For most communities, the start of the holiday season includes a wide array of holiday displays, decorations, and lights. While this is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, some association boards may like to include a balanced holiday lighting and decorations policy to outline the decorations — and their timing — allowed within the association while maintaining homeowner creativity and creative freedom. Here is a quick guide to creating, implementing, and adapting a holiday lighting and decorations policy for community homeowners:

Decorative Guidelines

A well-thought-out decorations policy provides clear guidelines on the types of holiday displays allowed throughout the season. For example, the policy should provide guidance on common festive items like string lights, wreaths, garlands, and inflatable displays while specifying where and when these decorations can be placed—such as front porches, windows, or lawns — to help create a harmonious look throughout the neighborhood. Be sure to also address the size and scale of decorations in the policy to avoid overcrowded or obstructive displays that block walkways and driveways.

Duration and Timing

The holiday lighting and decorations policy should establish dates for when the holiday decorations can be put up and taken down. For example, if neighbors start the holiday season too early or leave decorations up for an extended time after the holidays, this can create a disorganized appearance in the community. Be sure to explicitly detail a timeframe with start and end dates for holiday decorating. This can not only help provide unity to the community aesthetic, but it can also help lower community and resident complaints.

Lighting and Noise Guidelines

Another important consideration for the policy includes the brightness and style of lighting. For example, bright, flashing lights can be disruptive to neighbors, especially at night. Request that residents utilize soft, warm lighting whenever possible for holiday displays to promote a peaceful atmosphere in which to display their holiday spirit.

The policy should also include guidelines on respectful and inclusive decorations. Decorations, while a creative freedom, should still be respectful and inclusive of the community’s diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Request that residents avoid controversial or offensive themes in their holiday decorations.

Noise levels are another factor to consider. If holiday decorations include music, sounds, or animated elements, consider guidelines restricting the volume and timing of sound-producing decorations, which can be a nuisance to fellow neighbors.

These guidelines will be especially important to enforce as noise levels, animated elements, and excessive lighting can be nuisances for fellow neighbors of individuals who decorate well prior to the holiday season or don’t take down decorations until well past it.

Enforcement

Establish a clear system for policy enforcement that includes warnings, notices, communication, or fines for excessive noise, lighting, animated elements, or for disregarding the holiday decoration start and end date. Boards should keep in mind that there may be exceptions and special circumstances where residents may have unique religious or cultural celebrations that differ from the holiday season. Be sure to maintain a transparent process where community residents can request exceptions to the holiday decoration policy.

Communication and Review

Transparent communication is key to implementing a holiday lights and decorations policy that resonates with the entire community. By notifying residents well before the holiday season through frequent communication, residents can have clear expectations and time for adequate planning for their festive décor!

Not only does a well-structured holiday decorations policy enhance the neighborhood’s sense of belonging, but it also helps provide safety, unity, inclusion, and decorum to the community’s holiday decorations. Make sure your board has time to discuss the creation of a holiday decorations policy – or any changes to an existing one – and make sure there is adequate time to implement it before the holiday season! Happy holidays and happy decorating!

Sentry Management is a full-service community management company. Sentry’s business is the day-to-day operation of communities, homeowner associations, and condominiums. Sentry is accredited as an AMO® (Accredited Management Organization) by the Institute of Real Estate Management, providing the independent evaluation that Sentry has one of the highest operating and financial standards in the industry. Sentry operates in dozens of localities in Florida, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, and Virginia.