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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.
What are architectural guidelines?
Architectural guidelines are the cornerstone of a visually appealing community. Essentially, these guidelines dictate specific exterior design rules or standards that every home and building in the community must meet.
What sorts of things do architectural guidelines cover?
Architectural guidelines cover things like:
- Exterior paint colors (including front door colors)
- Landscaping (e.g. what plant types are allowed)
- Holiday decorations
- Exterior finishes
- Fencing
- Other architectural modifications
Are architectural guidelines different from CC&Rs?
Yes. While CC&Rs establish general guidelines for community living, architectural guidelines specifically deal with exterior aesthetic issues. While these may be addressed in a community’s CC&Rs, architectural guidelines are still useful because they can clarify certain policies and procedures related to exterior appearance.
Why are architectural guidelines important?
Generally speaking, architectural guidelines play a pivotal role in upholding the value, beauty, and unity of the neighborhood. There are several reasons why this is important.
- Preserving aesthetic integrity. HOA architectural guidelines are designed to create a cohesive and attractive environment throughout the community, establishing a framework for maintaining visual harmony.
Consistency in architectural features fosters a sense of pride and identity among homeowners, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. Not only that, but a well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing community also attracts potential buyers, safeguarding property values in the long run.
- Balancing cohesion and individuality. Architectural guidelines help strike a delicate balance between community-wide cohesion and individual expression. While consistency creates a unified, pleasant look, homeowners usually appreciate the opportunity to personalize their properties and make their homes their own.
Most architectural guidelines take this into account, using general principles or offering a wide variety of options for homeowners to choose from. This lets homeowners take pride in their unique spaces while still ensuring that each home aligns with the community’s overall vision.
- Preserving property values. Maintaining property values is one of the fundamental objectives of most HOAs. Consistent architectural standards typically correlate with property appreciation and marketability. A visually appealing environment reflects a well organized and conscientious HOA—something that attracts prospective buyers.
Who enforces architectural guidelines?
Most HOAs have a committee dedicated to enforcing architectural guidelines. This is usually referred to as the Architectural Control Committee (ACC), although it can also be called the Architectural Review Committee, Environmental Control Committee, or Design Review Committee. This group is separate from the HOA board and focuses exclusively on reviewing, enforcing, and updating the guidelines.
ACCs have several responsibilities related to architectural guidelines, including:
- Identifying violations. The committee actively monitors the community to detect violations or unauthorized changes.
- Enforcing regulations. When violations are discovered or new plans are submitted, ACCs enforce the standards outlined in the governing documents, and if necessary, educate homeowners on the importance of adhering to the guidelines.
- Evaluating guidelines and recommending adjustments. ACCs conduct regular assessments of current regulations. They work with the HOA board by offering recommendations for any necessary changes to keep the guidelines relevant and effective.
- Educating homeowners. ACCs communicate architectural guidelines to homeowners to ensure that they are informed. Clear and consistent communication helps build trust between the HOA and the community.
- Reviewing proposed changes. ACCs review proposed architectural changes, compare them to current community guidelines, and decide whether or not the change should be permitted.
What is the process for working with an ACC?
The process for working with an HOA’s ACC should be fairly simple and straightforward. Most homeowners can expect to follow a 3-step process:
- Application. The homeowner should submit the appropriate paperwork and information (which may include images, permits, surveys, and other relevant architectural plans.
- Review. The committee will review any submissions during their regular meeting. They will follow procedures set forth in the governing documents to ensure each submission gets a fair review.
- Decision. Most ACCs are held to a time commitment established in the CC&Rs. They must communicate their decision to the homeowner within that time frame. After the decision is made, the homeowner can either move forward with their approved plans, or adjust rejected plans and resubmit.
Architectural guidelines play an important role in creating a visually appealing, cohesive, and thriving community. These guidelines, and the committees set in place to enforce them, help preserve not only the beauty of a neighborhood, but also its long-term financial stability.
With solid architectural guidelines in place, an HOA can help create and maintain a community aesthetic that reflects the neighborhood’s vision and values.
