HOA architectural review is the process homeowners’ associations use to approve changes to the outside of homes and lots: fences, sheds, additions, pools, decks, solar panels, paint colours, landscaping and more. It is separate from the city or county permit, and both are usually needed. A clear, complete submission with the right drawings is the fastest route to approval.
Quick answer: HOA architectural review checks proposed exterior changes against the association’s covenants and design guidelines. Submit the HOA’s application form with a site plan, elevations or product photos, materials and colours, and any neighbour sign-offs required. Approval from the HOA doesn’t replace a building permit, and a permit doesn’t replace HOA approval.
What HOA architectural review covers
- Additions, porches, sunrooms and garages.
- Fences and walls: height, style, material, colour.
- Sheds and accessory buildings.
- Pools, spas and their fencing.
- Decks and patios.
- Roofing material and colour, siding, paint colours.
- Windows and doors, especially on street-facing sides.
- Solar panels, satellite dishes and equipment (within limits set by state law in some states).
- Driveways, landscaping and lighting.
The documents that govern review
| Document | Contains |
|---|---|
| Declaration / CC&Rs | Legal restrictions and the review requirement |
| Design or architectural guidelines | Detailed standards: styles, materials, setbacks |
| Application form | What to submit and how |
| Committee rules | Meeting schedules, response times, appeals |
Read the guidelines before designing. Many HOAs set stricter rules than the city, for example larger setbacks for sheds or specific fence styles.
What to submit for HOA architectural review
- Completed application form, signed.
- A site plan showing the change, its size and distances to lot lines.
- Elevations for buildings and additions, or product photos and specification sheets for prefab items.
- Materials and colour samples or names.
- A rendering for larger or visible changes; see renderings for HOA approval.
- Neighbour notification or signatures if required.
- Contractor information, if requested.
Our pillar on elevation drawings explains what elevations show.
How the review process works
- Submit the application to the management company or committee.
- The committee reviews at its next meeting, or within a set number of days.
- Decision: approved, approved with conditions, request for more information, or denied.
- Many governing documents say that if the committee doesn’t respond within a set time, the application is deemed approved or denied; check yours.
HOA approval and the city permit
They are independent. Many cities don’t check HOA approval, but some ask for it. The HOA doesn’t check building codes. Submitting to both at the same time with the same drawings saves time, but be ready to revise both if one requires changes. A city setback that is less strict than the HOA’s doesn’t override the HOA.
What committees look for
- Consistency with the neighbourhood’s style and materials.
- Size and placement relative to neighbours.
- Visibility from the street.
- Quality of materials.
- Compliance with specific rules such as fence heights or shed sizes.
- Impact on drainage and neighbours.
Common reasons for HOA denial
- Incomplete application, such as missing site plan or colours.
- Materials or colours not on the approved list.
- Structure too large or too close to a lot line under the guidelines.
- Fence style or height not permitted.
- Design out of character with the neighbourhood.
- Work already started without approval.
After a denial
Ask for the reasons in writing, revise the design to address them, and resubmit. Many HOAs have an appeal process to the board. If you believe the decision conflicts with the governing documents or state law, such as state protections for solar panels or certain flags, seek advice. Keep communication courteous and written.
Tips for faster approval
- Read the guidelines and use approved materials and colours.
- Submit complete, scaled drawings rather than sketches.
- Show distances to lot lines and neighbouring homes.
- Include photos of the existing house and the area of work.
- Talk to affected neighbours early.
- Submit well before the meeting deadline.
Projects that often need HOA review
Fences are the most common; see our fence permit guide. Sheds, pools and additions follow; see the shed permit guide, pool permit guide and home addition permit guide.
Neighbour input
Some associations require neighbours to be notified or to sign the application, especially for fences on shared lines, additions and anything close to a lot line. Even where it isn’t required, showing a neighbour the plans before submission often smooths the review, because committees take neighbour objections seriously. Note any neighbour support in the application.
Approval conditions and expiry
HOA approvals often come with conditions, such as a specific colour, added landscaping or a requirement to finish within a set time. Many approvals expire if work doesn’t start within a period, often six months to a year. Keep the approval letter with your project documents, follow the conditions, and ask for an extension if needed rather than letting it lapse.
Changes during construction
If the design changes after approval, such as a different window style, a larger footprint or a new colour, submit the change to the committee before building it. Some changes need a full resubmission; minor ones may be approved administratively. Unapproved changes can lead to the same fines and removal orders as unapproved projects.
What if you skip HOA review?
Building without required HOA approval can lead to fines, an order to modify or remove the work, and legal fees under the governing documents. It can also complicate a sale, since buyers and title companies may ask about violations.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need HOA approval and a building permit?
Often both. They are independent approvals.
How long does HOA architectural review take?
Often 30 to 45 days, depending on meeting schedules and the governing documents.
What drawings does an HOA need?
Usually a site plan and elevations or product photos, plus materials and colours.
Can an HOA deny solar panels?
Some states limit HOA restrictions on solar. Check your state’s law and the governing documents.
Does HOA approval transfer when I sell?
Approved, completed work stays approved. Unfinished approvals may need the new owner to reapply.
What if my HOA doesn’t respond?
Check the governing documents; some treat no response within a set time as approval.
