I wonder if they even got HOA approval for all this and that's what's (supposedly) causing all the stir. Where I live, if we wanted to do such a project, we would get estimates from contractors, choose our contractor, then submit a detailed description along with drawing to the HOA for architectural review. They have 30 days to approve/deny/ask for changes. Then the contractor applies for the county permits/etc.
If EC is anything like the two places that I've lived, you'd have to get separate approval for the house painting, the outside coach lights that Tim mentioned in the last video, the increased size of patio and screen cage would be separate from it all, along with the outdoor kitchen. Tim pointed out the removal of the tree, here, where I live, if you remove a tree, it needs approval, if you plant a tree, you also need approval. For any landscaping changes, if you are not replacing with the same plant in the same spot, you need to submit a landscape drawing with each plant listed.
It sounds like a pain in the ass, but we had neighbors in NY whose property was a disaster with nonstop unfinished projects, so we appreciate that someone holds people accountable. In general, if you follow the rules, it's pretty easy.