Homeowner associations (HOAs) have what is called “architectural control” over your house and property. This means that hundreds of HOA regulations apply to the way your house looks and which renovations you may or may not perform on it. Such policies are in place to ensure that by modifying your home, you are not devaluing your neighbor’s properties.
If you live in a neighborhood with a HOA, every home modification or upgrade must meet strict standards. If you are planning on building a platform or multi-level deck on your home, it is important to think about the HOA guidelines.
HOA Application Preparation
Before you can pull the building permits from the county, you have to get approval from your HOA. Keep in mind that each HOA is different and may have different procedures for this process. Generally, you need to submit an HOA application to the HOA’s Architectural Review Board or a similar entity that deals with these matters.
Your HOA application will describe the exact architectural change you are proposing, e.g. addition of a deck or even replacement windows. Most HOAs regulate decks, so you might find some specifications and restrictions in your HOA’s governing documents.
Apply for HOA’s Approval
HOA will review your application and will give you their response within 60 days. Make sure you have HOA’s approval in writing in case any issues are to arise in the future. Some HOAs may also require you to get a sign-off from your two to four closest neighbors. Don’t skip this step! Your HOA has the right to request you to tear your deck down if it wasn’t built according to the specifications or you didn’t follow all the rules. If you refuse, the board may hire someone to perform the demolition and then add a lien on your property in the amount of the cost.
If your deck meets the requirements, the HOA will usually draft a short letter granting permission to build the project. You should include this letter with your application to the building department.
What if the HOA Won’t Approve?
Sometimes, an HOA may not approve your proposed deck as is. Maybe, the board considers it too big, or your color scheme is not in compliance with the established palette for the community. In this case, you have three options.
- Make the necessary changes in the design plan to better fit with the HOA guidelines.
- If you feel their demands are unreasonable, you can appeal, but be sure to have something to back up your claim.
- Check with other community members to learn whether they’ve had the same type of deck built and approved.
Nuss Construction Company has been a leading source for quality remodeling and custom home building in Southern New Jersey since 1967. We’ve worked for and with multiple generations of local residents. We’ve built a loyal customer base by providing them with top to bottom service: from roof to foundation. Call us at (856) 988-9982, or fill out our contact form to schedule a no-obligation consultation for your home improvement project. We serve clients in Medford, NJ.
