HOA says residents not allowed to fly U.S. flag was misunderstanding

INDIAN LAND, S.C. — Outraged residents in Indian Land reached out to Channel 9, saying their homeowners association told them to take down their U.S. flag.

Estates at Audubon Lake Estates neighbors are upset after a man in an unmarked car was seen taking pictures of houses.

It appears he was hired by the HOA.

“He says we're out here taking pics of folks with flag violations and I said, ‘the American flag violation?’ And he said, ‘Oh yes,’” resident Jim Williams said.

The veteran couldn't believe it and he quickly alerted neighbors with a post on Facebook.

Some residents said they received notice that they had broken the rules.

“We have a neighbor who got a violation and he had a flag, against HOA policy, and his flag is an American flag, but federal law allows you to have an American flag on display,” resident Kim Manzo said.

South Carolina law states that regardless of any HOA restriction, people can display a portable U.S. flag in a respectful manner.

The homeowner's association said it was a misunderstanding.

“I understand that they have since taken everything off the website, and they are attempting to apologize to the community for this,” Williams said.

When Channel 9 asked the HOA about reports that several other homeowners had received notices they said nothing was sent out.

After talking with multiple neighbors, Channel 9 reached back out to the HOA for clarification, but have not heard back.

Cox Media Group