When it comes to maintaining the aesthetic and functional integrity of shared properties, understanding the landscaping architectural requirements is crucial for co-owners. Whether you are part of a homeowners association (HOA), a condominium association, or any other type of residential community, staying informed about these regulations can help you avoid legal pitfalls and ensure your […]
Architectural Review Committees – Their Powers Get Slashed (FL)
HB 1203 made some major changes regarding architectural review committees. To sum it up, their powers were greatly slashed. Let’s take a look: An association or any architectural, construction improvement, or similar committee of an association must reasonably and equitably apply and enforce on all parcel owners the architectural and construction improvement standards authorized by […]
Mastering ARC Applications: Best Practices for HOA Board Members
If you’re part of a community association board, you will become familiar with Architectural Control – the process for reviewing and approving additions or exterior modification requests for homes within the community. Whether the board is tasked with managing the process or delegated to an Architectural Review Committee (ARC) or Architectural Review Board (ARB), you […]
Mastering the Architectural Review Process
Reviewing architectural applications is typically part of a community association manager’s bread and butter. However, the architectural review process can be fraught with stumbling blocks, and architectural disputes with homeowners can be drawn-out, expensive affairs. A few practice tips for processing architectural applications are listed below to help master the architectural review process: Read the […]
A Mooresville couple tried to paint their home. They were hit with a $1,000 fine from their HOA (NC)
Living in a neighborhood run by a homeowners association has its advantages, like maintaining uniformity with the exterior colors of the homes. But after discovering some of their HOA’s “approved” colors didn’t even exist anymore, a Mooresville family found themselves asking, “Where’s the money?” The family picked a color they liked, only to be hit […]
Mastering Architectural Guidelines for Arizona HOAs
Architectural guidelines are more than mere regulations. They’re the keystones that shape the character and quality of our communities. These guidelines serve as the compass guiding homeowners and HOA boards alike, ensuring that every change and addition enhances the collective aesthetic and value of the neighborhood. In this comprehensive exploration, we explore the nuances of […]
Architectural Reviews
February is the time of year when those of us in Ohio start thinking about sunnier and warmer days to come. For many people, that means making plans for summer projects and improvements to their homes. Establishing architectural standards and reviewing applications for exterior improvements is one of the most important jobs for many HOA […]
HOA in push for color change painted ‘big white square’ on my house without my permission (FL)
Question: The paint committee in my HOA is telling me to change the color of my house to white because I have a gray roof. My house is now cream with gray trim. It’s been that way for the last seven years. I want to keep that color. They picked the color, and I don’t […]
ARC process now reflects HOA rules (MD)
The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors approved two resolutions to conform with the Maryland HOA Act related to Architectural Review Committee guidelines. The changes related to the workings of the committee and enforcement/notification of homeowners about violations. Read the article…………………………..
‘Grossly out of proportion’: HOA can’t tear down noncompliant homes (VA)
The Western District of Virginia held that it would be “grossly out of proportion” to allow a homeowner’s association, or HOA, to destroy three homes that were built without approval of its architectural review board that didn’t exist at the time. Read the article…………………………………
Best to wait for written approval before starting project (NV)
Q: Back in January 2022, we submitted an Architectural Review Committee application to our subdivision HOA to add concrete steps leading to the front door and side concrete walkway on the right side of the front yard leading from the sidewalk to our side yard gate. They wanted a specific start and stop with the work, […]
The How-To’s of ACCs (TX)
A new year is quickly approaching and, after hours of inspiration from watching Fixer Upper, homeowners may be feeling inspired to add on to or remodel the exterior of their homes and update their landscaping. On top of that, the extended drought has led to many needing unexpected repairs, giving owners an excuse to undertake […]
What Your Illinois Homeowners Association Needs To Know About Architectural Control Requirements
Most condominium declarations will limit the ability of a unit owner’ ability to make changes to any structure, improvement, or any of the limited or general common elements within a condominium or common interest community association to preserve the aesthetics of the community. In many cases, deed restrictions will require the unit owner to obtain […]
Disabled veteran having trouble with local homeowners association after renovating home (GA)
“I don’t want to lose my house, I don’t understand what the big deal is about it, it’s just a fence,” said Quinton Walton, a 37-year-old Army veteran. He’s referring to his home in Midland. “My son is standing the chance to lose his home because the homeowners association for this subdivision, Garrett Creek, disapproves […]
Court won’t order owners to destroy houses (VA)
Where a homeowners’ association argued the court should order homeowners to tear down houses allegedly built in violation of the association’s covenants and restrictions, the court refused. Demolition of their homes would be grossly out of proportion with the relief sought. Read the article………………………………..
Design panel OKs major facelift for prominent Palm Beach condo building on Midtown Beach (FL)
One of Palm Beach’s most prominent condominiums on Midtown Beach can get a facelift, now that the town’s powerful Architectural Commission has signed off on plans for a major exterior remodeling project. Read the article…………………………….
Navigating the Complex World of HOA Architectural Control (FL)
What does a Homeowners Association, under Chapter 720, Florida Statutes, need to bear in mind when evaluating architectural modification requests from its members? Read the article…………………………………….
Navigating the Complex World of HOA Architectural Control (FL)
What does a Homeowners Association, under Chapter 720, Florida Statutes, need to bear in mind when evaluating architectural modification requests from its members? Read the article……………………………..
Transparency in HOA’s architectural review process
Homeowners Associations (HOAs) play a crucial role in maintaining a neighborhood’s aesthetic and structural integrity. When homeowners want to make changes to the exterior of their homes, such as adding a new fence or changing its paint color, they often need approval from the HOA. Read the article………………………..
The Importance of HOA Architectural Guidelines
An HOA does more than just set and enforce rules. Homeowners Associations really exist to help create a shared vision and establish a unified identity within communities. One of the ways they do this is through the use of architectural guidelines. Read the article………………………..
Florida couple in dispute with Avalon Park HOA over decorative stones in yard
The Avalon Park Property Owners’s Association says the white rocks around Demeris and Jose Heinsen’s home violate the neighborhood by-laws. The couple got a letter saying they have two weeks to remove the stones, which the couple said was part of more than $10,000 worth of landscaping work. Read the article………………………..
ACC Request Denied? Here are the Steps to Making a Proper Appeal
If you live in a community with an HOA, then you likely know that home improvement projects require approval from your association’s Architectural Control/Review Committee (ACC/ARC). While this extra step can feel tedious when you’re ready to break out the paint and tools, it is important as it helps your community maintain a cohesive look, […]
Palm Beach condo-building redo hits a brick wall with architectural panel. Here’s why. (FL)
Architectural commissioners appeared surprised at their most recent meeting when they were asked to approve a plan to strip one of Palm Beach’s most prominent oceanfront condominium buildings of its distinctive red-brick accents. Read the article………………………..
Get HOA approval in writing when painting the house (NV)
Q: I recently painted my home. Since there was no color scheme provided matching mine, I requested and received approval to use a color scheme that came closest. Read the Q&A………………………………
Are Swim Spas In Homeowners Associations Allowed? (NC)
It’s not uncommon to see swim spas in homeowners associations. Residents see it as a cheaper alternative to backyard pools, though not all communities might permit it. Homeowners should make sure to review their association’s governing documents before installing a swim spa. Similarly, HOA boards should approach the topic with caution to avoid potential liability. […]
Michigan Court Rules That Deck Installed in Violation of HOA Restrictions Must Be Removed
Don’t sweat the small stuff. While it may be a good tip for reducing stress in your life, it is almost certainly not a good tip when it comes to following the governing documents for your condo or HOA. In fact, ensuring that all of the rules are followed—yes, all the small things—may in fact […]
Boca Raton HOA Sues Resident Over Fence, House Color (FL)
In another example reaffirming that complying with a homeowner association’s rules is not optional in Florida, the Fieldbrook Estates property owner’s association is suing a homeowner over the removal of a fence, the repainting of a home in a color not approved by the HOA, and other cosmetic issues. The fence removal, according to a […]
Getting Approval For Home Renovations In HOA Communities
Homeowners typically need to secure approval for home renovations in HOA communities. And while the process can vary from one association to another, there are a few general guidelines you can follow. Read the article………………………..
Ask SAM: How do I ensure changes to my home conform to my HOA’s ‘Harmony of the Community’ clause?
Q: We live in a community with a homeowners association. The covenants indicate that any architectural modifications must conform to the “Harmony of the Community.” The term harmony is very ambiguous and non-descriptive and has been interpreted and enforced in an arbitrary manner. A resident may not know what the lack of harmony means, until […]
The Homeowner’s Guide to Architectural Review Requests
One of the greatest joys of being a homeowner is being able to make your space your own. However, when you live in a community with an HOA, you may find that there are some extra steps that are needed prior to making any changes to your home. Read the article………………………..
What Projects Require HOA Approval? Plan Carefully Before Starting a Project
A new home project can be exciting, but there’s something that all homeowners in an HOA need to be aware of and that is whether the project requires approval or not. If a homeowner were to start a project that required approval but didn’t request it first, there could be consequences (these would depend on […]
Architectural Committees Formal Procedures, Published Standards, and Self Help (FL)
There are strict legal requirements that a homeowners’ association’s (HOA) architectural review committee (ARC) must follow, most especially if the ARC intends to deny an owner’s request. Read the article………………………..
Architectural Committees Formal Procedures, Published Standards, and Self Help (FL)
There are strict legal requirements that a homeowners’ association’s (HOA) architectural review committee (ARC) must follow, most especially if the ARC intends to deny an owner’s request. As this author has witnessed countless times, it is likely that many ARCs do not conduct their activities in conformity with Florida law such that an ARC denial […]
West Van condo owners ordered to repair structural damage caused by unpermitted renovation (BC)
The Garrows took their strata to Civil Resolution Tribunal, attempting to have the strata’s stop work order cancelled and seeking $180,000 in damages for negligence and breaching the alteration agreement. Read the article………………………..
Orangecrest Country Cmty. Ass’n v. Burns (CA)
Homeowner Burns submitted an architectural request for various improvements to her property, one of which was the construction of six-foot high stucco walls in her front yard. The association’s architectural guidelines restrict owners from constructing walls or fences in their front yards. The association sent Burns a letter approving her proposed improvements with the following […]
Community Association Management and Architectural Controls
Architectural controls are necessary for an HOA’s ability to protect the homeowners’ investment and quality of life. Understanding architectural controls and how community association management can help with them can be a major advantage to a new community and its developers. Read the article………………………..
What should you do if your HOA denies your project?
People who move into a neighborhood a homeowners’ association governs know that they will have to follow the rules of that HOA. It’s advisable to review those rules so you can ensure you comply with them. Read the article………………………..
HOA Backyard Rules: What Can And Can’t Homeowners Do
When it comes to HOA communities, rules are normal. That is why homeowners living in these communities, as well as buyers who are still considering purchasing a home in these communities, should familiarize themselves with the rules of the association. These include HOA backyard rules. Read the article………………………..
A Guide For Homeowners Who Want Architectural Changes In HOA Homes
When homeowners want to make an architectural change in HOAs, they often need to seek approval from the association. But, why is approval even needed? And what is the process for getting approval? Read the article………………………..
Refresher on the Architectural Approval Process (CA)
Most CC&Rs require owners of the separate interests to obtain association approval prior to making structural alterations or alterations to the exterior of their separate interests or common area. Read the article………………………..
Court Affirms Homeowners Association’s Decision to Grant Fence Variance (WA)
The Washington Court of Appeals ruled earlier this month that a homeowners association committee properly exercised its authority under real estate covenants to grant owners a variance for a cedar fence. Read the article………………………..
Outward swinging front door at center of dispute between Margate condo owners, association (FL)
They replaced their front door to be better prepared for hurricane season, but the new door ended up creating a storm of trouble with their condo association, so they called on 7 Investigates. Here’s the Nightteam’s Kevin Ozebek. There’s nothing fancy about this front door in Margate, but it opened a very unexpected problem for […]
New Unpublished Opinion – ORANGECREST COUNTRY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION v. BURNS (CA)
Defendant Sandra Burns sought approval to build a wall across her front yard, and when her homeowners association said no, she built it anyway. After multiple attempts to get her to stop construction (and later to mediate the issue) failed, the association sued Burns, seeking a permanent injunction requiring her to remove the wall. Read […]
How HOAs Can Successfully Handle ACC Variance Requests
Your association most likely has an Architectural Review Committee or ARC that handles approving homeowner renovations and exterior changes to enforce the deed restrictions. These committees may have different names, such as the Modifications Committee (MC) or Architectural Control Committee (ACC) but are essentially the same thing. Read the article……………………………
Planning To Improve Your Home? The Architectural Review Board Will Tell You What’s Allowed Or Not
Most homeowners associations establish an Architectural Review Board to maintain the aesthetics of their communities. Homeowners living in such communities should be aware of the process of obtaining approval from this board before starting any home improvement plans. Read the article……………………………..
Condo Q&A: Can Owners Install Video Doorbells?
Question: Can an owner install a security camera to monitor his or her unit front door entrance area in a condo complex, and can the board approve this as an agenda item? Read the Q&A……………………………….
Automatic Architectural Approval
Governing Documents commonly include a provision that the Board and/or Architectural Committee have a certain number of days to render a decision on an architectural application (e.g. 45 days from the date that the application is received), and failure to render a decision within that timeframe results in the application being considered approved. Read the entire […]
Association requiring owner to upgrade roof to match aesthetic changes
Q: Where can I find information about the power of homeowners’ associations? Can an association force me to replace a perfectly good roof because they want me to upgrade to their new favorite roof style of shingles? Read the Q&A……………………………….
COA: HOA rightfully granted summary judgment in dispute over pole barn (IN)
A couple who constructed a pole barn on their property without first getting approval from their homeowners association failed to convince the Court of Appeals of Indiana that the trial court erred in granting the HOA summary judgment. Read the entire article……………………………….