WFAA-TV

LITTLE ELM - A sign struggle has emerged between parents and a homeowners association in one Little Elm neighborhood.

Some El Dorado Estates residents say all they want to do is protect their kids when they play in front of their houses, but the homeowner association says their warning signs for drivers to slow down have got to go.

Tim Ross said he bought his $25 sign, which is a yellow figure wearing a red hat and holding a red flag, to protect his young daughter when she plays outside in front of the house.

"I had neighbors pulling up and asking me. 'Where did you get that sign?'" he said. "It's a great idea."

However, the homeowners association doesn't agree and has threatened residents with fines since signs aren't allowed in this neighborhood.

"I've got two other letters stating, 'remove the sign or there will be a $100 fine per day that the sign is left out," Ross said.

Angela Smith bought an identical sign. When she heard about Ross' situation, she asked the HOA for a clarification. Smith said they threatened to fine her too, even though she argued the sign is temporary.

"It's for the safety of our children," Smith said. "It's not planted in the ground. It comes out when we're outside; it goes back in when we go in."

The angry homeowners say based on the HOA's rules, simple Christmas signs are also illegal.

"Everybody has security signs out front showing they have security systems," Smith said. "People display their favorite teams. People display their school that their children go to. I want my slow sign guy out here."

Neighbors say they would like to see signs like these in a nearby subdivision posted along their neighborhood streets. Until then, Smith said her sign isn't going anywhere.

"Regardless of if I'm fined, it will remain for the safety of my children," she said.

The owner of the Dallas company that manages the homeowner's association said police are responsible for posting signs in neighborhoods, not residents. He said if everyone was allowed to have signs in front of their homes, it would no longer be attractive.

E-mail sstoler@wfaa.com