Get HOA or Design Review Approval
If you live in a community with a Homeowners Association or architectural review committee, you'll need their approval before building your addition. This process can add 30-90 days to your timeline but is essential to avoid costly conflicts later.
Quick Summary
Timeline
30-90 days
Application fee
$0-$500
Critical requirement
Written approval
Why HOA Approval Matters
Your HOA has legal authority to enforce community standards. Building without approval can result in fines, stop-work orders, mandatory modifications, or even forced removal of completed construction. The HOA's authority is separate from—and in addition to—city permits.
Real Consequence
Homeowners have been forced to tear down completed additions that violated HOA rules—even when they had city building permits. Having a building permit does not exempt you from HOA requirements. Get HOA approval first or in parallel with permits.
The HOA Approval Process
Review Your CC&Rs and Design Guidelines
Start by reading your community's Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) and any architectural design guidelines. Look for:
- Maximum lot coverage or floor area ratio limits
- Height restrictions (may be stricter than city zoning)
- Approved exterior materials, colors, and styles
- Setback requirements (may exceed city requirements)
- Required approval process and timelines
Can't find your CC&Rs? Contact your HOA management company or check your county recorder's office. CC&Rs are recorded documents and part of your property deed.
Schedule a Pre-Application Meeting
Many HOAs offer informal pre-application consultations with the architectural review committee. This meeting can save you significant time and money by identifying issues before you finalize expensive architectural plans.
Pro tip: Bring preliminary sketches or concept drawings to the pre-application meeting. Get verbal feedback on size, style, and materials before investing in detailed plans.
Prepare Your Application Package
HOA applications typically require more visual documentation than building permits. Common requirements include:
- • Completed application form with fee
- • Site plan showing addition location and setbacks
- • Architectural drawings (plans, elevations, sections)
- • 3D renderings or perspective drawings
- • Material samples or specifications (roofing, siding, windows)
- • Color samples or paint chips
- • Photos of existing home and neighboring properties
- • Landscaping plan if affected
Submit and Attend Review Meeting
Most architectural review committees meet monthly. Submit your application well before the deadline to make the next meeting cycle. Plan to attend the meeting in person to answer questions and advocate for your project.
Timing matters: If you miss a meeting deadline by one day, you may wait 4-6 weeks for the next review cycle. Plan your submission around the HOA meeting schedule.
Get Written Approval
After approval, request a formal written approval letter that specifies:
- • Exact scope of work approved
- • Approved materials and colors
- • Any conditions or stipulations
- • Approval expiration date
- • Required construction protocols (work hours, parking, etc.)
Critical: Do not start construction based on verbal approval. Get everything in writing. This protects you if HOA board members change or memories differ later.
Common HOA Concerns to Address
Understanding what review committees care about helps you prepare a stronger application.
Design Compatibility
- • Does the addition match your home's style?
- • Does it complement neighboring homes?
- • Are materials consistent with the community?
- • Is the roof pitch and style harmonious?
Neighbor Impact
- • Will it block views or sunlight?
- • Does it affect neighbor privacy?
- • Is it proportional to the lot?
- • How will construction affect neighbors?
Property Values
- • Does it enhance the neighborhood?
- • Is the quality consistent with the area?
- • Does it set a concerning precedent?
Construction Process
- • How long will construction take?
- • Where will workers park?
- • How will debris be managed?
- • What are the work hours?
Realistic Timeline Expectations
Small, Simple Additions
30-45 daysMinor bump-outs, sunrooms, or additions that closely match existing home style. May be approved at first review meeting.
Standard Additions
45-60 daysTypical room additions, second-story additions, or garage conversions. May require one round of revisions based on committee feedback.
Complex or Large Additions
60-90+ daysMajor additions, significant style changes, or projects requiring variances. May need multiple review cycles and neighbor notifications.
Start early. Begin the HOA process as soon as you have preliminary plans. Running HOA review in parallel with permit review saves time, but make sure your permit plans match what the HOA approves.
If Your Application Is Denied or Conditionally Approved
Understand the Objections
Request specific, written feedback on why your application was denied or what conditions were imposed. "Doesn't fit the neighborhood" isn't helpful—push for specifics like color choices, material concerns, or size issues.
Revise and Resubmit
Work with your architect to address the committee's concerns. Most denials become approvals with modifications. Document how you've addressed each concern in your resubmission letter.
Appeal If Necessary
Most HOAs have an appeal process to the full board of directors. Review your CC&Rs for the appeal procedure and deadlines. Come prepared with documented precedents of similar additions approved in the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get HOA approval before or after the building permit?
Ideally, get at least preliminary HOA approval before finalizing plans for the building permit. This avoids paying for detailed plans that the HOA won't approve. Many people run both processes in parallel, but the HOA can require changes that affect your building permit plans.
What if my HOA says I don't need approval for interior-only work?
Get this in writing. Some HOAs don't regulate interior changes, but additions typically involve exterior changes too (at minimum, the addition itself is visible from outside). Don't assume—ask specifically about your project and document the response.
Can the HOA impose stricter rules than the city?
Yes, absolutely. HOAs are private organizations and can impose rules stricter than local zoning—though they can't allow things the city prohibits. For example, city zoning might allow 40% lot coverage, but your HOA might limit it to 35%. You must satisfy both.
How long is HOA approval valid?
Most HOA approvals expire after 6-12 months if construction hasn't started. Check your approval letter for the specific timeframe. If your project is delayed, request an extension in writing before the approval expires.
Ready for the Next Step?
With permits and approvals in hand, it's time to schedule a pre-construction meeting with your contractor to align expectations and establish communication protocols before work begins.