The HOA Architectural Review Committee plays a critical role in preserving aesthetics and appeal within a planned community. This committee works hand-in-hand with the HOA board to review proposals, inspect for violations, and ensure visual harmony in the neighborhood. Homeowners should familiarize themselves with this committee’s role to better equip themselves for HOA living.
What is the HOA Architectural Review Committee?
The HOA Architectural Review Committee — HOA ARC Committee, for short — is dedicated to standardizing architectural changes and appearances within a homeowners association. This committee helps maintain property values by ensuring consistency in looks and character throughout the community.
Also known as the HOA Architectural Review Board, this committee upholds the association’s architectural guidelines. It oversees the approval process for homeowners who wish to make modifications, additions, or improvements. The ARC is also responsible for conducting inspections for any guidelines violations.
It is worth noting, however, that not all communities have a separate Architectural Control Committee. Smaller associations, in particular, may leave this committee’s role in the hands of the HOA board. Larger associations, though, typically need a separate committee to share the board’s workload.
Functions of the HOA Architecture Committee
Ensuring the consistent and uniform appearance of properties within an HOA is integral to preserving appeal and property values. As such, associations rely on an HOA ARC Committee to enforce their architectural guidelines. While HOA living limits what homeowners can creatively do with their homes, consistency helps ensure high property values.
Homeowners who wish to understand their architectural limitations should familiarize themselves with the role of the ARC. It is also a good idea to do this if they have plans to join the committee in the future. While the exact responsibilities of this committee can vary depending on the governing documents, they typically include the following:
- Managing the architectural approval process;
- Inspecting the community for architectural guideline violations;
- Enforcing architectural guidelines fairly and consistently;
- Educating homeowners on the architectural guidelines and any changes;
- Reviewing current guidelines and making proposals to the board; and,
- Recommending decisions to the HOA board.
HOA Architectural Committee Guidelines
The HOA architectural review guidelines define what homeowners can and can’t do with their homes. Typically, architectural guidelines are specific, even listing what types of materials owners can use. However, guidelines can vary from one community to another because every community has its own unique flavor and character.
That said, architectural guidelines commonly tackle the following:
- Structure placement, height, composition, and design
- Lot setback requirements
Landscaping changes or additions- Roof materials
- Fence requirements
- Exterior paint colors and finishes
- Deck and patio design, material, and placement
- Swimming pool and hot tub installations
- Exterior lighting fixtures
- Mailbox placement and design
- Flagpoles
- Solar panel design and placement
- Trash bin or dumpster placement
- Sheds and storage
- Satellite dish and antenna placement, height, and design
- Holiday decorations
- Electric vehicle charging station installations
For condominiums, the guidelines can be extended to cover the following:
- Balconies
- Interior flooring
- Plumbing
- Electrical design
- Windows
Homeowners should review their architectural guidelines to understand the specific requirements they must follow. However, it is essential to note that some federal and state laws may limit what HOAs can restrict. For instance, the federal OTARD Rule doesn’t allow associations to prohibit the installation of satellite dishes or antennas altogether. Several states also protect homeowners’ rights to install solar panels.
HOA Architectural Review Process
When homeowners want to change or add something to the exterior of their property, they must typically go through an application and review process. Homeowners submit their proposals to the HOA Architectural Review Committee through this process. The committee will then check the proposal and see if it aligns with the association’s guidelines.
This process’s objective is to standardize applications and ensure compliance with architectural rules. It ensures that homeowners obtain approval for any changes, helping them avoid penalties for violations.
While the specific steps of this process can change, they generally follow three stages: application, review, and decision.
1. Application
Homeowners must first fill out an application form with complete details of the change and submit any supporting documentation. Some of the details they must provide include the type of modification or addition, its purpose, and sample designs of the change. They must also list the materials, paints, and finishes to be used.
Additionally, many associations ask for the contractor’s information, including the name of the contractor and any licenses, permits, and certifications. Finally, homeowners should be prepared to give a work schedule and an estimated completion date. This helps control the project and minimize disruptions to neighbors.
2. Review
The HOA Architectural Review Committee will then evaluate the application at one of its scheduled meetings. Throughout the review, committee members must exercise good faith and judgment. They must complete each review objectively, basing their decision on the architectural guidelines.
3. Decision
Following the review, the Architectural Control Committee will then make a decision. Typically, this committee only makes recommendations to the board, with board members having the final say. However, the committee will sometimes hold full decision-making power on architectural change approvals.
After a decision is made, the committee must communicate it to the homeowner. The HOA’s governing documents will dictate how long the committee has to review and make a decision. If the committee denies the application, it should provide a reason and an opportunity for the homeowner to reconsider the decision after making changes to the application.
What Happens When Homeowners Violate the Architectural Guidelines?
Homeowners must always seek approval from the ARC before making any modifications or additions. Skipping this crucial step could result in a violation, which begins with a violation letter. Depending on the hearing, the homeowner could then be asked to pay a monetary fine as a penalty and reverse the modification at their own expense.
Sometimes, homeowners must proceed with the project and obtain approval later. This is normally not allowed, as it breaches the approval process. In this case, the committee might ask the owner to undo the changes made thus far, go through the approval process, and then restart the project from the beginning—all at the owner’s expense.
Tips for Homeowners to Get Approval
Some owners find obtaining approval from the HOA Architectural Review Committee challenging. However, by following a few tips, it can be relatively easy.
- Understand the Guidelines. Homeowners must review their architectural guidelines and approval process beforehand. This allows them to prepare everything they need and set expectations for themselves, helping ensure they don’t stray from what’s permitted.
- Keep Things Clear. Homeowners should fill out their application clearly and provide all necessary details. This includes attaching any documents they might deem supportive. Doing this will prevent delays in the project.
- Ask Questions. Some guidelines may not always be clear. Homeowners shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions and seek advice from board or committee members.
- Seek Contractor Assistance. Some contractors help homeowners complete the application form to secure the project. Homeowners should ask their contractors if they offer this service.
- Know Limitations. Homeowners can be headstrong and stubborn, pushing for what they want even though it’s not allowed. It is essential to learn to compromise and let go of the things they know they can’t have. Sometimes, getting a pink water fountain or a domed roof is not in the cards.
Alleviate the ARC Burden
The HOA Architectural Review Committee is integral to any homeowners association. This committee helps maintain a consistent look within the neighborhood, which, in turn, leads to higher property values. The work of this committee, though, can often be challenging and heavy, especially in large communities. Professional help may be necessary.
Elite Management Services provides expert HOA management services, including assistance with violations. Call us today at (855) 238-8488 or email us at help@emspm.com to get started!
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