The Villages District Office is looking to clear up confusion about “lawn ornaments.”
The topic was addressed in this week’s Welcome Wednesday bulletin.
Lawn ornaments or yard art generally refer to man-made items located anywhere outside the home. Pots and planters designed and constructed for plant use are permitted, as long as they are used for their intended purpose.
The inclusion or attachment of flowers or plants to a man-made ornament, not originally constructed for plant use, does not change the item from a lawn ornament to landscaping. In addition, dressing up a lawn ornament does not change the item from a lawn ornament to a seasonal display.
Of course yard ornaments have a history of controversy here in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.
• White crosses became a particular hot-button in 2017.
Complaints are received anonymously by Community Standards. Staff then investigates the complaint and determines if a deed compliance violation has taken place. For instance, a resident may have a yard ornament that is in violation, but if there is no complaint, the yard ornament remains in place. The District takes action only if there is a complaint.
The following is intended as a partial reference list of lawn ornaments from the District Office:
• Any manmade concrete, ceramic statue or figure (including religious symbols);
• Windmills
• Pinwheels
• Train sets
• Deer
• Geese
• Flamingos
• Any other animal or human figure.
Owners may check with the Community Standards Department prior to the purchase of lawn ornamentation/landscape objects to verify if the item would be permitted.
If you have any questions regarding lawn ornaments, residents can contact the Community Standards Department at 751-3912 or visit 984 Old Mill Run at Lake Sumter Landing.
