If it isn't an HOA it's covenants. We were looking at a 2 acre plot in a new subdivision. Great location, attractive price, all utilities available...then we read the covenants. We got down to the point where the developer could chose your outdoor light, we decided that it just wasn't going to be a good fit.

"We live in a time when intelligent people are being silenced so that stupid people won't be offended".