Site plan and scale drawings
Scale drawings are required. Show every property boundary line, setback, easement, existing structure with dimensions, and the proposed location with dimensions.
HOA architectural control
Plan first. Submit a complete request. Wait for written approval.
An architectural request is required for any change to the appearance of your landscape, building exterior, or structures on the property.
Step 1 · Before you design or submit
Read your governing documents first.
Determine whether your project is allowed before you pay a contractor, purchase materials, or prepare drawings. Read your community’s Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and its Architectural Guidelines. The Board cannot supersede these recorded or adopted requirements.
An architectural request is required for any change in appearance.This includes any change to landscaping or a building exterior, plus the introduction, replacement, relocation, or alteration of a structure—including a fence, pool, porch, patio, driveway, shed, roof, windows, doors, paint colors, solar equipment, or exterior HVAC equipment.
Find your documents
Select your HOA or condo
Your association website is the official starting point for its governing documents, architectural standards, forms, and meeting calendar.
Open association website
On your community site, open the Governing Documents or Documents section.
Step 2 · Prepare your request
Submit one complete project package.
The committee cannot make a timely, informed decision without the required drawings, dimensions, specifications, colors, and photos. Review every item below before opening the request form.
Send everything together—the first time.Do not submit a form now and send drawings, photos, colors, or contractor details later. One complete package gives your committee the best opportunity to decide without delay.
Go to the request form only when ready
1Complete the entire formAnswer every question and include every required signature.
2Upload every project itemVerify all eight checklist categories below before submitting.
3Submit before the cutoffThe complete package is due at least 3 business days before the monthly meeting.
Elevations and project details
For a new structure such as a storage shed, provide plan-style drawings of the front, rear, left, and right sides. Label wall dimensions, roof slope, distance above grade, and every door and window dimension.
Materials and colors
Identify each paint by manufacturer or brand, color name and code, sheen, and the exact location where it will be applied. Include product sheets and swatches.
Current photos
Upload one full-width view of the entire lot that shows probable boundary relationships and every connection to a neighboring fence. Add a clear close-up of the proposed project or affected area.
Distances and impacts
Show distances to lot lines and nearby structures. Explain drainage, screening, lighting, visibility, and noise controls.
Contractor information
Include contractor name, contact details, license, and insurance when your association or project form requests them.
Permits and variances
Identify required city or county permits. State any variance you seek and explain why it is needed.
Completed association form
After reviewing these requirements and the timeline below, select your community’s submission method and complete every field, signature, attachment, deposit, or sample it requires.
Go to submission optionsWhat happens next
From submission to written decision
Typical decisions take 30–60 days in most associations, so plan ahead. Incomplete submissions take longer because review cannot begin until every required item is received.
30–60 daysTypical decision time
Monthly meetingDecisions are made at a properly noticed meeting
3 business days beforeComplete-package agenda cutoff
- 1
Completeness and cutoff check
Submit the complete package at least 3 business days before the meeting. myHomeSpot will request any missing drawings, specifications, samples, or forms.
- 2
Monthly meeting scheduling
Decisions must be made at a properly noticed meeting. Architectural meetings are held monthly. A timely, complete request is scheduled for the next available meeting. Visit your community calendar for the next date.
- 3
Open meeting review
The committee compares the project with the governing documents and published standards, discusses it, and votes.
- 4
Written decision
You receive an approval, approval with conditions, request for more information, deferral, or denial in writing.
- 5
Build as approved
After written approval and required permits, follow every condition. Any change to the approved plan must be resubmitted first.
- 6
Report project completion
Submit a new request reporting that the project is complete and upload finished-project photos. Management or the committee may inspect for compliance.
Plan for 30–60 days.Meeting notice requirements, the monthly calendar, completeness, and your governing documents control the actual timing. Submit early and do not schedule work until written approval arrives.
Find my community calendarReady to submit?
Confirm these three items first.
A complete, informed request is easier for the committee to review and less likely to be delayed. Check each item to continue to your association’s form.
Your association’s form
SUBMIT YOUR ARCHITECTURAL REQUEST
Complete the three confirmations above to choose your association.
Select an association
Your association-specific request form will open in a new tab.
Do not send requests to an individual board or committee member. Need help finding your association? Call 850-453-5555 or email Inbox@myHomeSpot.com.
Member FAQ
Common architectural request questions
Which changes require an architectural request?
Submit a request for any change to the appearance of landscaping, a building exterior, or a structure on the property. This includes paint, roofing, windows or doors, fences, sheds, porches, patios, pools, screens, driveways, landscaping, solar equipment, exterior HVAC locations, satellite dishes, additions, or new construction. Your community’s governing documents determine whether the proposed change is allowed.
Can I begin while the request is being reviewed?
No. Wait until you receive written approval. Verbal comments, a submitted application, a contractor deadline, or a government permit do not authorize work.
What happens if my package is incomplete?
You will be asked for missing information. The request may not be placed on an agenda until it is complete, which can move the decision to a later meeting.
Does HOA approval replace a city or county permit?
No. Association approval and government permits are separate. You are responsible for obtaining every required permit after the association approves the project.
Why might a request be delayed or denied?
Common reasons include missing drawings or samples, conflicts with setbacks or easements, unapproved materials or colors, drainage and visibility concerns, or a conflict with recorded covenants.
What if the project changes after approval?
Stop and submit the revision before proceeding. Approval applies only to the plans and conditions described in the written decision.
What should I do when the work is complete?
Submit a new architectural request reporting project completion and upload clear photos of the finished work. The association may inspect the work. If it differs from the approval, correction may be required at the owner’s expense.
Can I appeal a denial or submit a revised plan?
Follow the appeal or resubmittal procedure in your governing documents. Include new or revised information that addresses the stated reasons for the decision.
ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE MEMBER CENTERTraining and tools for appointed architectural committee members and authorized board representatives
Committee members only
Tools and training for Architectural Committee Members
This area is for people appointed to review architectural requests—not for owners submitting a project. SmartWebs is the secure online review system used by participating associations. Committee members use it to review exhibits, document discussion, record recommendations and votes, and preserve the official project history.
Log in to SmartWebsOpen the committee project portal
Download decision formsOpen the committee forms folder
Create meeting minutesSubmit your Architectural Meeting Minutes
Request ACB deposit refundSubmit the refund request to accounting
Add ACB management servicesRequest service or contract assistance
Ask myHomeSpot for helpEmail the management team
Quick questions for Architectural Committee Members
How do I access a new project?
Use the project link in your SmartWebs notification email or log in and open the Project List. If you need your credentials, use the username or password recovery option on the login page.
Where should discussion and votes be recorded?
Use the project forum and voting controls so comments, recommendations, and history remain attached to the project record. Do not make the committee’s decision by email.
Does an individual vote create the final decision?
No. Individual votes are recommendations reflected in the approval summary. After the committee acts at its meeting, the authorized chair or manager records the final status and required explanation.
What should be included in a conditional approval or denial?
State clear, objective conditions or reasons tied to the governing documents or adopted standards. The explanation is used in the written decision sent to the owner.
How are the meeting and decision documented?
Use the meeting-minutes form, record the final SmartWebs status, and retain the application, exhibits, discussion record, vote, minutes, and decision letter in the association’s official records.
What if information is missing or the committee needs revisions?
Do not guess. Identify the missing item or required revision, defer the decision when appropriate, and make the request specific enough for the owner to respond completely.
Need architectural help?
We’ll route you to the right resource.
Contact the main office for form questions, submission support, or committee assistance.