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September 6, 2007
POWER MISER - SHOULD YOU PROHIBIT HANGING OUT THE LAUNDRY?
Like water preservation issues in HOAs - (see earlier blog) - one can find dichotomies and opposing forces existing with regard to power (utility) preservation matters.
Question - Airing Your [Dirty/Clean] Laundry.
Here's a common question: "My Association Board is freaking out. A bunch of us got together and started hanging laundry out in our back yards - should they even be looking over the fences? They cannot do this, can they. Isn't preserving power important enough to overcome a stupid restriction like this?"
Answer: Many governing documents, at least in California, contain strict prohibitions on hanging laundry out in yards, on decks, patio areas, etc. If an Association has a prohibition on hanging laundry out to dry in the yard, back or front, it probably is enforceable, yes, even with power grids screaming over triple digit heat.
However, take a close look at the documents to see if such regulations apply only to those clotheslines that can be seen over the fenceline or from other units, streets or homes.
There are two clear camps on this one: to some, It's a bit irritating to have such restrictions. Some people are not offended by laundry hanging out on the lawns and would prefer to exercise the right to preserve power. Some simply like the smell of sheets and clothing dried in the fresh air. Believe it or not, lawyer part of me aside, and maybe its a midwestern thing - I can relate. Laundry blowing in the breeze and freshly aired bedding and clothing evokes fond memories of growing up in a place where there were no backyard fences and neighbors were neighborly.It may be a European thing too. I have seen evidence of this in several instances. One involved the stringing of laundry across the courtyard in a quaint little hotel in Tellum, Mexico, by a group of visiting Europeans.
On the other hand, I certainly understand that not everyone likes the same things. Many prefer pristine yards and perfectly coifed landscaping, consistency in aesthetics and no clotheslines - obviously so, because I have seen this prohibition in many, many documents.
This might be something you want to look for - if you have plans to skip the dryer and concommitant expense.
Posted by Beth Grimm at September 6, 2007 6:53 PM