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Eli Barron says he should have the right to use natural light.

PLANO - Do homeowners' associations wield too much power?

Some North Texans facing fines, liens and even foreclosures for everything from fake flowers to satellite dishes say there's no question about it.

Eli Barron didn't ask his homeowners' association for permission to install seven solar lights.

He didn't know he had to until he received a letter.

The association threatened to fine him $200 a day until he removed the energy-conserving lights.

It threatened to hire a contractor to remove the lights at Barron's cost.

If he refused to pay, they informed him, they could foreclose.

"I told them I would be willing to give up freedom and some of my money to defend using natural light," Baron said.

A Houston-based group, Texas Homeowners for HOA Reform, says Texas law gives HOAs too much power, allowing them to enforce deed restrictions and collect fees and fines by threatening liens and foreclosures.

The same homeowners' association threatened another family for erecting a stone pillar next to a fence.

The homeowner's association said they get many requests for improvements and only a few are denied. They said those are solved "neighbor to neighbor."

E-mail sstoler@wfaa.com.