SAN MARCOS, Calif., June 30 (Escondido Times) — An Escondido townhome community homeowners association has ordered residents to remove American flags mounted outside their homes, warning of fines and a hearing as the dispute stretches back at least three years.
HOA documents show Amy and Christopher Cooke were told in May 2026 to remove a flag mount within 15 days or face enforcement action. Neighbor Terri Collins also received a notice over an American flag outside her home.
A separate May 2023 notice said sports flags were prohibited and that “the American flag is the only approved flag to be hung on and within common property.” Another hearing notice said flags, signs or banners in or extending into common areas are prohibited, and said the Cookes’ flag was mounted on common-area fascia.
The Cookes dispute the board’s reading of the governing documents, saying the association has not explained why their garage door frame should be treated as common property rather than exclusive-use common area. Amy Cooke said another resident’s attempt to fly a San Diego Padres flag prompted the association to revisit its rules.
Courtney Corbello of the Center for American Liberty said California law allows homeowners associations to adopt reasonable rules for flag displays but cannot prohibit homeowners from flying the American flag on their own property. David Loy, legal director for the First Amendment Coalition, said HOAs may set reasonable limits on size and placement but cannot ban flags entirely on private property.
Cooke said, “Having to defend our freedom to display the symbol of freedom is something I never thought I’d experience in America.”
The notice set a June 30 hearing and said a $100 fine was pending.
