Agencies›Private / Community

Homeowner Association / Architectural Review Board

Community approval before the permit.

In communities governed by a homeowner association, the Architectural Review Board (ARB) must approve exterior modifications before a building permit is pulled. HOA review is a private process — it runs on its own timeline, is not coordinated with the building department, and a missed HOA approval can stop a job after permits are already issued.

What they regulate

  • Exterior modifications — roofing, windows, doors, paint, additions
  • Pool, spa, and screen enclosure construction
  • Fence, wall, and landscaping changes visible from common areas
  • Driveway and hardscape modifications

What triggers their review

  • Any exterior modification in an HOA-governed community
  • New construction or additions in a deed-restricted community
  • Material or color changes requiring ARB approval
Typical turnaround
2–8 weeks depending on the HOA's meeting schedule and review process

What causes delays

  • —HOA board meetings held monthly or quarterly
  • —Missing or incomplete submittal packages
  • —Material or color disputes requiring multiple revision rounds
  • —Neighbor objections triggering extended review

How Cleard handles HOA / ARB

  • Identifying HOA review requirements before permits are pulled
  • Assembling ARB submittal packages to HOA standards
  • Tracking HOA approval status alongside the building permit

Trades that commonly need HOA / ARB review

General ContractorsHome BuildersPool BuildersRoofing ContractorsFence ContractorsAluminum ContractorsWindow & Door Contractors

Other agencies in the approval chain

Building DeptThe first stop for every permit.
Zoning / PlanningLand use approval before the permit.
DERMEnvironmental clearance for construction near sensitive areas.
WASD / UtilitiesWater and sewer clearance for new connections and modifications.
DOHHealth department approval for septic, pools, and food service.
SFWMD / ERPStormwater and wetland permitting for larger projects.
FDEP / CoastalState permits for construction near the coast and water.
ACOEFederal permits for work affecting navigable waters and wetlands.
Impact FeesOne-time infrastructure charges assessed at permit issuance.
Fire MarshalFire code compliance review for commercial and multi-family.

We handle HOA / ARB so you don't have to.

Cleard manages the full approval chain — every agency, every submittal, every correction cycle.

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All agencies·HOA / ARB