HOA Blues.... :(

You might remember a post from me a couple weeks ago about me studying building an observatory. Well, I just called our HOA, and they claim that "no outside buildings are allowed". Sigh.

I need to dig up that mailing that I got where the amendment was stated allowing for outside buildings. Maybe I didn't word my question correctly?

The lady did say that one way to make sure would be to go ahead and submit an application stating exactly what I'm planning on building. FWIW, I held off on stating what I'm building - I simply said "a shed".

Thanks for reading....
Eric

Enrico, they might not like the idea of a SHED, but if you show them that this will not be a REGULAR SHED, but an OBSERVATORY, then they might change their minds... 8)

Show them pics of already built Observatories, how they look, how they work, they might get interested and let you build one...

I know it worked with my HOA... 8)


Question:
Is the area where this will be built, fenced? will it be visible from the outside?

Here's a chance to use your Photoshop skills.
Get a pretty picture of a structure similar to what you want to build and paste it onto a picture of your back yard.
Present that to the association and call it something other than a shed (a word which can be used to descibe some run-down structures sometimes). 'Cottage' usually gives people a warm feeling. Call it a 'yard cottage'.
I built my observatory using the same 'architectural language' as my house (see attached photo).
I wanted it to blend in and not attract attention.

dan

Attached Image:

It's probably a matter of figuring out what your HOA will allow and making an observatory that could play the part. I wonder if you could convert a legally registered full-sized van, VW camper van, old RV, trailer, or commercial vehicle into an observatory. Or maybe some kind of BBQ pit could disguise a pedestal mount and telescope?

Hi Enrico,

Just out of curiosity, what is HOA?

Cheers,

Maurice