If your neighborhood or housing development has a Homeowners’ Association (HOA), it most likely has a set of rules or by-laws that determine what you can and can't do to your property. HOA rules aim to create uniformity around the houses in a neighborhood. They also ensure that homeowners maintain their houses and property well. While there are definitely benefits to living with an HOA, it can be challenging when you want to embark on a home improvement project, such as installing a fence.
Before you can put up a fence, you need to get approval from the HOA. Here's how to put together a proposal that will wow your HOA and everything you need to know before you start your privacy fence project.
How To Put Together Your Fence Proposal for HOA Approval
Getting your fence project approved by your HOA might be easier than you think, especially if you follow the rules. Follow these steps when creating your proposal.
- Check local zoning regulations. Zoning laws vary based on location, so make sure you're familiar with your city's or municipality's before you begin your proposal. Your fence will have to comply with any local zoning restrictions while also meeting the requirements of the HOA.
- Read the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). Every HOA has a set of CC&Rs. The CC&Rs cover various topics, from what color you can paint your front door to the types of holiday decorations you can put up. They'll also likely lay out the type of fences that are and aren't allowed by the HOA. The CC&Rs will also tell you if you need to submit a formal proposal before beginning a project or if you can start work on it, as long as you follow the rules. Give the CC&Rs a read before you do anything else, so you don't fall in love with a fence material that's off-limits. Knowing the rules also increases the likelihood of the HOA approving your project.
- Talk to a fencing company. Once you know the rules and zoning regulations, schedule a consultation with a local fencing company. Ideally, you'll work with a fence company that understands your local area's HOAs. During your consultation, a representative from the company can review your fencing options with you and help you decide which type of fence best suits you and complies with your HOA's rules.
- Decide on the fencing style you want. After meeting with a fence company, you should feel ready to pick a style that you like, whether it's a vinyl, aluminum, or wood fence and whether it's a private or semi-private fence.
- Detail your plans for the HOA. Now's the time to put together your proposal if your HOA requires one in writing. Along with writing a proposal, you might have to present it, in person, to the HOA. The more detail and supporting documentation you provide with the proposal, the better. Include details about the fence, such as its materials, height, and location. Provide a site plan that shows where on your property the fence will be. It can also be a good idea to include information about the fence company you plan on working with.
Tips for Getting Your Plan Approved
You want the HOA to approve your fence plans the first time you submit your proposal. The number one thing to do to increase the chance of approval is to follow the rules to the letter. If the HOA says no wood fences, don't submit a plan for a wooden fence. If there's a height limit of four feet, don't submit a plan for a five- or six-foot fence.
The more evidence you have to support your proposal, the better. It might be worthwhile to draw up a site plan that shows exactly where the fence will be and how it will affect other structures nearby. Your HOA might require a site plan when you submit the proposal.
Finally, submit everything the HOA requests when you send in your proposal. Forgetting a document, such as a site plan, can delay the process or lead to a denial. It's also a good idea to give yourself plenty of time from submitting the proposal to when you want to install the fence, as your HOA might take a while to review and approve it.
Tips for Getting a Certified Site Plan
Your HOA may require a certified site plan before your fence project begins. If that's the case, you'll need to arrange for an architect or surveyor to visit your property before drawing up the plan. A certified site plan will have the surveyor or architect's signature on it.
HOA Fence Company has plenty of experience working with HOAs in the Greater Indianapolis area. If you're considering installing a fence and need to submit a proposal to your HOA first, we can help. Contact us today to set up a consultation.
