What is an HOA Architectural Committee?

If you live within a homeowners association (HOA) and you’ve wanted to build a deck, switch up your landscaping, or install a fence, it is likely that you have interacted with your community’s Architectural Control Committee (ACC).  

Also commonly known as the Architectural Review Committee (ARC), this important committee is made up of volunteer community members that are responsible for reviewing proposed exterior home changes to ensure they follow the architectural guidelines that are set in the associations governing documents.  Most HOAs will have a clear outline of the architectural guidelines in the governing documents.  These guidelines typically include specific material requirements, height restrictions, setback guidelines, and more. 

What does a property management Architectural Review Committee (ARC) do?

Homeowners who are seeking to make a change to the exterior of their home are typically required to fill out an application and to provide all construction plans and a material list to the committee for review prior to beginning any work. The committee then has a set amount of time allowed to review the application and to provide a decision based on the plans compliance with the earlier mentioned guidelines.  It is important to note that the committee is not approving or denying plans based on personal opinion, but whether they comply with the guidelines set forth in the governing documents. 

While architectural control can be a sensitive issue for some HOA members, it is important to know these controls keep a consistent appearance throughout the community and maintain property values.  This is why there can be very serious (and expensive!) consequences if changes are made prior to review and approval, or changes that do not comply with the architectural guidelines.

How RowCal can help your HOA Architectural Review Committee?

At RowCal, we use efficient and easy technology for owners submitting ARC applications, tracking committee member responses, and notifying owners of the final decision all in one place.  This prevents confusion from endless email chains where a response or specific question around a color or material may be missed.

If you need help setting up clear architectural guidelines, or to see what a streamlined ARC application process can look like, reach out to us today at 651-233-1307 or at Info@RowCal.com!