A Friendly Guide to Our Community's Architectural Review Process
Thank you for taking the time to learn about our Architectural Review Board (ARB) process. We know dealing with forms and approvals can feel like a hassle, but this process exists to protect everyone's property values and keep our community looking its best.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know in plain language—no legal jargon, just the facts.
The Architectural Review Board (ARB) is a committee that reviews and approves (or denies) requests from homeowners who want to make changes to the outside of their property. This includes things like:
The ARB's job is to make sure that any changes fit with the overall look and feel of the neighborhood and don't negatively impact your neighbors.
The ARB's authority comes from our community's Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CCRs), recorded in 1986. Here's what the governing documents require:
"An Architectural Review Board (hereinafter referred to as the 'ARB') consisting of three (3) or more persons shall be appointed by the Board of Directors of the Association."
"No improvements, alterations, repairs, change of paint colors, excavations, changes in grade or other work which in any way alters the exterior of any property or the improvements located thereon from its natural or improved state existing on the date such property was first conveyed in fee by the Declarant to an Owner shall be made or done without the prior approval of the ARB, except as otherwise expressly provided in the Declaration. No building, fence, wall, residence or other structure shall be commenced, erected, maintained, or improved, altered, made or done, nor any color thereof shall be changed without the prior written approval of the ARB."
What this means in plain English: Any exterior change—no matter how small—requires ARB approval before you start work.
You might be thinking, "It's my house—why do I need permission?" Here's why:
Generally, any change to the outside of your home or property requires ARB approval. Here are some common examples:
If you're unsure whether your project needs approval, it's always better to ask. Email communications@surreyridgehoa.org or submit an ARB request to be safe.
According to Article VI, Section 3(b) of the CCRs, the following are strictly prohibited and will not be approved:
"For all lots in this development, chain link fencing is strictly prohibited. All pools and screened enclosures in the project require approval of the ARB."
Source: Article VI, Section 3(c)
Per Article VI, Section 3(h), the following vehicles are strictly prohibited unless garaged:
Note: Personal use vans with no commercial markings under 90" tall may be parked in driveway with prior written ARB approval.
Submitting an ARB request is easy! Follow these steps:
Before you submit your request, make sure you have:
You can submit your ARB request online through our website:
The ARB will review your request and respond within 30 days. You'll receive one of three responses:
"In the event the ARB fails to approve, modify, or disapprove in writing an application within thirty (30) days after plans and specifications in writing have been submitted to it, in accordance with adopted procedures, approval will be deemed granted."
Source: Article VI, Section 5 (CCRs)
If you make changes without ARB approval, here's what could happen:
"If any improvements, alterations, excavations, or other changes are made which require the written approval of the ARB under the terms of this Section 3 and if written approval of such changes is not obtained from the ARB, the Owner of the lot on which such unauthorized changes have been made shall, at the Owner's expense and upon receipt of a written direction of the Board of Directors, promptly restore the lot and the improvements located thereon to their previous condition. Such restoration shall include, without limitation, the removal of any building, fence, wall, ledge, shrub planting, signs, billboards, garbage containers, or other structure which requires the written approval of the ARB under the terms hereof."
Source: Article VI, Section 3(j) (CCRs)
Bottom line: It's much easier (and cheaper) to get approval first!
A: The ARB has up to 30 days to respond, but many requests are approved much faster.
A: No, ARB requests are free.
A: You'll receive an explanation of why it was denied. You can revise your request and resubmit.
A: Yes! According to Article VI, Section 5 of the CCRs, you can appeal an adverse ARB decision to the Board of Directors, who may reverse or modify the decision by a two-thirds (2/3) vote.
A: No, only exterior changes require ARB approval.
If you have questions about the ARB process, we're here to help!