Obtain HOA Approval
If you live in an HOA community, you need written approval before starting your remodel - even if you also have building permits. HOA review can take 4-8 weeks, so start this process early. Getting approval protects you from stop-work orders, fines, and forced removal of completed work.
Quick Summary
Timeline
4-8 weeks
Varies by HOA complexity
Application Fee
$0-$500
Some HOAs charge review fees
Key Document
Written approval
Get it before any work begins
Why HOA Approval Matters
When you bought your home in an HOA community, you agreed to follow the CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions). These are legally binding contracts that give the HOA authority to regulate changes to your property. Violating them has real consequences.
HOAs exist to maintain property values and community aesthetics. While they can feel restrictive, their rules often protect your investment by preventing neighbors from making changes that would reduce property values. Working within the system is far easier than fighting it.
- Legal obligation: CC&Rs are binding contracts - you agreed to follow them when you purchased
- Enforcement power: HOAs can stop work, levy fines, and place liens on your property
- Sale complications: Unpermitted modifications must be disclosed and can kill deals
- Neighbor relations: Proper approval process reduces conflicts and complaints
- Insurance issues: Some policies don't cover damage from unpermitted work
- Future modifications: Violations on record can complicate future approval requests
What HOAs Typically Regulate
Usually Requires Approval
- • Exterior paint colors
- • Roofing materials and colors
- • Windows and doors (style, color, material)
- • Siding or exterior cladding changes
- • Landscaping modifications
- • Fencing (height, style, material)
- • Additions or structural changes
- • Solar panel installation
- • HVAC equipment visible from outside
- • Garage doors
- • Mailbox modifications
- • Outdoor lighting fixtures
Usually Doesn't Require Approval
- • Interior painting
- • Flooring replacement
- • Interior fixture updates
- • Cabinet and countertop changes
- • Interior wall modifications (with permits)
- • Appliance replacement
- • Bathroom remodeling (interior)
- • Electrical and plumbing (interior)
- • Insulation upgrades
- • Interior doors
Note: Even interior work may require notification for construction activity (noise, dumpsters, parking)
Important: Every HOA is different. Some are strict about everything; others focus only on major changes. Always check your specific CC&Rs and architectural guidelines before assuming any work is exempt.
The HOA Approval Process
Review CC&Rs and Architectural Guidelines
Before designing anything, understand what your HOA allows and prohibits. This prevents wasted time and money on plans that will be rejected.
Get Your Documents
Request current CC&Rs, architectural guidelines, and application forms from your HOA management company. These should have been provided at purchase but may have been updated.
Identify Restrictions
Note specific requirements: approved colors, materials, setbacks, height limits, and any prohibited modifications. Share these with your architect early in design.
Review Process Requirements
Understand submission requirements, meeting schedules, deadlines, and appeal procedures. Know how long approval typically takes.
Pro Tip: Contact the HOA manager or architectural committee chair directly. Explain your project scope and ask if there are specific concerns or recent denials for similar projects. This insight can save you from common rejection reasons.
Gather Required Documentation
HOA applications typically require more visual documentation than building permits. They want to understand how your project will look, not just how it's constructed.
Typical Documentation Requirements
- • Completed application form
- • Site plan showing property boundaries and proposed changes
- • Architectural drawings (elevations showing exterior appearance)
- • Material samples (siding, roofing, stone, etc.)
- • Color samples (paint chips, stain samples)
- • Window and door specifications
- • Photos of existing conditions
- • Renderings showing proposed appearance (if available)
- • Landscaping plan (if changes included)
- • Contractor information
- • Project timeline
- • Neighbor notification forms (if required)
Success Tip: Over-prepare your submission. Include more detail than required. High-quality visuals (renderings, photo simulations) help reviewers understand your vision and are more likely to result in approval.
Handle Neighbor Notifications
Many HOAs require that adjacent neighbors be notified of major projects. Some require neighbor signatures indicating awareness (not necessarily approval). This is an opportunity to build support.
Proactive Communication
Don't just ask for signatures. Share your plans, explain the project, and ask if they have concerns. Address concerns now rather than at the committee meeting.
Address Concerns Directly
If neighbors express concerns, try to accommodate reasonable requests. A small modification to address a neighbor's concern can prevent opposition at approval stage.
Document Everything
Keep records of neighbor communications. If you can't get signatures, document your attempts to notify. Written support from neighbors can help your application.
Submit Application
Time your submission carefully. Most architectural committees meet monthly. Missing a deadline means waiting for the next cycle.
Submission Deadlines
Applications are typically due 10-14 days before committee meetings. Know this deadline and submit early. Late submissions wait until the next meeting.
Completeness Check
Before submitting, review requirements one more time. Incomplete applications are often returned without review, costing you an entire meeting cycle.
Keep Copies
Retain copies of everything you submit. You may need to reference your submission if questions arise, and you'll want documentation of what was approved.
Attend Review Meeting (If Required)
Some HOAs require or allow applicants to present at committee meetings. This is your opportunity to explain your vision and address concerns directly.
Prepare Your Presentation
Bring visual aids: large format plans, material boards, and photos. Be ready to explain why your choices meet HOA guidelines and benefit the community.
Anticipate Questions
Common concerns: construction duration, noise/debris management, contractor parking, impact on neighbors. Have answers ready showing you've thought through impacts.
Be Flexible
If committee requests modifications, be prepared to negotiate. Minor concessions often secure approval. Know which elements are negotiable and which are essential to your design.
Obtain Written Approval
Once approved, get the decision in writing. Don't start work based on verbal approval - you need documentation.
Get Formal Documentation
Request an official approval letter stating what was approved, any conditions, and approval expiration date. Many approvals expire if work isn't started within 6-12 months.
Review Conditions
Approvals often include conditions: construction hours, dumpster placement, parking restrictions, landscape restoration requirements. Understand and follow all conditions.
Keep for Records
Store approval documentation with your home records. You may need it for future modifications, property sale, or if questions arise during or after construction.
Handling Denials and Objections
Understand the Rejection Reasons
Request specific, written reasons for denial. Don't accept vague explanations like "doesn't fit community standards." You need specifics to address concerns.
Ask: What specific guideline was violated? What would make this approvable? Are there examples of approved similar projects?
Modify and Resubmit
Most denials can be overcome with modifications. Work with your architect to address specific concerns while preserving your design intent.
If color was rejected, propose alternatives from approved palette. If design was too different, find ways to blend with community while achieving your goals.
Formal Appeal Process
If you believe denial was arbitrary or violated CC&Rs, most HOAs have appeal procedures. This typically goes to the full board rather than architectural committee.
Appeals should be based on: guidelines weren't correctly applied, similar projects were approved, denial was arbitrary, or CC&Rs don't support the rejection.
Legal Options (Last Resort)
If you believe HOA is acting beyond its authority or discriminating, legal action is possible but expensive and time-consuming. Consult an HOA attorney before pursuing.
Consider: Is the fight worth the cost? Can you achieve your goals with modifications? Would waiting for new board members help? Legal battles often cost more than compromising.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Starting work before receiving written approval
Consequence: Stop-work orders, daily fines ($50-$500), required removal of completed work, and legal action
Prevention: Never begin any work visible from outside or affecting common areas until you have written HOA approval in hand
Assuming interior work doesn't require notification
Consequence: Fines for unreported construction activity, issues with dumpsters or contractor parking
Prevention: Review CC&Rs carefully - many HOAs require notification even for interior work due to noise, debris, or parking impacts
Submitting incomplete applications
Consequence: Application returned without review, adding weeks or months to approval timeline
Prevention: Review submission requirements thoroughly, include all required items, and double-check before submitting
Ignoring neighbor notification requirements
Consequence: Approval delayed or denied, neighbor complaints that could have been addressed proactively
Prevention: If neighbor signatures required, contact neighbors early. Address concerns before formal submission
Making changes after approval without resubmitting
Consequence: Violations cited for work not matching approved plans, required corrections at your expense
Prevention: Any changes from approved plans require amendment submission. Get approval before making changes
Missing the application deadline before committee meeting
Consequence: Your application waits until next meeting cycle, potentially delaying project by 4-6 weeks
Prevention: Know committee meeting schedule and submission deadlines. Build this timeline into your project schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does HOA approval take?
Typically 4-8 weeks but varies by HOA. Simple changes: 2-3 weeks. Complex projects: 6-8+ weeks. Some HOAs meet monthly, so timing matters. Build this into your project timeline.
What happens if I start without HOA approval?
Consequences include stop-work orders, daily fines ($50-$500), required removal of work, legal action, liens on your property, and difficulty selling. Get approval first - the consequences far exceed the effort.
Can an HOA deny my remodel plans?
Yes, if plans violate CC&Rs or guidelines. Common reasons: prohibited materials/colors, exceeding limits, not meeting aesthetic standards, incomplete applications. Denials can often be appealed or resolved by modifying plans.
Do I need approval for interior remodeling?
Usually not for work that's not visible from outside. But check your CC&Rs - many require notification for major construction due to noise, debris, or parking impacts. When in doubt, ask.
What if HOA and building permit requirements conflict?
Building code takes precedence for safety issues. Get both requirements in writing, explain code requirements to HOA, and work with your architect to find solutions meeting both. Document all communications.