Responding to question about what antennas approved:
Antenna options include long wire: EF, OCF, center fed all possible. The one that fits (yep, I know its not optimal) is Ultimax 100; decent reviews on Eham, so I'll give it a shot.
Vertical antenna options are of Hustler BTV, Mosley RV-6A, or any flagpole variety, height not to exceed roof-line. No objection to ground radials. "Uglier" options like Butternut ran afoul HOA.
Based on house configuration and how it would have been installed, HOA objected to something like Inverted-Vee installed DX-EE.
Long wire or vertical antennas must be installed in rear of home. I feel like I can make this work and plenty to explore.
DS-150S antenna (VHF/scan) installed in attic above garage. Not external antenna, thus not subject to HOA approval.
HOA/CC&R pretty prevalent in our area. We stated we were seeking "reasonable accommodation" abiding HOA covenants understanding it was necessary approach for approval. We were ready with ARRL article cited earlier, and had studied HOA applicability of FCC PRB-1 documents and decisions on their website. We never got that far and did not need them in earning approval.
Other comments: We too have had mixed if not bad experience with HOA, particularly when zealots or even ordinary stakeholders have an agenda. This obviously gets messy and tough, making the expected righteous indignation claims (does not add value to discussion) and denial a foreseeable outcome. We documented decision and HOA agreed via sign-off on plans and summary memo.
In our case, HOA was part of the overall QTH project, otherwise not viable.
I recall a story about a local guy who built a very nice house near an already present small rail yard (not in an HOA), and he complained passionately about the noise from the railyard. Turns out they decided knowingly to build rail yard adjacent. House vacated, long unsold, later demolished. There it is!
73,
Chuck