As is their right - and within your reach to object.
I would not be caught dead in a HOA controlled domicile, not to mention a town.
We all have levels we'll submit to I suppose... My own line is at the county... sometimes. But it's a gray area.
I am not without the recognition of law. And I prefer it best closest to the People. So I find far more ability to submit the closer it gets to my door. As for potentates three thousand miles away - I pay them less mind than any. State a little more, county a little more.
And I have been known to actively move to change things within my control. I don't bend over for any of em.
But local LEOs have far more jurisdiction in my business than others (further away) do.
My HOA about 30 years ago, is the only time I ever had the cops called on me. Well me and aboout 30 others.
Our gestapo HOA sent us notices/fines in a 3 year period for:
1. Leaving bags of mulch on the driveway during their inspection....Fine
2. We replaced our storm door (exact replacement) without notifying the Archetechial Commitee....Fine
3. Kid left his Big Wheel on the Sidewalk during inspection- Fine.
Then, before we left a lesser quality, non-standard Builder developed adjacent (actually and including across the street) to us. These homes listed new for about 80% of the rest in the sub-division. Our HOA welcomed them into the fold without input from residents, and lesseed the standards for these new residents
Half our crowd at the next HOA meeting went ape shit angry, and it got so heated the board called the cops. When the cops arrived they chided the board for calling, since no fists were thrown. Still, these little pencil d--'s were drunk with power, and used it foor fun.
My advise to home buyers...... Avoid any home that is in an HOA.