Why HOAs review siding
Homeowners associations exist partly to keep a neighborhood’s appearance consistent. Their authority comes from the community’s governing documents – the covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) and the architectural guidelines. Most of them require approval for exterior changes, and siding is one of the most visible changes a homeowner can make. The body that reviews requests is usually called the Architectural Review Committee (ARC), Architectural Control Committee (ACC) or Architectural Review Board (ARB).
What HOAs typically regulate
- Colors – often from a pre-approved palette, sometimes with rules against neighboring homes having the same color
- Materials – some communities require fiber cement or allow only certain vinyl grades
- Profiles – lap width, Dutch lap, shakes or board and batten
- Trim – color and material of corners, window trim, soffit and fascia
- Townhouse buildings – matching products and colors across a whole row, or coordinated replacement
The usual process
- Read the documents. Check the CC&Rs, architectural guidelines and the application form. Many HOAs publish approved color schemes with names and codes.
- Choose products that fit. Pick a manufacturer, product line, profile and color that match the guidelines. Your contractor can supply samples and data sheets.
- Submit the application. Typical contents: a written description of the project, photos of the house, the product and color with samples or swatches, trim details, contractor information and the planned schedule.
- Wait for the decision. Many HOA documents give the committee about 30 to 45 days to respond. Some approve routine requests quickly; others meet monthly.
- Get it in writing. Keep the written approval, including any conditions, and give a copy to your contractor.
- Build what was approved. Changes on site – a different color or profile – can require a new approval.
What happens if you skip approval
HOAs usually enforce their rules in steps: a written violation notice, a chance to correct, fines if the problem continues and, in serious cases, legal action or a lien. Having to replace newly installed siding because the color or material was not approved is an expensive mistake. Unapproved changes can also cause problems when you sell, because buyers and lenders may ask for HOA compliance documents.
Townhouses and shared walls
In townhouse communities, the siding on your unit may be your responsibility, the association’s, or shared, depending on the documents. Some associations re-side whole buildings on a schedule; others let owners replace their own walls in an approved product and color. End units have large side walls that often wear faster. Ask the HOA who is responsible and whether a coordinated project is planned before you get quotes.
In Northern Virginia, for example, many townhouse communities coordinate siding so a row stays uniform; in Columbia, Maryland, village associations review exterior changes. Rules differ widely, so always check your own community’s documents.
HOA rules and other approvals
HOA approval does not replace a building permit or historic-district review, and a permit does not replace HOA approval. In a local historic district, both the preservation board and the HOA may need to agree. In Florida, siding and soffit also need a state product approval regardless of what the HOA allows. Your contractor should know the permit rules; you are usually responsible for the HOA application.
Tips for a smooth approval
- Ask the HOA manager whether a product or color has been approved recently for a similar house – matching an existing approval can speed things up
- Include clear photos of every side of the house and mark the walls being re-sided
- Submit physical samples if the guidelines ask for them; colors look different on screens
- Mention if the project includes windows, soffit, fascia or gutters, so the approval covers everything
- Plan the schedule around the review time; do not let the contractor order special materials before approval
- Ask neighbors in a townhouse row if they plan to re-side too; coordinated work can save on setup
Common reasons requests are denied
- A color that is not on the approved palette, or the same color as the house next door
- A material or profile the guidelines do not allow (for example vinyl where fiber cement is required)
- Missing samples, photos or product data
- Trim, soffit or gutter colors that do not match the approved scheme
- Work already started or finished before the request was submitted
A simple application checklist
- Completed HOA form, signed
- Photos of all elevations, with the walls to be re-sided marked
- Manufacturer, product line, profile and color name and code
- Physical samples or manufacturer color chips if required
- Trim, soffit, fascia and gutter colors
- Contractor name, license or registration and insurance certificate
- Planned start date and duration
If your request is denied
Read the reason, ask what would be approved and resubmit with changes. Many HOAs have an appeal process to the board. If the guidelines are outdated – for example, if an approved product has been discontinued – homeowners can ask the board to update the list of approved products.
Before you buy in an HOA community
If you are buying a home in an HOA, ask for the architectural guidelines and approved color schemes before closing, especially if the siding is near the end of its life. Find out whether the association has a planned exterior project, a reserve fund for siding on townhouse buildings, or any open violations on the property. Those answers can change what a re-siding project will cost you and when it has to happen.
Choosing a contractor who works with HOAs
Contractors who work in your community regularly often know the approved products and colors and can prepare the documents the committee wants. Ask for photos of recent jobs in HOA neighborhoods, and make sure the contract names the approved product, color and trim exactly.