One of the primary purposes of a Homeowner’s Association is to establish a minimum standard of construction and the overall design of homes within the community in an effort to create a harmonious appearance. Strict adherence to to the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and any Architectural Guidelines can assure every homeowner that their quiet enjoyment and property value will be protected. The ACB is an acronym for Architectural Control Board or Architectural Control Committee – the volunteers who review and decide every new home to be constructed or how an existing property can be modified.
You will often need a scale drawing showing your boundary line, all structure locations along with specifications and samples of materials.
Architectural meetings must be publicly held so that all members may attend. This requires advance notice and a date/time for all committee members to attend. Then meeting minutes are prepared along with decision letters. You can visit your association page for the meeting calendar.
• Any owner planning an exterior change.
• Examples. Paint. Roof. Windows and doors. Fences. Sheds. Patios. Pools. Screens. Driveways. Landscaping. Solar. HVAC locations. Satellite dishes.
• Use your community’s Owner Portal at http://ACB.myHomeSpot.com.
• Select your association’s specific form from the drop-down list.
• Do not send requests to individual board or committee members.
• Questions. Email Inbox@myHomeSpot.com or call 850-453-5555.
• Submit before you sign contracts or schedule work.
• No work may begin until you receive written approval from your association’s architectural committee or board.
• Detailed drawings. Provide a site plan and scaled drawings that show property lines, setbacks, and all dimensions.
• Elevations. Front, rear, and sides for structures or additions.
• Materials. Product sheets for all components.
• Colors. Manufacturer color names and codes. Upload color chips or swatches.
• Photos. Current photos of the home and the work area. Include street view and close-ups.
• Location details. Show distances to lot lines, easements, utilities, and adjacent structures.
• Samples. Roofing, pavers, siding, fencing, or paint samples if requested.
• Contractor info. License, insurance, and contact details.
• Permits. List any required city or county permits. You must obtain them if approval is granted.
• Neighbor impacts. Show screening, drainage, lighting, and noise controls if applicable.
• Variance request. If your plan does not meet adopted standards, state the variance you seek and why.
• Any association-specific form. Complete and sign all fields in the portal.
• Your community’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions.
• Any published architectural guidelines or design standards.
• Local building codes and zoning rules.
• Written standards control all decisions.
• Florida law requires association business to be conducted at properly noticed meetings.
• Committees that make architectural decisions must hold open, noticed meetings before voting.
• Email voting is not permitted.
• Intake. myHomeSpot.com checks your submission for completeness. We will request missing items.
• Agenda. Complete requests are placed on the next available committee agenda.
• Meeting. The architectural committee meets, discusses, and votes in an open meeting. Owners may attend as observers unless your documents allow owner input.
• Decision. You receive a written approval, conditional approval, deferral, or denial.
• Records. The association keeps the application, exhibits, and decision in the official records.
• Missing drawings, samples, or color specifications.
• Conflicts with setbacks, easements, or utility lines.
• Materials or colors outside approved palettes.
• Drainage, screening, or visibility concerns.
• Conflicts with recorded covenants or adopted standards.
• Do not start work until you receive written approval. Verbal approvals are not valid.
• Follow any conditions listed in your approval letter.
• Post permits as required by the municipality.
• Keep the site clean and safe. Do not block neighbors or damage common areas.
• Changes after approval require a resubmittal before you proceed.
• Notify myHomeSpot.com when work is complete. Email Inbox@myHomeSpot.com through the portal message center or by direct email. Include photos that show the finished improvement.
• Management or the committee may inspect to confirm compliance with the approved plans.
• If work differs from the approval, you may be required to correct it at your expense.
• If denied, you may appeal under your governing documents. Provide new or revised information.
