HOA can paint street in front of crash gate

Q: My son bought a house last October. His house is next to a crash gate that had no posted signs and no red painting on his side of the street. Now, his homeowners association says they are going to paint the down the street in front of his house, including over his driveway. Are they allowed to do that? He might not have purchased that home knowing there would be no parking for guests. I appreciate your help.

A: The short answer is yes, the HOA can do that. He should contact the board or the management company to find out why they are going to paint the entire street, and if there is some way the HOA would consider some modification of its plans in order for your son to have some guest parking.

Q: Some anti-gay neighbors harassed a local gay man into moving out of our community. Now, the same neighbors have turned their harassment toward me. I drove by their residence today on the way home when the neighbor yelled (an obscenity in my direction.) I called the police to get their opinion of the matter. I was told that it is a hate crime, but also was told homeowners association rules affect what the police can and cannot do. I don't quite understand that. What are my options? I wanted to make a police report of this but was refused. I hardly think this is a matter for an HOA committee.

A: This is not an association problem. This is a matter for the police department or the attorney general's office. You need to make a visit to the Metropolitan Police Department or to the attorney general's office and file a formal complaint.

NOTE: The office of the ombudsman is offering free seminars this month: Recordkeeping and Governing Documents, 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday and 1:30-3:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Bradley Building, 2501 E. Sahara Ave.; CC&R Violations, Fines & Collections, 10 a.m.-noon Thursday and 1:30-3:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Bradley Building, 2501 E. Sahara Ave.; Executive Board Responsibilities, 3-5 p.m. Friday at 7951 Deer Springs Way, Suite 170, North Las Vegas; HOA Money Matters-Financial Statements, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Aug. 16, at the Paseo Verde Library, 280 S. Green Valley Parkway, Henderson; Parliamentary Procedures, 10-11 a.m. Aug. 20, Sun City Aliante, 7394 Aliante Parkway, North Las Vegas; and Meetings & Elections, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Bradley Building, 2501 E. Sahara Ave.

Barbara Holland, certified property manager, broker and supervisory certified association manager, is president and owner of H&L Realty and Management Co. Questions may be sent to Association Q&A, P.O. Box 7440, Las Vegas, NV 89125. Her fax number is 385-3759, or she can be reached by email at support@hlrealty.com. Holland is also available to speak at your organization or company.