I read this thinking you might have something deep to say about the situation, but, alas, not. It may be “normal” to report neighbors to the HOA. But your friend approached the family herself, and apparently demanded answers. Every Black person I know has had to endure this type of questioning. If Susan were actually nice and acting as a neighbor, she could have brought over cookies, welcomed them, and as a neighbor warned them that the HOA required a permit. I submit that’s what she would have done if they were white.