Reader: HOAs have no right to regulate what goes on inside a house

Yesterday, we wrote about the possibility of some homeowners associations banning marijuana -- a possibility an attorney with whom we spoke believes would be perfectly legal despite the passage of Amendment 64. One reader was offended by the idea of activity inside a home being regulated...

By Michael Roberts

April 4, 2013

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Yesterday, we wrote about the possibility of some homeowners associations banning marijuana -- a possibility an attorney with whom we spoke believes would be perfectly legal despite the passage of Amendment 64. One reader was offended by the idea of activity inside a home being regulated.

instntkrma writes:

What's going on inside someone's home is none of an HOA's business. When someone buys a home in an HOA neighborhood, they can expect to be restricted as far as landscaping, painting, outside repair, cement, lawn care... but people do not expect an HOA to have any authority on the inside of a house.

If marijuana growing can be limited by an HOA - then so could alternative lifestyles, the 2nd amendment/gun possession, cooking "smelly" meat... if marijuana smoke is not okay then how can cigarette smoke be okay? Are we going to tell people they can't smoke in their own homes?

That said, ANYONE in an HOA or not, that has neighbors and grows, should run charcoal filters for their own privacy and security -- and also out of respect for their neighbors. The odor of growing cannabis is pleasant (imo); they are just flowers after all, but there is no need to loudly proclaim that one is growing. It is about sensibilities, and the less notice people take, the better for everyone.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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