I don't live in an area with an HOA currently. I do agree HOAs can often go extreme on code enforcement. However I do think people should respect each other and not just say "its my property I'll do whatever I want with it!" Because, yeah, sure, its your property, but your actions affect other people. You might feel painting your house pink with purple polka dots doesn't hurt anyone, but it does affect other people. You're not an island, you live in a community.