Tag: neighborhood association

Homeowner’s outdoor Christmas decorations prompt crackdown

A South Bend area neighborhood association is cracking down on one resident’s outdoor Christmas display, which it says is in violation of several of its bylaws.

“They were out here measuring my inflatable Santa the other day and a few days later I got a notification in the mail along with a $500 dollar fine,” said neighborhood homeowner Scott Stewart.  “Apparently, my Santa exceeds the eight foot height restriction and my Christmas lights exceed the maximum number allowed under the rules.  Also they twinkle too fast and too brightly.”

“Residents’ holiday light displays shall not exceed 12 bulbs per square foot and shall not dim or change colors more than once every three seconds,” the Whispering Prairie community bylaws state. 

“Shoot, they even said my Santa drone is a violation.  The sleigh bells are too loud and jingly, so jolly old Saint Nick’s been grounded while I wait for a decision on my appeal.  It seems like they just want to suck all the fun out of Christmas,” Stewart said.    

Following an unfavorable verdict on Stewart’s appeal, a neighborhood compliance officer showed up and removed the offending decorations.

“They came and deflated my Santa yesterday, and they snipped the wiring on several strands of lights.  I mean, I get it that they have their rules, but did they need to slice up Santa with a Stanley knife?  The kids are pretty traumatized,” Stewart added.

Local man’s outdoor Christmas decorations attract scrutiny

A Fishers area man is facing the possibility of hefty fines today after his outdoor Christmas decorations were deemed to be in noncompliance with his neighborhood association’s bylaws.

Jeff Ross has been ordered to pay $500 for multiple violations ranging from a Santa that is too large to excessive and obtrusive lighting displays.

“My Santa is over eight feet tall, which is a violation, and my lighting display exceeds the number of lights allowable per square foot.  Also, there seems to be an issue with the frequency with which the lights twinkle,” Ross said.  

“Residents’ holiday light displays shall not exceed 12 bulbs per square foot and shall not dim or change colors more than once every three seconds,” the community’s bylaws state. 

Having exhausted all his appeals, Ross has resigned himself to paying the fine and removing the offending decorations.

“They came and deflated my Santa yesterday, and they snipped the wiring on several strands of lights.  I mean, I get it that they have their rules, but did they need to slice up Santa with a Stanley knife?  The kids are pretty traumatized,” Ross said.

Asked for comment, the neighborhood association issued a statement:  “We’re looking into the excessive force complaint leveled against our compliance officer.  We strongly condemn violence in all its forms.  If we determine that the rights of the jolly old elf were violated, we will take appropriate action.”