Architectural Control Committee (ACC)
What Is It?
When a community has an HOA, homeowners are required to follow its governing documents.
Within these documents, there are typically guidelines regarding changes to the exterior of your property. This can include paint colors, fencing, landscaping, and more. Before making any such changes, homeowners must submit a proposal, often called the Architectural Control Committee, or ACC, application, to the Board of their Association for approval.
What Changed in January 2026?
As of January 2026, a legal update changed how ACC applications are approved or denied.
Previously, Board members could review and make decisions outside of official meetings and later ratify those decisions during a formal meeting. Under the new law, decisions must now be made during scheduled Board meetings.
This change may lead to delays, especially for Boards that meet infrequently (for example, quarterly rather than monthly). To address this, many Boards have begun holding brief additional meetings specifically to review and approve or deny ACC submissions.
How Do You Submit an ACC Application?
To submit a proposal for exterior changes to your property:
- Contact your community management company or your HOA Board to request the ACC application.
- Ask how the application should be submitted (e.g., online or in person).
- Complete the application thoroughly, including as much detail as possible. This helps avoid delays, follow-up questions, or potential denial.
- Review your community’s governing documents to ensure your proposal complies with all guidelines.
- Submit your application well in advance to allow sufficient time for Board review and any necessary follow-up.
Key Takeaways
- ACC application decisions must now be made during scheduled Board meetings due to a legal change effective January 2026.
- To submit an application:
- Contact your community management company or Board to obtain the application and submission instructions.
- Fill out the application completely and accurately.
- Submit early to allow adequate time for review and response.
