Ok, I'm glad that you pointed out the 7 day rule, Sam. I told my husband that is ridiculous... we usually only mow every 2 to 3 weeks and our grass looks just fine! Like my husband said, it sounds like they expect us to fertilize it to grow that fast!
I actually do like the garbage can rule though because I know several people in my area that keep their garbage cans out every day of the year so I'll be happy to see them start enforcing that. I'm sick of seeing peoples gross garbage cans when mine is safe in my garage! I do hope there is some lienancy for vacationers and the such or like you said, hopefully some neighbors will jump in and help!

I never got the letter- is there a copy online I can look at? I did get an email saying it was sent out, but that is about it. Any other details in the letter worth mentioning? I tried looking on the website, but couldn't find anything.

If we're away or on vacation or sick, we ask our friends to look after the garbage cans, and they ask us, as well. Don't worry, however, the HOA doesn't enforce garbage can rules after a couple of notes...no fines! In fact, only landscaping designs and deadlines are being addressed, at present.

The frequency of mowing isn't the focus of the lawn section of the letter, it's that the length is designated as 3-4" long, maximum. It's an optimum length and too many residents cut their lawn WAY too short and they burn up so they panic and overwater and overfertilize.

Don't worry if you haven't gotten the letter, it's on its way and you can stop by the HOA to get a copy if you want one and have been overlooked.

There really isn't anything new in the letter that hasn't always been part of our CC&R's. It's interesting that the HOA is compelled to issue the letter now. They haven't managed to enforce the rules to date, what makes them think they are suddenly capable? When they do enforce it's completely arbitrary.

My greatest concern, the HOA staff is already bloated, what level of staff will the homeowners have to pay to enforce the rules.

IMHO, an independent audit of HOA procedures must be reviewed for efficiency and effectiveness before any additional staff is hired.

Since you mentioned the HOA staff is bloated, maybe, just maybe, they can send those staff on rotation to enforce the rule. Each staff, will take turn to go around the neighborhood. This will help them understand the community better, to serve the community better. They're not hired as overlord of the community. I think a day a week "in the outdoor" isn't too much.

Otherwise, they're just hiding in that office building.

While rules haven't been enforced, I have a feeling the letter was sent out as a first warning to everyone that they do plan on enforcing the rules and making some money off it as they go! Some of the fines could add up rather quickly too but I'm sure we'll never see the money be put back into the community. I like Sam's idea of sending a staff member outside once a week to look for obvious violations. While the rest of the nation is fighting to keep their jobs, they should at least have to come out of hiding and work for the 4% annual raises that they still get!