These committees are most typically comprised of volunteer association members and are not members of the association’s board of directors. The meetings of the architectural committee are not board meetings, therefore they’re not subject to the requirements contained in the open meeting act. However, if the decision was made by the board at a duly held board meeting, then no such reconsideration is required. The member whose application was rejected by the architectural committee may have the right to appeal the decision by the board at an open meeting. If an application is rejected, the architectural committee must include, in writing, an explanation as to why the request was disapproved and a description of the process in which the member may make a request for reconsideration by the board.
More often than not, a homeowners association member’s request for approval for modifications or improvements will require separate authorization from the association’s architectural committee, as well as any local building and code enforcement requirements. Balcony resurfacing, furniture, and plantsĪn architectural committee’s approval does replace any ancillary requirements previously imposed on a homeowner by local building codes and/or county ordinances, however, they do include compliance with the association’s governing documents.Interior flooring changes, including hardwood.Window tinting/window coverings and design.Structural improvements like height, design and placement.The scope in which the architectural committee operates by the development of common area interest improvements manages the following: However, when the necessary provisions are absent, the board may also serve as the ACC or choose to delegate the architectural powers to a committee created by the board. The Associations CC&Rs explain the provisions of creating an architectural committee that operates separately from the board of directors. The CC&Rs define a time frame in which the committee and board must render a decision to the homeowner’s application.
Decision: Once the architectural review committee has reached a decision, they submit their recommendation to the board of directors for final approval/disapproval.If variations are allowed in certain circumstances, the committee will review the plans and determine whether or not the proposal meets the necessary standards. Based on the operation rules and fiduciary responsibility to the association, committees should review the application with set guidelines. Committee Review: The architectural committee should meet regularly to review applications.It may also simply be a written letter from the homeowners containing all of the required information. Details may include pictures, architectural plans, permits, and surveys. Submitting an application for review to the architectural review committee: The application includes the specifications of the property and the request for modifications and improvements.Typically the process of approval includes these 3 steps: Educating homeowners about the set guidelines.Make decisions in regards to guideline compliance.Review guidelines for accuracy and compliance.Make necessary recommendations to the board of directors.Monitor the community for potential violations of standards.Enforcing the standards set forth in governing documents fairly.Managing the application and approval process.The responsibility of administering these standards and the application/approval process in which they are performed falls under the direction of the architectural committee. These modifications or improvements are regulated within the association’s architectural standards defined in the CC&Rs.
Homeowners Associations governing documents require approval before an owner can make physical modifications or improvements to their property or within an association’s common area. So what is the ACC and what does it do? We will answer those questions and more.įirst, take a look at some of the other names the ACC may be referred to as in your association’s governing documents:
But when it comes to a homeowners association, it represents the Architectural Committee. If you’re a fan of college sports, you may recognize the acronym ACC as the Atlantic Coast Conference or if you work in the legal field, it could also stand for the Association of Corporate Counsel.