Key Takeaways
- Approximately 35.2% of all housing in the United States is within a community association (Foundation for Community Association Research).
- Most Homeowners’ Associations require written approval prior to making any exterior changes, and most garage doors are considered an exterior feature that is subject to review and approval.
- Homeowner’s can be forced to pay for the garage doors to be removed and then be forced to pay to have the garage doors re-done exactly as the HOA wanted it done originally, or the HOA can just fine the homeowner’s month after month until the issue is resolved.
Introduction
If you install garage doors and then ask your Homeowners Association (HOA) if they can stay, you are probably too late. Homeowners often assume that garage doors that go inside of a garage are not exterior features and therefore are not subject to HOA approval. However, before installation, it is important to review HOA guidelines and consult professionals for garage door repair.
But there is more than a third of U.S. housing (35.2 percent) that is part of a community association, and most community associations consider garage doors to be covered exterior features subject to the exterior requirements of the HOA’s architectural guidelines (i.e. the requirements of the HOA’s documents that govern the exterior of the homes in the community). It is wise to determine in advance what type of garage doors will be approved by your HOA before you spend any money on garage door installation.
Does an HOA Actually Have Authority Over Garage Doors?
Just because a garage door is typically closed does not mean that it is hidden from view. In fact, the garage door is typically the largest feature on the exterior of the home. That is why most communities have rules regarding the color, style, and design of garage doors. They can have windows and other design features.
Some communities even allow the garage door to be painted a different color than the rest of the home. Whether or not the garage door can be changed is up to the homeowner’s association. They have the final say in what is acceptable and what is not.
What Happens If You Install Without Approval First?
Homeowners may be required to remove and re-install garage doors at their expense to conform to approved garage door alternatives. This can result in homeowners having to pay twice for the garage door and installation.
How Do You Get Approval the Right Way?
Submit a written application for architectural approval through your Homeowners Association’s review process. Include the color, materials, and style of the garage door(s) that you are planning to install in your written application. Most review processes take anywhere from 30 to 45 days to complete, so be sure to include this time frame in your planning as the time frame of the garage door repair service that will be installing the new garage door(s) for you.
What If Your HOA Doesn’t Respond in Time?
In some states there are laws that define approval after a certain period of time, i.e. 30 days or 60 days. But these laws don’t always apply and are generally up to each individual community. Check out your community’s CC&Rs and talk with your board of directors to find out how your community handles these situations.
FAQs
Can an HOA really force me to remove the garage door I already installed?
Yes. The HOA can demand that you remove an installed garage door if it fails to comply with your home’s approved architectural plans (or guidelines) as well as the approved exterior design for your home or residence.
Do I need to get approval for garage door repair and service or is that only for a complete replacement of a garage door?
Typically, no, because repair does not change the appearance of your garage door. However, a replacement door does change its appearance and is typically visible from the street. As your garage door repair service, we can ask you before scheduling the repair and service to confirm if any approvals are needed.
How long does HOA approval usually take?
30 to 45 days depending on the state and the bylaws of your community.
Bottom Line
Whether you need to have a garage door repair performed or if you are in the market for a new garage door installation, we strongly recommend that you get written approval from your HOA prior to signing any contract. At Elite Garage Doors & Gates we service garage doors throughout the state of Arizona and can service your current garage door or help pick out the right new garage door that will get the architectural approval that you need from your HOA.
