HOA regulations overreaching ?

[Bill Florence]

The Board of Directors of a Condo Association for individually owned condos, is drafting a policy to require any activity they consider renovations, to be approved by the BoD and any violation of that approval process is punishable by fines. 

I understand the need to protect HOA common property (outside of firewall) and other homeowners rights. I agree this policy has applications for major renovations, when using contractors (foot traffic, noise) , heavy material and equipment transfers and the potential for environmental and HOA property wear and tear.

However, I think the policy should not apply to minor renovations that do not effect HOA property and other homeowners. What is inside the units is private property.

Is the HOA overreaching in this case ? Is the HOA themselves mistakenly assuming liability as an adjunct agent for the county as they want to have a say in homeowners projects that might or not need to be permitted and inspected ?