where are their hearts Las Vegas HOA is fighting family over a 12-year-old autistic daughter’s beloved backyard treehouse because they say it’s “too big” and “violates their policies” — even though it can’t be seen from the outside
- Phil Edgar told that his daughter Claire “loves” the treehouse and doesn’t want to part with it
- The HOA complained that it’s too big because it’s over 6 feet and isn’t “invisible.”
- The family tries to appeal to them to leave the structure as it is
A Las Vegas HOA feuds with a family over the incredible backyard tree house they built for their autistic daughter simply because it doesn’t conform to their strict rules.
Phil Edgar, who works in tech sales, lives in a gated community in Las Vegas with his wife Lily, 14-year-old son Colin, and 12-year-old daughter Claire, who has autism.
When the couple recently started renovating their home, Lily, who has a passion for design, was keen to create an outdoor space for Claire to play in.
The tree house in the backyard of the Edgar family. Phil Edgar built it for his 12-year-old daughter, Claire, who mostly plays alone
12-year-old Claire is autistic and likes to play in the tree house, but is mostly alone. Her parents say she loves having her own space
She dreamed up the charming tree house — complete with a charming post office nook, basketball hoop, and lookout point — and asked the handymen who completed the renovation to put it together.
But the Las Vegas Country Club Master Association has since told the family they have to go.
They say that because the treehouse is about 25 feet off the ground, it doesn’t meet their 6-foot maximum height requirement.
Now Phil is appealing to the board to see the value of the tree house – after failing to appeal to their humanity.
“I would really like to resolve this amicably. I’m trying to get clarity on which rules we’re breaking exactly.
“They say it has to be invisible from the outside, and most of the time it is. We go back to a golf course and they don’t mind – they’re fine.
The stylish treehouse is next to the family pool and hidden behind a tree — but the HOA says it’s against their rules
The treehouse is barely visible from the golf course that the house overlooks
An aerial view of the backyard and tree where the building for 12-year-old Claire was built
Claire’s mother, Lily, designed the treehouse for her when the family was renovating
The cute interiors where Claire, who has autism, likes to play alone
The tree house overlooks the pool and family garden. It borders a golf course – but the family say the space has no problem with that
The structure sits about 12 feet off the ground and is camouflaged between trees in the family’s yard
Their home borders a golf course — but the owners say they don’t have a problem with that
The stylish family home in the Las Vegas gated community
Phil Edgar with his wife Lily and their autistic daughter Claire, who “loves” the tree house.
“I’m trying to get a general statement that where I have something is non-compliant.
When contacted by , Chief Executive Alan Stamm declined to comment, claiming it was “illegal” for him to discuss it
“I don’t know where it will end up.”
He even commissioned an arborist’s report to prove that the structure would not harm the tree.
“The board consists of about six people who meet monthly and make a joint board decision.
“I don’t know them personally, I assume they live in the community,” he added.
He said the board was “very neutral” and listened to his pleas – but didn’t immediately give in.
When contacted by , Chief Executive Alan Stamm declined to comment, claiming it was “illegal” for him to discuss it.
The board is scheduled to meet again next month.