Colorado Neighborhood Triumphs in Fight to Keep 28-Foot Inflatable Santa
SEVERANCE, Colo. — A spirited community in Severance, Colorado, has successfully challenged a homeowner’s association (HOA) directive to remove a 28-foot inflatable Santa Claus that has become a beloved local landmark. The towering decoration, which stands taller than the house of Dora Flores and her family, sparked a wave of neighborhood support after the HOA issued a letter demanding its immediate removal for violating unspecified height restrictions.
Flores explained to local news outlet KUSA-TV that the family had saved throughout the year to purchase the inflatable Santa, which quickly became a festive attraction for passersby. “People were driving by taking pictures with their children,” she said, highlighting the joy the decoration brought to the community.
However, the holiday cheer was soon challenged when Fromm and Company, the HOA management firm, sent a letter stating, “The Santa Claus located in your backyard is excessive in height and not permitted. Please remove immediately.” The letter threatened fines if the order was not followed, though it did not cite specific height regulations.
In response, neighbors rallied around the Flores family, launching social media campaigns and erecting their own inflatables in solidarity. One neighbor, Cody Bowden, who placed his own inflatable across the street, told KDVR-TV, “Definitely now, I won’t take it down. I don’t see that this is anything offensive or anything wrong.”
The groundswell of community support prompted upper management of the HOA to reconsider. Flores received a call apologizing for the initial directive and granting permission to keep the inflatable Santa in its place of honor.
This incident underscores the sometimes contentious relationship between community traditions and HOA regulations, which often govern property aesthetics and neighborhood standards. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HOAs have broad authority to enforce rules but must balance them with residents’ rights and community spirit.
The Flores family’s inflatable Santa has become more than just a decoration; it is a symbol of neighborhood unity and holiday cheer. The story resonates with many communities nationwide where festive displays occasionally clash with regulatory policies.
For those interested in HOA governance and residents’ rights, resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offer guidance on navigating disputes. Additionally, the USA.gov Housing Resources provide information on homeowner rights and responsibilities.
As the holiday season continues, the inflatable Santa stands tall, a testament to the power of community advocacy and the joy of shared traditions. The Flores family and their neighbors have turned what began as a conflict into a celebration of festive spirit and neighborly support.
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