An architectural review committee is key for any growing HOA. At first, the board can go through changes homeowners may propose for their exteriors but as more people move in, you should set up a new committee. Here we’ll look at what an architectural review committee is, what it does, and how to create a successful one.
What is an Architectural Review Committee?
An architectural review committee (ARC) has a few different names, it may be known as an architectural committee or an architectural & landscape review committee. It ensures compliance with the HOA’s architectural standards as laid out in the CC&Rs.
What Does It Do?
Residents fill in the ARC form and submit it to the committee. The committee then analyzes if the modification(s) would have any negative impact on the community’s appearance and if the changes meet the HOA’s standards. The committee can also adopt rules to improve the application process. It’s a very important committee as if everyone’s home starts to look completely different then you lose some of the charms of an HOA. It also may negatively affect the price of houses in the neighborhood.
Examples of some modifications could be a satellite dish, adding or changing fencing, or landscaping. They can also be changes to the house itself, like adding a deck or painting their home’s facade.
Start a Successful Architectural Review Committee
The ARC is so important in any HOA, even if you don’t have a specific committee set up yet, you should still follow these steps to avoid any frustrations.
Pre-application
The committee should have a document that clearly lays out how to submit an application and everything that the residents need to hand in to the committee. You should also have an FAQ document so that you aren’t constantly bombarded with the same questions. Make sure that they are both easy to understand, don’t include any complicated jargon. Your FAQ, how to submit an ARC request, and the actual ARC form should be available to residents on your website so that residents can easily find them.
During the Application Process
The most important trait for an ARC is to be fair. It can be very frustrating if your request is denied, and if you see that your neighbor was allowed to paint his house bright pink because he’s friends with the president of the committee then that anger will grow. The ARC must allow all members of the community to make their home modifications if they meet HOA rules. You can’t block someone because you don’t like them, their request or it’s never done before.
A good committee will also give suggestions on how to change the project so they can approve it. So if a proposal to increase their deck makes it too big, don’t just say that it can’t be done, tell them how to change it.
The committee should also meet regularly (either in an online meeting or in person) to discuss any ARC requests so that residents don’t have to wait too long to hear back. It’s very important that the committee keeps good minutes to keep a record of decisions.
The ARC Application Process
- Residents will submit a form, letting the committee know what type of modification they’re proposing, the purpose of said modification, the materials to be used, and if applicable paint color.
- They will need to submit detailed plans of the work, they should hand in any permits (eg permission from the city to build) and their contractor’s credentials. They also need to tell the committee how long the work will take.
- The committee will receive the application, check and discuss it. They may go back to the HOA member to request information
- The request is approved or denied
As mentioned above the committee can change their HOA’s ARC application rules. So what residents need to submit will vary from HOA to HOA.
What Can The Architectural Review Committee Block?
The architectural review committee can block a lot of requests. One of the main appeals of living in an HOA is the uniformity of the homes, which maintains home prices.
It’s the ARC’s job to protect the HOA’s value, so they often have very strict rules about height, color, and proximity to the road. If your HOA has a natural attraction (such as a lake, or a beach) or a view of mountains or the ocean they will also protect that. So a modification that would affect the view from common areas or the beach access won’t be allowed.
HOA Software + ARC
Using software you can streamline the process for residents and the committee. It makes it more efficient, as residents can upload it online, and the architectural review committee can review it more effectively. It also increases transparency as the member who made the request and the whole committee can view their form and comments made.
Using Neigbrs by Vinteum you can enjoy all these benefits, as well as storing documents, communicating clearly, and improving your HOA’s management.
Wrapping Up What an ARC Does
An architectural review committee is very important for HOAs, they need to improve life in the HOA, not create tensions. A fair committee that makes the ARC process easier can do just that. Using software and implementing good processes improves transparency and satisfaction.
