Architectural Committee (ARC)

What is an architectural committee?

An architectural committee is a group of people either appointed by a homeowner association board or elected by the HOA’s membership to review and ensure compliance with the HOA’s architectural standards. The authority of such committees can range from electrical and plumbing modifications and satellite dish placement to lot setbacks, structural design, fence design and placement, exterior materials and color, landscaping, and, increasingly, solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations.

Each HOA typically has its own written architectural standards, which either substitute for or supplement local codes. The architectural committee’s work focuses on applications from homeowners for additions or alterations to their properties.

Why is an architectural committee important to an HOA?

Architectural committees, like homeowner association boards, can be either a source of division or a builder of community. Following the HOA’s architectural standards, they may design or alter the application form that property owners use to request approval of their proposed additions or alterations. After receiving an application, committee members typically have 30 days to review details and documentation such as the type and purpose of the construction, the proposed materials, blueprints or sample plans, qualifications of the contractor (licenses, permits, bonding, insurance, etc.), timeline, and work hours and days and to convey a decision in writing. After approval is given for a particular project, one or more members of the architectural committee will usually visit the construction site regularly to ensure that the project is being carried out as approved.

How can you use “architectural committee” in a sentence?

An architectural committee plays a crucial, albeit occasionally contentious, role in enforcing guidelines and rules to uphold the standards and objectives of a homeowner association.