SAN MARCOS, Calif., June 30 (Escondido Times) — An Escondido townhome association has ordered homeowners to remove American flags and flag mounts from their homes, setting up a dispute over property rules as the nation approaches its 250th birthday.
HOA notices reviewed in reporting on the dispute show the Ambiance Owners Association told Amy and Christopher Cooke to take down a flag mount outside their home within 15 days or face enforcement action. A separate notice also cited neighbor Terri Collins over an American flag display.
The association’s hearing notice said flags, signs or banners extending into common areas are prohibited and alleged the Cookes’ flag violated policy because it was mounted on a common-area fascia. One notice also set a hearing for June 30 and said the homeowners faced a pending $100 fine.
The conflict dates back at least three years, according to HOA documents reviewed in the reporting. In a May 2023 notice, the association said sports flags were prohibited and that the American flag was the only approved flag to be hung on and within common property.
Amy Cooke said the dispute began after another resident tried to fly a San Diego Padres flag, prompting the HOA to revisit its flag rules. She also said the association has not explained why her garage door frame is being treated as common property rather than exclusive-use common area under the governing documents.
Cooke said she and her husband would not back down. Terri Collins said she planned to keep her flag up and fight any fine.
California legal advocates quoted in the reporting said homeowners associations can regulate the manner and placement of flag displays but cannot ban American flags outright on private property. The association’s current enforcement steps beyond the June 30 hearing were not clear from the notices reviewed.
