Irrigation and HOA rules

Start with the documents you already own. The CC&Rs, architectural guidelines and any landscape standards say what's permitted. Many boards require prior approval for visible changes, which can include a controller box on an exterior wall, a rain sensor, or converting turf to beds.

Shared systems are the situation that causes disputes. In some communities, irrigation for common areas or even for individual lots runs from a shared main and a shared controller. Find out before you assume you control your own watering — and before you pay a contractor to work on something the association owns.

Drought restrictions come from your water provider and can conflict with an HOA rule that demands green turf. Where that happens, put it in writing to the board and ask for their position, and check whether your state has legislation protecting water-conserving landscaping. Laws on this differ by state and change; verify current rules for your state rather than relying on a general article.

Practical advice: get approvals in writing before work starts, and keep them. A board that changes composition doesn't always remember what a previous board approved.

How to choose

Read the CC&Rs before you get quotes

Approval requirements for visible equipment and landscaping changes are usually spelled out there.

Find out who owns the system

Shared mains and shared controllers are common. Don't hire work on equipment that isn't yours.

Get board approval in writing

Verbal approvals evaporate when the board turns over.

Raise conflicts with restrictions in writing

If a utility restriction conflicts with an HOA turf requirement, document that you raised it and ask for the board's position.

Check your state's law before assuming

Some states limit HOA restrictions on water-conserving landscaping. This varies by state and changes — verify yours.