Can a homeowners association decline a request to run a dog training business?
Though the question does not state, I assume you mean from your home. Yes, they can decline your request as long as they are abiding by local, state, and federal laws. I have seen several versions of HOA covenants that very loosley interpret what is/isn’t an acceptable home based business per their bylaws. They obviously have some reason that they did not deem this type of business suitable for being run from home in a community with an HOA. Ask them to put the exact reason(s) in writing and compare that to what your bylaws say. After studying the bylaws and if you still feel they wrongfully denied your request, appeal to them one last time before pursuing legal assistance (if you choose to fight it out in court). Explain, citing passages from the bylaws, that you feel they are not following the bylaws they are in place to enforce and see if they will negotiate. Good luck.
