homeowners association

An omnipresent force in suburbia, or at least in most of it's residential neighborhoods. A quasi-fascist governing board, often set up by a subdivision's real-estate developer, who strictly enforce such rules and building codes as... -Grass must be kept watered, golf course green and closely manicured, even during times of drought and water shortages -No one uses their yard to grow their own food -No patch of land may be permitted to return to it's natural state -No rooms or other additions may be permitted above or in front of the existing home -No potter's shed or tool shed may be allowed anywhere on the property -No yard ornaments -No rain barrels and so on.