let your security camera become an HOA Issue
The bylaws of our association prohibit modifications to the exterior of the buildings. This would include installing a security camera.
The board understands that some owners like the peace of mind that comes with having an outdoor security camera. Sometimes it can deter potential package thieves and let you know when someone comes to your home when you’re not away.
The board doesn’t have an issue with security cameras in general but if they’re brought to our attention we may have no choice but to take action to have them removed. Here are some tips for staying on the right side of the association and, more importantly, your neighbors.
First off, Ring doorbells are not a problem and should not be an issue in 99.9% of cases. What could land you in hot water are big, obvious cameras in places that are public facing. An outdoor camera in your backyard may not be a problem but a big camera attached above your garage may become a problem.
If your camera is or has the appearance of looking directly at or into another neighbor’s home and either the board sees it or a homeowner is made to feel uncomfortable by it then we will take the following steps to rectify the situation:
We will ask you to point the camera so that it does not capture someone else’s property
If you move the camera and it is still an issue we may ask for some proof that it really isn’t capturing video of another property in a way that is intrusive to others’ privacy
We will assess a fine and ask that the camera be taken down
A maintenance company will be called to remove the camera
To date, we have not had to take any serious action on this issue and in all cases so far people have been very understanding and courteous about the direction their cameras face.
We wanted to bring this to everyone’s attention now because if we end up in a position where we need to take action to remove just one camera then we’ll have no choice but to enforce this rule for all cameras. So please be courteous, be mindful of others’ privacy, and let’s all continue to keep our properties secure without violating anyone’s privacy.
