A daughter wrote me about her mom’s townhouse. After a surgery, they installed a small wooden ramp over the front steps so she could get in and out safely. Two weeks later, the HOA issued a violation: “nonconforming exterior alteration.” They were told to remove it or pay $100 per day. When they asked for a temporary accommodation, the board replied that ramps must be “architecturally harmonious” and approved in advance, with drawings and a $300 application fee. They sent photos, doctor’s notes, and offered to paint the ramp to match the trim. The fines kept coming. Safety wasn’t the debate. Aesthetics was. #House #HOA