Many Seattle-area homeowners discover only after hiring an architect that their project requires review by a homeowners association (HOA) architectural review committee — in addition to city permitting. Here is what that means and how to navigate it.
Which Communities Have Architectural Review?
HOA architectural review is common in:
- Issaquah Highlands
- Snoqualmie Ridge
- Sammamish communities
- Newcastle communities
- Many Redmond, Bothell, and Woodinville planned neighborhoods
- Some Bellevue neighborhoods
- All Seattle Landmarks and historic districts (city-administered, not HOA)
What HOA Review Covers
HOA architectural guidelines typically regulate: exterior materials and colors, roof form, window and door types, garage door style, fence heights and materials, landscape screening, and overall massing of additions. Some HOAs require that additions match the original home’s architectural style exactly; others require compatibility but allow some variation.
The Review Process
HOA review is typically separate from city permitting and must be completed before or concurrent with permit submittal. Review timelines vary: some HOA architectural committees meet monthly and take 4-8 weeks; others are more responsive. HOA approval does not substitute for city permits, and city permits do not override HOA restrictions.
What Happens If HOA Approval Is Denied
Denial by an HOA architectural committee can require design changes that affect both schedule and cost. An architect familiar with the specific HOA’s design guidelines can design to those standards from the start, reducing the risk of denial or revision requests.
Piper Cole Architects has worked in numerous HOA communities throughout the Eastside. Free consultation — call 425-753-6452.
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Piper Cole Architects offers a free initial consultation for all project types — residential, commercial, ADU, and renovation. No obligation. Based in Kirkland, WA. Serving the entire Seattle metro area since 2000.