Chapter 16 - The Rule They Could Defend
The next two weeks were not exciting. They were filled with drafts.
Lorraine volunteered to coordinate a working group with two board directors and three homeowners, including Janice and Otis. I was asked to contribute my application experience but not to chair it. I agreed. A rule written entirely by the woman with the striped lawn would always look like a personal exemption.
We compared existing guidelines, insurance concerns, planting advice, and practical maintenance costs. Gabe explained that even low-water landscapes needed establishment watering and regular weed control. Otis argued for clear deadlines after written notices. Janice insisted residents should not be able to let dry brush pile against fences.
I pushed back when the first draft allowed rejection because a proposal was 'visually undesirable.'
"That's the same problem in three new words," I said.
After some discussion the language became more specific. Proposed landscapes would be considered for plant suitability, drainage, maintenance, safety, and compatibility with the approved palette of materials. Rejected applications would receive stated reasons and an opportunity to revise.
The group also proposed that temporary turf coloring in ordinary natural green shades could be used on existing grass, subject to manufacturer directions, while conspicuous patterns would require approval. That last line meant my stripes would not be permitted under the new standard.
I voted to recommend it anyway.
Emma read the draft at our kitchen table. "So you made a rule against our yard?"
"Against repeating that exact stunt without permission. We shouldn't need a stunt to get heard."
She thought about that, then nodded. "That's actually better."
Denise submitted her own suggested changes. She wanted any alternative groundcover to cover a set percentage of the original lawn area, regardless of site conditions. Gabe objected that the number ignored heat, shade, and irrigation zones. The group decided to present both proposals, with their practical costs, to the board.
The evening before the vote, Todd called to ask whether I would accept a narrow resolution: close my remaining complaint, approve the revised design, and postpone the broad rules vote until after the next election.
I understood the appeal. My personal problem would be finished.
"Would that leave the twenty-one households who signed the request waiting for another summer?" I asked.
May you like
Todd sighed. "Probably."
"Then please put both decisions on the agenda. They're different questions, and both deserve answers."
