What is the Architectural Review Board? What HOA boards and residents should know

Managing a neighborhood under a Homeowners Association (HOA) means balancing individual property rights that align with the broader goals and standards of the community. One key component of maintaining this balance is understanding what is the Architectural Review Board (ARB) and its role within the HOA. For residents and board members alike, understanding how the ARB functions is important for fostering clear communication and helping property improvements align with community standards.

In this article, you’ll be able to further explore the essentials of the Architectural Review Board, its purpose, functions, and how to work with the ARB when planning renovations or changes.
 

What is the Architectural Review Board?

The Architectural Review Board (ARB), sometimes called the Architectural Control Committee, is a group of individuals within an HOA — usually volunteers or appointees — who review and oversee changes to properties within the neighborhood. They help protect the community’s visual character and overall appeal by reviewing plans for home additions, modifications, or upgrades.

When homeowners buy into an HOA-run community, they agree to abide by its governing documents, which frequently include architectural guidelines. The ARB exists to implement these rules, as it helps with maintaining consistency and property values.
 

What is the purpose of an architectural review?

The purpose of an architectural review is to enforce standards for structural changes that affect the neighborhood's aesthetic integrity and quality. The ARB looks at each proposal to verify it fits within the HOA’s guidelines, whether it's a new fence, fresh paint, or adding a backyard structure.

Through these reviews, the ARB helps protect the community’s identity while promoting positive relationships among neighbors. Without these checks, unregulated changes could lead to inconsistent designs and potential conflicts between residents.
 

What does the ARB do?

An Architectural Review board is responsible for viewing homeowner requests for changes that could impact how the neighborhood looks or functions. That might include anything from repainting a house to building a new patio or making major structural additions. The ARB checks that these proposals line up with the community’s rules before approving them. With this specific function, the ARB helps protect home values, supports neighborhood consistency, and avoids disputes before they start.

The ARB plays a significant role in maintaining the appearance of the community. It serves as the governing body that evaluates and approves (or denies) proposed changes that could have visual or structural impacts. These tasks often include:

• Reviewing homeowner requests for architectural modifications, such as fences, patios, or exterior painting.
   
• Evaluating proposals for compliance with guidelines outlined in the HOA’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs).
   
• Consistently enforcing community standards, applying decisions fairly to all homeowners.
   
• Providing guidelines to homeowners so that expectations are clear before they submit modification requests.
   
• Updating design rules as necessary, keeping them current with the community's needs and preferences.

What is an architectural review for HOA?

An architectural review for an HOA is the formal process through which the ARB evaluates a homeowner’s proposed changes or improvements. This process helps confirm that all alterations conform to community design standards. It often involves a detailed review of materials, colors, dimensions, and design plans to maintain consistent aesthetics throughout the neighborhood.
 

What home improvements require approval?

One of the most common questions homeowners have is what types of changes/improvements need ARB approval. Any modification to a property’s exterior appearance requires submitting an application, such as:

• Exterior painting
   
• Landscaping changes
   
• Decks and sheds
   
• Fences
   
• Roofing

Every condo and HOA have its own set of rules about what changes require approval, so it's always wise to consult your community’s guidelines or reach out to the ARB before starting any major project.
 

How to get ARB approval

Interested in knowing how to get ARB approval? Navigating the approval process can be straightforward when approached step by step. Most ARBs strive to collaborate with homeowners to support clear and effective communication.
 

Steps to take for project approval:

1. Review HOA guidelines. Start by reading your HOA's CC&Rs or design standards. This document outlines the rules for architectural changes and provides insight into what the ARB looks for during the review.
    
2. Prepare detailed plans. Submit a clear proposal that includes sketches, photos, or other visual resources. The more detail, the better the ARB can understand your vision.
    
3. Fill out the submission form. Most HOAs provide specific forms for architectural modifications, which typically require you to describe your project scope and timeline.
    
4. Submit your proposal. Submit your plans and form to the ARB for review. Be sure to meet any deadlines or cutoffs for their decision-making process.
    
5. Communicate with the ARB. After submitting, the ARB may ask for clarification or additional details. Collaborating promptly helps move the process forward.

Once your proposal is reviewed, the ARB will issue either an approval, request for modifications, or a denial.
 

What to do if you are denied

Receiving a denial from the ARB can be frustrating, but it doesn't mean the end of your project.
 

Steps to take after a denial:

1. Request feedback. Ask the ARB to clarify why the project was denied. This helps identify whether the issue lies in design specifics, rule noncompliance, or omitted information.
    
2. Revise your proposal. Address the ARB’s concerns so your updated plan aligns fully with the HOA’s regulations.
    
3. Resubmit your request. Once revisions are complete, resubmit your proposal for another review.
    
4. Consider an appeal. If you believe the denial is unfair, most HOAs offer an appeal process. Present your case to the full board, providing evidence and reasoning.

Approaching a denial with patience and willingness to revise will increase your chances of eventual approval.
 

Why understanding the ARB matters

Understanding the ARB matters because whether you're managing the HOA or planning changes to your home, understanding how the ARB works can make everything easier. Homeowners who follow the process help keep the neighborhood looking great — and avoid problems down the line. Board members who support the ARB’s work help foster trust, transparency, and cooperation in the community.

Yes, the process can feel a little overwhelming at first — but it's all in the service of maintaining the character and quality of the place you call home. If your community is managed by a property management company, contact their team for support.

If you're in a self-managed community or working for a company that lacks structured process guidance and support, let's have a conversation and explore solutions together.

Learn how a professional management company like FirstService Residential can support you during this process and any other board member's duty or responsibility. Contact FirstService Residential today.