Do You Need HOA Approval?
Almost certainly yes. Over 80% of Northern Virginia homes are in HOA communities. If you live in any planned development — Broadlands, Ashburn Farm, Brambleton, South Riding, Belmont Country Club, Stone Ridge, One Loudoun, Reston, Burke Centre, or hundreds of others — you need architectural review committee (ARC) approval before any exterior construction.
This applies to new decks, replacements, screened porches, pergolas, fences, and even changing stain color. HOA approval is separate from your county building permit — you need both.
Common HOA Restrictions
Materials & Colors
Most HOAs specify approved material types and limit colors to earth tones. Some require specific brands. We check your HOA's design guidelines before selecting materials.
Railing Styles
Many HOAs mandate railing profile, color, and spacing. Cable rail is restricted in some communities. We know which systems each community allows.
Height & Setback Requirements
HOAs often impose setback distances more restrictive than county code. Typical: 15–25 feet from rear property line, 10–15 feet from sides.
Screening & Privacy
Some communities require lattice skirting below elevated decks, restrict privacy screen heights, or mandate specific screening materials.
The Approval Process (Step by Step)
- Get your HOA's design guidelines — usually on your management company's portal. We have guidelines on file for 50+ communities.
- Prepare the submission: site plan, materials list, railing details, sometimes a rendering.
- Submit to the ARC — via management portal (FirstService, SFMC, Cardinal, etc.).
- Wait for review — most meet every 2–4 weeks. Average turnaround: 2–4 weeks.
- Receive approval — conditions typically involve minor color or railing changes. We address and resubmit within 48 hours.
- Apply for county building permit. We do both in parallel when possible.
We Handle the Entire HOA Process
As part of our standard scope (no extra charge):
- Review your HOA design guidelines before design begins
- Select compliant materials and colors
- Prepare the complete ARC submission package
- Submit on your behalf and track the timeline
- Address any revision requests
- Coordinate HOA approval with county permit submission
Our HOA approval rate: 100%. We've never had a final denial because we check compliance before submitting.
Communities We've Built In
Loudoun County
- Broadlands
- Ashburn Farm
- Belmont Country Club
- Brambleton
- Stone Ridge
- One Loudoun
- Loudoun Valley Estates
- South Riding
- Lansdowne
- Potomac Falls
Fairfax County
- Reston
- Burke Centre
- West Springfield
- Fair Oaks
- Centreville Farms
- Sully Station
- Virginia Run
- Oak Hill
- Franklin Farm
- Chantilly Highlands
Prince William County
- Dominion Valley
- Piedmont
- Bristow Manor
- Lake Ridge
- Dale City
- Montclair
- Gainesville
- Haymarket
- Kingstowne
- Occoquan
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need HOA approval?
Almost always yes in Northern Virginia. Over 80% of homes are in HOA communities requiring architectural review.
What do I submit?
Site plan, materials list, railing details, sometimes a rendering. We prepare and submit everything.
How long does approval take?
2-4 weeks. We track review cycles for all major NoVA HOAs.
Can the HOA deny my deck?
Rarely — and usually only for non-compliant materials. We review guidelines first. Our rate is 100%.
What if I build without approval?
Fines ($50-$200/day), liens, or required removal. Also creates sale issues.