Glossary

What is an architectural review committee?

The committee that reviews an owner's request to change the outside of a home: paint, fences, additions, solar panels, landscaping. Its authority comes from the declaration.

Also called ARC, ACC, architectural control committee.

In Havn

An architectural request in Havn opens on the right form, routes to the committee, and keeps the decision and the conditions on the home's record.

Requests and approvals

Owners submit an application with plans and materials; the committee approves, approves with conditions, or denies within the time the governing documents allow. Several states deem a request approved if the committee does not answer within a set period, and most protect certain changes, such as solar panels, flags, and drought-tolerant landscaping, from denial.

The committee's decisions should follow written standards and be recorded, because a denial that looks arbitrary is the kind that ends up in court.

Keep Reading

Guides

  • The HOA Violation Process, Step by StepA violation that ends in a fine the owner pays went through the same steps every time: a dated record, a notice that cites the rule, a chance to fix it, a hearing, and a fine the schedule already set.

Templates

  • HOA Violation Notice TemplateA free HOA violation letter template: the rule cited, what was observed and when, the photo, the cure date, what happens next, and how the owner can respond or request a hearing.

Laws and Documents

See how Havn handles it with your own community.

HOA management software with a homeowner portal owners actually use. Resale documents are included; the requester pays for each one.

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