@Mark384 , from a different angle: does your community allow short term rentals, then you have a strong stand, as community rules supercede HOA rules. (like in San Fran and NY City, it is the city that changed the short term rental rules.) You need to get that permit first.
mostly, such HOA rules limiting short term rentals were implemented before homeowners started renting through Airbnb, and are antiquitated. Consider the landmark 2014 Surpreme Court ruling - Wilkinson vs. Chiwawa Communities Ass.:
The Court decided that vacation rentals are consistent with RESIDENTIAL use and are not considered commercial use . (usually HOAs say that rentals less than 6 months are commercial use). The Court also decided that such limitation goes against the individual property rights of each owner in the community. Furthermore, HOA regulations must be in accordance with the law of the land at all times, so if your or my community endorses such use of one's property,and we pay transient lodging taxes, what leg does the HOA stand on? Perhaps they are just trying to badger you into submission but know that they don't really have the legal power to enforce it.
Here in my city, they make a big difference if I am at the property at all times myself (I am, even though the apartment I am renting has a separate entrance) or if I am absent. for me, being there at all times, it was really easy to get the city permit, but if I were absent, then all sorts of other stipulations (and fees!) enter the picture, like I need to have an inspection, I need to inform my neighbours, etc.. that is where it could get hairy with an HOA.
So whT is your situation? are you there when you rent out , or not? Good luck!