Making improvements to your home is exciting. Whether you’re adding a fence, painting your house, installing new landscaping, or upgrading your roof, these changes help make your home your own. At Spencer’s Ridge, we want homeowners to improve their properties — but we also want to protect the value, appearance, and harmony of the entire community.
That’s why Florida law and our governing documents require homeowners to submit an Architectural Review Application (ARC) before making most exterior changes.
What is the Architectural Review Committee (ARC)?
The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) is a group appointed by the Board of Directors to review exterior changes to ensure they:
- Comply with our governing documents
- Maintain the visual harmony of the neighborhood
- Do not negatively impact neighboring homes
- Protect property values for everyone
This is not about stopping improvements — it’s about making sure they fit within the community standards that everyone agreed to when they purchased a home here.
What requires ARC approval?
In most cases, ARC approval is required for any visible exterior change, including but not limited to:
- Painting or changing exterior colors
- Roof replacement or repair
- Fences, walls, or gates
- Landscaping changes
- Driveways, patios, or walkways
- Exterior lighting
- Solar panels, sheds, or other structures
If you are unsure whether approval is needed, the safest choice is to submit a request — there is no penalty for asking.
Why is approval required?
Florida law allows HOAs to regulate exterior changes to maintain community standards. Our Declaration and Bylaws give the HOA the legal authority to require architectural approval before changes are made. This protects homeowners by:
- Preventing unapproved or out-of-character alterations
- Avoiding disputes between neighbors
- Ensuring that improvements do not reduce property values
- Providing a clear, fair, and documented approval process
Submitting an ARC request protects you just as much as it protects the community. Once your request is approved, you have written confirmation that your project is compliant.
What happens if work is done without approval?
When changes are made without ARC approval, the Association is legally required to address the violation. This may result in:
- Notices to bring the property into compliance
- Fines, after a hearing
- Requirement to remove or change unapproved work
These situations are stressful, expensive, and easily avoided by submitting an ARC application before work begins.
The good news: it’s easy
Spencer’s Ridge uses PayHOA to make the process simple and transparent.
To submit an Architectural Review Application:
- Log in to the PayHOA Resident Portal
- Select “Architectural Request”
- Upload your plans, photos, or descriptions
- Submit and wait for written approval
Most applications are reviewed within 30 days, and many are approved much sooner.
We’re here to help
The goal of the ARC is not to delay or deny improvements — it is to make sure changes are done the right way, the first time.
If you are planning a project, submit your application early and let us help you avoid problems later.
Protect your investment. Protect your neighbors. Submit your ARC request before you build.