Covenants and restrictions in neighborhoods are a very sensitive matter. While some people want to be able to express themselves, others want protection against things that would jeopardize the aesthetic quality of their community. In order to protect neighborhoods, regulations such as limitations regarding things like vegetable gardens, fences, hedges, walls, signs, recreational vehicles, boats, play gyms, satellite dishes, and curtain colors are implemented to ensure a composed and consistent appearance among streets. The Philadelphia Inquirer states that this "trend is driven by a need for conformity and fears that property values could be degraded in the absence of standards.” And while some residents might feel that these rules go against the freedom of expression, it is houses like this one….
Fig. 1 and 2. House on Old Ivy Road, Atlanta.
Note the brightly painted door and computers in the front yard.
And this one….
Fig. 3. House on Clifton Road, Atlanta. Note the unusual assortment of paint colors.
And this one….
Fig. 4. House on Drew Valley Road, Atlanta. Note the Auburn sign mowed into the grass.
...that drives more and more covenants and regulations to be implemented in communities across the country.
The computers! And Auburn! Good photos, Courtney. Despite these eccentricities it's interesting that all these houses still conform to the majority of the unwritten rules of suburban neighborliness.
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