New Guidelines for Flags Flown on Private Homes in TWL

Neal Burghardt and Chuck Salem of 33621 Union Circle are asking our community residents in Tidewater Landing to consider a change to the HOA policies that limit the flying of flags on homes in Tidewater Landing.  Currently, the US, State of Delaware, Sports Teams and College/University flags are the only allowable flags to be flown. 

This is not a self-serving petition as we do not plan to fly any flags on our home and don't necessarily intend to do so.  However, it is our opinion that our community should allow people to fly whatever flag they wish to celebrate life moments and events, their service to the country, their favorite decorative flag, holidays, official government observances, etc.  Specifically, we are proposing a policy that states:

Residents of Tidewater Landing are permitted to fly flags from their personal home property provided the flag and pole meet the following guidelines:

• The pole must be made of a sturdy material, solid white/metal/wood in color, and secured to the home to withstand high winds and storms.  Damage done by a home owner's flag to their own or a neighboring home is the sole responsibility of the flag owner and the flag owner must provide full restitution for damages to any neighbor experiencing physical damage to their property. 
• Flags flown must be no larger than the standard US residential flag size of 3' X 5' and no smaller than 28" X 40" which is the standard decorative flag size commonly flown on homes.
• No flag may contain profanity, hateful/prejudicial or pornographic imagery or messaging. 
• Flags that recognize holidays and US government sanctioned observances can be found at this site and are acceptable for flying/display.
• Flags celebrating life events such as birthdays, new baby, graduation, back to school, etc. are permitted
• At all times, residents are asked to use reasonable judgement when choosing a flag to fly as to maintain an attractive and pleasant community for all who live here.
• This proposed policy does not superceed any other existing policy (other than the flag policy).  Political signage, covered in other bylaws is not overridden by this proposed change.

In closing, this is a petition.  You either agree or disagree with the change proposed, which are both equally respected.  Please refrain from vitriolic responses on any petition or posting asking for signatures.  If this proposal reaches the Board for a special vote, there will be a forum for all comments at that time.

Thank you!

Chuck and Neal

Neal Burghardt and Chuck Salem    Contact the author of the petition