Glossary › Rules and Enforcement
HOA Rules and Enforcement Terms
Part of a board's job is holding the community to its standards. That means reviewing changes, spotting violations, and handing out penalties when needed. These terms cover the process.
Architectural Review Committee ARC
#The group that reviews owner requests to change a home's exterior. A new deck, fresh paint, or a planted tree often needs ARC approval first. The committee checks each request against the rules.
Architectural Guidelines
#The written standards for exterior changes. They spell out allowed materials, colors, and styles. Owners and the ARC both follow them.
Violation
#A break of the CC&Rs or rules. Examples include an unapproved fence, loud parties, or a parked RV. Boards send notice and ask the owner to fix it.
Fine
#A money penalty for an unfixed violation. Boards charge it after notice and a chance to respond. State law often limits the amount and the steps.
Hearing
#A meeting where an owner answers a violation notice. The owner states their side, and the board decides. Many states require this step before a fine sticks.
Variance
#Board permission to break a rule in a specific case. An owner might get one for a fence slightly taller than the limit. The board grants it in writing.