What is an architectural review board?

An architectural review board, or ARB, reviews homeowner requests to change the outside of their property, measuring each one against the design standards already written into the CC&Rs. Its rules tend to be strictest around what’s most visible or most valuable to protect, height, color, proximity to the road, or sightlines to a shared view or waterfront.

Why does an architectural review board matter?

Left unchecked, small changes approved on a whim chip away at the uniformity that helps hold home values steady across the community. An ARB that applies the same standard to every applicant, rather than deciding case by case based on who’s asking, is what keeps residents trusting the process instead of assuming the rules bend for favorites.

When You’ll Run Into This

This board usually only hears from people twice: when they’re planning a change, and when they’re upset someone else’s change went unapproved. Our look at what an HOA architectural review committee does covers how to run one that avoids both headaches.