Architectural Project Requests

WOODLAND HILLS ARC PROJECT REQUEST FORM

STONE FOREST ACC PROJECT REQUEST FORM

COPPERFIELD ACC PROJECT REQUEST FORM

ALL OTHER HOAs: ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT REQUEST FORM

Your HOA’s governing documents require that you submit a request to the Architectural Control (Review) Committee, sometimes referred to as ACC or ARC. In order to know whether or not your project will require ACC/ARC approval, please thoroughly review your association’s governing documents. Typically, any projects that alters the appearance of the outside of your home or property requires approval. Projects started without approval, regardless of completion, may result in enforcement action by the HOA.

Please complete and submit an ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT REQUEST FORM along with any necessary plans, surveys, samples, or supporting documents, to Architectural Committee c/o Association Services BCS at help@associationservicesbcs.com. The subject line should be "HOA Architectural request – Property Address". If you are unable to email, you may also mail or deliver your paperwork to our office.

The Architectural Control (Review) Committee, or ACC/ARC, will review your submission and issue an approval or denial within thirty (30) days of receipt of your request. The Committee’s approval or denial will be sent via email and USPS first class mail if requested, at the expense of the homeowner.

What is an Architectural Control or Review Committee?

The Architectural Control Committee (ACC), also known as the Architectural Review Committee (ARC), is a committee that oversees the approval or denial of exterior modifications, alterations, and additions to lots in your community community. The state of Texas may also refer to this committee as the Architectural Review Authority, or ARA. This committee commonly consists of volunteers within the community. As of September 2021, the state of Texas has a requirement that members of this committee not be a member of the board, the spouse of a board member, or someone that shares a household with a board member.

Why is the ACC / ARC Important?

By overseeing all exterior modifications, alterations, or additions that occur within a community, the ACC or ARC can ensure that your community maintains a uniform, cohesive appearance and follows the rules, regulations, and restrictions set in the HOA’s governing documents. This in turn helps the homes and properties within your community maintain their property values.

Do I HAVE to submit a request?

While having to submit a project request and wait for approval does add time to your project, it is really important that you don’t skip submitting your request, even if you feel your committee or HOA board may not notice or be concerned with your project. By violating your community’s governing documents and not seeking proper permission, you may find yourself facing enforcement actions, including legal or monetary penalties. Additionally, you take on the risk that your HOA will request that you revert the modification or alteration to its original state or remove any addition that has been added, which can come at a hefty financial cost to you as the homeowner.

What does the approval process look like?

While the exact process may vary depending on the rules set forth by your community’s governing documents, for most associations the process will generally involve you submitting your request to the committee in writing. Your community may have requirements on what type of information is needed to be included with your request, like pictures or project dimensions, so it is very very important that you read through your community’s governing documents. Once your project request is received, the Committee has a set time as outlined in the governing documents to issue an approval or a denial. The state of Texas has set a maximum time limit for a decision to be issued at thirty (30) days from receipt of submission.

How can I make sure my project is approved?

The most important step in gaining a project approval is to verify if your project confirms with your community’s governing documents. By checking the governing documents in the initial stages of planning your project, you are able to see if there are any restrictions when it comes to the types or conditions of modifications, alterations, or additions that can be done to your home or property.

The next step in ensuring your project is approved is to be prepared and complete your project request in its entirety - double, then triple check that you did not forget any details or requested documents! Since your project may be delayed or even denied due to lack of information or details in your request, the best advice we have is that it’s always better to overdeliver than underdeliver when it comes to providing project details. Be sure to plans, locations, pictures, color samples, dimensions, project timelines, and any permits required by your governing documents or your local city/county government. Providing all of this information up front will expedite the approval project.

After your project is approved, you may start work. Note that there may be required steps after you finish your project, so it is important to provide an update once you have finished work. Your ACC or ARC may require a site visit for an inspection of the work completed or other documentation to ensure the modification, alteration, or addition was completed as according to your approved project submission.

What happens if my project is denied?

Occasionally, a project request will be denied. If your request is denied, you may be able to revise and resubmit your request for review or you may be able to appeal the committee’s decision. These options will be determined by Texas legislation or laws, in addition to your association’s governing documents. If your project is denied, information on the denial, as well as additional steps you may take, will be provided.