[markolaska]

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Hey everyone, our HOA is looking into revising our architectural guidelines, and I’m leading the committee responsible. We’re seeing more requests for modern designs, and our current rules lean towards traditional aesthetics. Has anyone here gone through a similar process? Any advice on balancing homeowner preferences with maintaining the community’s overall look? Also, how do we ensure compliance with local zoning laws while making these updates?

[minhari19]

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We went through something similar last year. One tip is to do a full review of your CC&Rs and make sure any new guidelines are consistent with them. You’ll also want to check your governing documents for any supermajority voting requirements when amending architectural standards. Consulting a land-use attorney helped us ensure everything complied with city ordinances, especially for height and setback restrictions.

[earlh0808]

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Agreed, especially about getting legal advice. When we updated ours, we also made sure to get community input through a survey. This helped minimize pushback when we enforced the new standards. Make sure your design review board is well-versed in the new guidelines so there’s consistent interpretation when approving or rejecting applications.

[naldofive7]

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One more thing to consider—will you add any restrictions on solar panels, or exterior lighting? We got a lot of feedback on energy-efficient upgrades when we revised our guidelines. Depending on your state, there might be solar access laws to consider. Don’t forget about materials—modern designs often use non-traditional materials that may need specific provisions in your guidelines.

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