Delaware couple wins HOA garage dispute as court orders removal of property violation notice

A Delaware couple who faced legal action from their homeowners association over plans to build a detached garage have won their court case. A judicial magistrate ordered the cancellation of a recorded violation notice against their property. Magistrate in Chancery Selena E. Molina ruled that the community's board had gone beyond its authority when it rejected the couple's proposed building materials and placed a legal claim against their property's title. The decision allows the couple to move ahead with building their 24-by-28-foot garage without facing fines or other legal restrictions linked to the dispute. The case was heard in the Delaware Court of Chancery and involved homeowners John and Sandra Mitchell and the board of directors of their residential community.Clash over building materialsThe dispute began in 2025 when the couple submitted plans to their homeowners association to build a detached garage measuring 24 by 28 feet on their property. Their design included metal siding and a metal roof, chosen to match other smaller buildings on neighbouring properties. The board rejected the plans, claiming that the community's property rules banned metal exterior finishes. It ar...