WWYD if someone wanted to build an ULTRA modern home..

I'm so against covenants it's not funny. I'd never live in a house with them. I don't know that I could tell someone else what to do with their house. It seems mean.

I'm currently renting which limits me, but it means I don't have to repair stuff.

What are the covenants for if big exceptions like this are going to be made?

If the covenants are binding then I'd veto it. Once an exception is made they will continue to be made to the detriment of those who bought there for the current aesthetic. If people are wanting to build to a different aesthetic they need to buy property in an area that matches their desire.

If it's against the covenants it's against the covenants. They should build where their modern architecture will be appreciated. Why build a house where it's incongruent and clearly against the guidelines of a traditional neighborhood? I'd have no problem with voting nope.

I don't get your question--are you asking if I, as a homeowner in the neighborhood, would say something (the "wwyd" question) to them?

Or are you asking if I, as a potential home buyer, would stay away?

And for the record, I completely agree with this.

If you don't approve the plans, the board will still approve it? 

I would really have to see the plans and see the rest of your neighborhood. It's really hard to gauge based on what I think ultra modern looks like in a non-modern neighborhood, not knowing how close your houses are to each other, etc.

Here's my genuine answer: if it was the first/only modern residence among an other-wise all traditional neighborhood, yes, it would turn me off as a buyer. If, on the other hand, the neighborhood was already established as a mixed-style neighborhood such that the home values incorporated and supported this mixture (many of the "HIGH rent" districts in my city are like this - and it carries into other neighborhoods here, as well), then it would not bother me at all.

If you are getting ready to sell asap, then perhaps that right to vote should really go to the new owners of your house - as they are the ones who have to live with this. So, one solution may be to vote no and tell the committee why - and suggest to the committee that the "modern house people" (for lack of a better descriptor) resubmit after your closing.

I think if you have covenants, you should stick to them unless there's an exceptional reason not to (the plots aren't selling and this is a good buyer, someone who has lived in the neighborhood for 15 years needs to build handicapped access onto their home, etc).

My personal opinion is that as long as it is the same "level" of quality as the other homes, similar size, the different style wouldn't bother me. It wouldn't be a negative in a neighborhood at all if I was shopping. But I don't like getting into exceptions to covenants, it starts getting messy and can break an association into factions, is a slippery slope for other people wanting exceptions, etc.

So my feedback to the committee would be that the covenants were laid out for a reason, at a time when people were using their best judgment, and I think we should deny because it is against covenants.

I think a modern home in any neighborhood adds interest. I lived in a very modern home built outside boston in a neighborhood of old buildings...it looked neat. I don't like "conforming" neighborhoods...and I don't think it will change property values at all. our neighborhoods are also full of old homes with totally modern interiors....whatever. as long as it is safe and meets code...go for it.

This is me as well.

I despise the idea of covenants/HOAs.