Sometimes, we face demands that challenge our sense of fairness. When that happens, we have a choice: accept the demand or stand up against it.
Homeowners associations (HOAs) often create such dilemmas. HOAs can impose strict rules and enforce them rigorously. If you cross their boundaries, you might face fines or other penalties outlined in the HOA paperwork.
Etienne Constable, who lives in a seaside community, encountered a unique issue with his HOA in July 2023. He was told he couldn’t keep his boat in the driveway anymore because neighbors complained. They insisted he cover the boat to hide it from view or face a $100 fine.
The local code was clear: “boats and large pickup campers, motor homes, recreational vehicles, utility trailers, and vacation trailers” could only be parked on driveways if “screened on the side and front by a six-foot-high fence.”
Constable decided to comply but did so in a way that made a lasting impression. He placed his boat behind a fence and painted a mural of the boat on the fence.
Constable, who uses his boat for fishing, had it parked in his driveway for four years before the complaint. Initially, he thought the situation was absurd and considered leaving a nasty message at City Hall. However, he opted for a more creative form of revenge.
“I’m a big proponent of public art in spaces,” Constable said. “It engages people in ways that reaching out and having conversations doesn’t sometimes.”
Since his mural went viral, many neighbors have asked him to paint similar murals on their property. While the municipality is aware of the issue, Constable hasn’t heard anything from them yet.