One of the top benefits of living in a homeowners’ association (HOA) is the attractive curb appeal. This cohesive aesthetic is often thanks to straightforward structural guidelines and a comprehensive architectural review process. Read on to discover how to optimize the complete review lifecycle and keep your community as beautiful as it is functional.
About HOA Architectural Guidelines
Most HOAs have architectural guidelines that all residents are expected to follow. Typically located in your governing documents, these standards outline what property improvements and changes are permitted within the community. Guidelines can address landscaping, paint colors, fence and roofing materials, exterior finishes, and more.
When residents plan to modify their property, they must submit an architectural request and go through the architectural review process for approval or denial. This procedure exists to:
- Preserve uniformity
- Enhance aesthetics
- Ensure safety
- Increase property values
- Reduce disputes
- Promote community cohesion
How to Organize Your HOA Architectural Review Process
An uncomplicated approach to architectural reviews is critical to the health of your HOA. Here’s how to arrange a frictionless system that maintains the integrity of your community.
Establish guidelines.
If they don’t already exist, you’ll need to begin by defining your HOA’s architectural guidelines. Think about your community’s visual goals, standards, and the purpose of the review framework. Detail the changes requiring authorization and confirm they’re consistent with your association bylaws. Remember to get amendment approval from residents, board members, or an attorney, and communicate all updates to homeowners.
Create an architectural review committee.
After you’ve finalized procedures, consider forming an architectural review committee or board. An architectural review committee oversees requests and guarantees compliance with standards. Comprised of volunteer residents or board members, the committee may assume the following duties:
- Managing the application process.
- Enforcing guidelines and standards.
- Evaluating application accuracy.
- Making objective decisions on compliance.
- Approving or denying exterior changes.
- Gathering information required by contractors.
Overall, the committee’s role is to uphold the architectural standards set by the HOA. Their decisions aim to balance homeowners' desire for individual expression and the collective interest in preserving the community's appeal and property values.
Develop an architectural review process.
The architectural review process is the framework for evaluating, granting, or denying architectural requests. To facilitate fair, accurate, and prompt decision-making, the routine and instructions should be clear and thoroughly documented. Although specifics vary by community, the process generally follows the below steps:
- Request submission: A homeowner first submits an architectural request. Many associations provide standardized applications with key details like the property address, modification description, expected start and end dates, and contractor contact information.
- Application review: The architectural committee examines the application and compares it to the community's standards and regulations.
- Committee decision: The committee determines if the homeowner's request complies with the guidelines and whether they can begin architectural changes.
- Written notification: The committee communicates its decision to the homeowner, often within 30-60 days.
- Resubmission or appeal: If the homeowner disagrees with the result, they may be able to revise and resubmit their request to appeal the decision.
Implement technology.
Many HOAs are turning to technology to modernize and simplify architectural reviews. Dedicated management software like TownSq boasts features that streamline architectural requests for homeowners and fast-track approvals for board members. The TownSq Architectural Requests feature offers:
- Straightforward submission. Homeowners can electronically submit architectural requests directly within the app for an effortless approval process and fewer delays.
- Complete transparency. Residents are able to track the status, results, and conditions of their requests in real time, promoting transparency and preventing conflicts.
- Increased collaboration. Homeowners stay informed with progress updates, allowing them to follow the entire approval lifecycle from submission to decision.
- Faster approvals. Residents receive faster feedback, enabling quicker approvals and smoother home improvements for an elevated living experience overall.
Communicate and update.
Once your HOA’s architectural review guidelines and process are finalized, share them with homeowners, supply clear instructions, and be available for questions. Listen to resident feedback and make revisions where appropriate. If architectural guidelines are outdated or no longer serve the community, you may be able to change them. When everyone is aligned on bylaws and procedures, your community will thrive as a more attractive, harmonious place to live.
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