When purchasing a home in an HOA, the buyer agrees to certain rules and regulations. They’re also agreeing to keep their home and yard up to certain standards and to adhere to the aesthetic of the overall community. This is where the Architectural Control Committee (ACC) comes in!
Role of the ACC
The ACC is responsible for maintaining the aesthetic and structural integrity of the association. One of their roles is to review applications for modifications in the community. The size of the ACC is dependent upon the size of the association. If the association is small, the board may handle the duties of the ACC.
The ACC, no matter the size or make-up of the committee, reviews architectural issues in the community and provides recommendations.
Most states require a formal process for architectural applications and reviews. The ACC generally focuses on the exterior of the home; however, they also ensure interior modifications do not alter the property’s structural integrity.
Why is the ACC Needed?
The most beneficial role of the ACC is to maintain property values for all properties in the HOA. ACC’s go beyond just the aesthetic of the community – they ensure owners are not making changes that could jeopardize the structure of the entire building, in the case of condo HOAs, or the home, in the case of single-family homes.
How ACC’s Protect Property Values
These controls keep a consistent look throughout the community. The ACC puts the interest of the entire community above those of an individual, which ensures property values are protected. For example, this can prevent homeowners from making exterior changes to their homes with paint colors, patios, or structural additions that would make one particular home stick out as the oddball on the street.
Homeowners and the ACC
Issues arise when a homeowner does not understand, or even know about, what is allowed and what is prohibited. Homeowners should always read and understand the bylaws, CC&Rs, and rules and regulations of their association. They should also follow the process for ACC improvement requests, as governed by their HOA. No changes should be made to the home prior to the approval of the ACC. Doing so could result in violation fines and even lawsuits, where the homeowner could be forced to remove or alter the modification that was not approved by the committee.
Have more questions about ACCs? Here at JellyBird, you can touch base with your community manager to get all your HOA management questions answered.
