Indio homeowner fights back against HOA regulations on backyard mural
Athena Jreij
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — One Indio homeowner is fighting back after he says his Homeowners Association told him his backyard mural violates the community’s guidelines. Now, they’re asking him to submit an application for the art, or paint over it.
Jesse Borrego says he paid $2,500 to commission a backyard mural in his home as a love letter to the Coachella Valley.
“Every time someone books they always want to know, is the mural still there? Can I take a picture in front of it? Can I post it? And we just love that,” Borrego said.
Earlier this month members of his HOA found a photo of it on an AirBnb listing, he says he may have to paint over the wall if it isn’t approved in an architectural planning application.
The community association says any paintings or designs must be pre-approved. They also told Borrego since it was on an exterior structure, it could disrupt neighbors.
However, Borrego sees it as an overreach of the HOA, and says the mural isn’t visible from the outside or by his neighbors. Now, he thinks it’s a targeted enforcement by the HOA because the home is a short-term rental.
“I don’t think short term rentals in this community get a fair shake. Why do I need an architecture application for my wall? That’s within my four walls of my house. They said that the board didn’t like it, that it wasn’t harmonious, to the development. I absolutely disagreed,” Borrego said.
Getting answers, News Channel Three took those questions to a local realtor, Wendy Moldow who said HOA’s can be watchful community eyes, or irritants for residents who clash with board members.
“It comes down to the fact that had he put it on a piece of canvas and attached that canvas or a big board and attach that to the wall, they would have nothing to say. But he’s put it on to a permanent structure where because he’s in an HOA, they do have rules and regulations,” Moldow said.
Moldow suggested Borrego get a bucket of the same paint and tell the HOA it’s a temporary piece of art, that can be removed if the house is sold.
For those looking to buy a home, she advises to get familiar with the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, or CC&R guidelines, HOA’s ask homeowners to sign.
“When you purchase a house and you’re given those keys, you are also given minutes to their meetings that they’ve (HOAs) had. You can request them for the year prior to your purchase, and you can see what other homeowners have complained about during those minutes.”
Borrego said he respects the rules, but still thinks it’s unfair.
“I did sign the guidelines. So I’m not saying that I’m not going to abide by. I’m just saying that I think that we’re being singled out because we’re short term rentals.”
News Channel 3 reached out to the HOA requesting more information.
In a full statement, the Board of Directors said:
“Terra Lago Community Association is a gated community in Indio, consisting of 636 homes. As with all homeowners associations, we are governed by a set of documents that all residents are required to follow. One of these is the Architectural Guidelines, which clearly state that any exterior modification must be submitted through an application to the Design Review Committee prior to any work commencing.
In 2023, Mr. Borrego was made aware of a violation related to a mural painted on an exterior wall. At that time, he acknowledged the issue and provided photographs to the HOA showing that the wall had been restored to its original color. However, upon a recent inspection earlier this year, it was discovered that the mural had not actually been removed. A follow-up letter was sent to Mr. Borrego regarding this matter.
We have since requested that Mr. Borrego submit the appropriate architectural application so the Board and Design Review Committee can formally review and consider his request. As of today, no application has been received.
We trust that he will comply with the community’s governing documents and bring this matter to resolution promptly.”
News Channel 3 reached back out to Borrego for comment. According to him, the wall the HOA is referencing is actually a side wall that was painted another color, and requested to be painted back to white.
He says this a separate wall from the mural and provided the first violation notice from the HOA that was dated July 8, 2025.
Stick with News Channel 3 as we continue to follow this story.