The message informed him that the planned cookout might violate newly established community fire-safety guidelines.
It requested information about the number of attendees, cooking equipment, event duration, and proposed parking arrangements.
Michael frowned.
He read it again.
Then showed Natalie.
She stared.
“Seriously?”
He nodded.
“Apparently.”
Natalie glanced toward the calendar.
“The party's Saturday.”
“I know.”
She sighed.
“It's a backyard barbecue, Michael.”
He smiled faintly.
“Maybe Evelyn thinks we're opening a restaurant.”
Natalie didn't laugh.
She'd spent too many years dealing with administrative paperwork to find poorly defined authority amusing.
“Answer everything in writing.”
Michael looked toward her.
“Why?”
“Because she keeps changing what she claims the rules mean.”
He considered.
Then nodded.
He replied politely.
The event would take place on private residential property.
The expected attendance was approximately thirty-five to forty people, arriving at different times.
The food would be prepared on a residential outdoor grill.
Guests had been asked to avoid blocking driveways and emergency access.
The gathering would end before evening.
And the family would comply with applicable laws and legitimate safety requirements.
He also requested the exact governing document supporting any additional approval process.
Evelyn replied twelve minutes later.
Her response was brief.
Your interpretation of HOA authority is incorrect. A compliance determination will be issued.
Michael stared at the email.
Then shook his head.
“Wonderful.”
Two days later, a printed notice appeared on his front door.
It carried the Cedar Hollow HOA logo and Evelyn's signature.
The notice announced a proposed three-hundred-dollar penalty for holding an unauthorized high-risk outdoor gathering.
Michael photographed it.
Then checked the neighborhood governing documents.
He found rules concerning common-area use, noise, parking, and certain types of exterior improvements.
He did not find a provision granting the HOA unrestricted authority to prohibit ordinary backyard cooking.
He also didn't find a properly adopted fee schedule supporting the proposed penalty.
That didn't automatically mean Evelyn had no possible grounds for concern.
Rules could exist in amendments or referenced policies.
But Michael wanted to see the actual documents.
He sent another email.
This time, he copied Grace.
He asked for the specific authority, the adopted policy, and an explanation of how the proposed fee had been approved.
Grace replied first.
Michael, I am reviewing this. Please don't pay anything until the board has confirmed the basis for the charge.
Evelyn replied later that evening.
Her message was much more hostile.
Homeowners who deliberately challenge safety procedures create unnecessary liability for the entire association. Your refusal to cooperate will be documented.
Michael read it aloud to Natalie.
She looked toward him.
“Documented?”
He nodded.
“Apparently I'm a threat to civilization.”
Natalie shook her head.
Then took his phone.
“Don't argue with her tonight.”
He frowned.
“Why?”