Properties within an HOA must comply with various architectural rules and standards. If you wish to make structural changes to your property, you may have to submit an application to the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) for review and approval. The ARC is responsible for ensuring any exterior changes or additions comply with the HOA’s architectural guidelines. The committee evaluates each application to ensure guideline compliance. However, assessing HOA architectural review applications can have several obstacles. This guide explains the top five common issues in HOA architectural control assessments.
Guideline Compliance
Homeowners seeking to make changes to their homes must submit applications to the ARC for review and approval. After receiving your submission, the ARC must check your application for accuracy to ensure it complies with the HOA’s architectural guidelines. However, ensuring guideline compliance is among the most common challenges in evaluating an HOA architectural review application. The process can be daunting since it involves assessing intricate details, such as measurements, height specifications, colors, materials, and location.
Selective Enforcement
The architectural review committee members must follow all community guidelines to ensure fairness and code compliance. However, some members might allow variations to the regulations, posing a challenge to the review process. Selective enforcement can lead to unnecessary delays or even legal disputes. The committee must remain firm when enforcing guidelines.
Frequent Appeals
The architectural review committee might approve or reject a request, depending on whether it meets the HOA’s architectural guidelines. Homeowners with rejected applications can appeal against the decision within 30 days. Multiple appeals can cause issues if the applicant does not want to abide by the standards or cooperate with the committee.
A Lack of Professional Legal Advice
Lack of proper legal advice is another common challenge in HOA architectural review processes. In any case, the architectural review committee comprises volunteers from the community. The committee members might not have the experience to interpret various legal issues, leading to unnecessary delays in reviewing applications.
Inexperienced ARC members
When selecting architectural review committee members, HOAs should consider the level of experience and the expertise of each member. A committee with inexperienced members might face several hurdles in performing their roles. Ideally, the ARC should include at least one architect or someone with vast knowledge of landscaping, construction, exterior projects, vendor protocols, and HOA by-laws.
Enforce Pros have the experience and expertise to help your architectural review committee evaluate applications for guideline compliance. We also provide site inspections, HOA enforcement, and tenant screening services in Florida. Contact us to learn more about our services.