A FURIOUS homeowner has blasted his HOA over a bitter year-long feud over a paint color.
Jordan Smith claims he’s been hit with complaints, violation notices and even threats from lawyers in what he calls a “personal vendetta”.
A homeowner is locked in a year-long battle with his HOA over his gate’s blue color Credit: KESQ News Channel 3
Jordan Smith’s HOA has been reportedly encouraging neighbors to adopt more desert-inspired tones, such as door pictured above, for their homes Credit: KESQ News Channel 3
He says the spat erupted shortly after he moved into his home in Palm Springs, California, and has since spiralled into an all-out neighborhood war.
The dispute is playing out in the upscale Escena Golf Club community, where Smith claims his homeowners association has unfairly targeted him over a large blue entry gate.
According to Smith, the problems started almost immediately after he arrived in March last year.
He claims a neighbour who also serves as president of the HOA board visited his property, and a string of complaints soon followed.
Smith says he was bombarded with reports over alleged noise issues and repeated notices claiming his home violated community rules.
One of the biggest sticking points was the color of his entry gate – despite Smith arguing that much of the structure is made from glass.
“The last thing you want is to come home from a very long day and have an email from lawyers threatening you,” Smith told News Channel 3 .
The homeowner insists he has been singled out while other residents with colorful doors and gates appear to have escaped scrutiny.
“It’s obvious to us this is selective enforcement,” he told the local outlet.
“This is a personal vendetta.”
But the HOA strongly disputes those allegations.
In a November 19, 2025 letter, attorney Laurie Poole, representing the association through law firm Adams Stirling, said an investigation into Smith’s complaints found insufficient evidence to support claims of harassment or discrimination.
He claims the HOA’s actions, including legal threats, are a ‘personal vendetta’ Credit: KESQ News Channel 3
Smith, who lives in the Escena Golf Club community, says he is now prepared to take the homeowners association to court Credit: KESQ News Channel 3
The letter reportedly stated that the board was entitled to review whether Smith’s gate, front door and exterior lighting complied with the community’s architectural standards.
According to the correspondence, the association considered the matter closed.
The HOA is also reportedly encouraging homeowners to adopt more muted, desert-inspired colors throughout the neighborhood and says it has reached out directly to Smith and remains willing to meet with him.
Under California’s Davis-Stirling Act, homeowners associations are allowed to set architectural and color standards for properties.
But those rules must be enforced consistently across the entire community rather than selectively targeting individual residents.
Smith says he has run out of patience.
After more than a year of wrangling over the issue, he says he is prepared to take the HOA to court.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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