Question 1

What is the purpose of the Architectural Control Committee (ACC)?

Accepted Answer

The ACC ensures uniformity of use, quality of workmanship, materials, design, maintenance, and location of structures within Highland Grove to enhance/maintain the community’s property value, quality of neighborhood life and desirability.

It reviews and approves plans for construction or exterior modifications to ensure they align with the community’s standards (Section 3.1 of the CC&Rs).

Question 2

Who serves on the ACC, and how are members selected?

Accepted Answer

If a member is unable to serve, the Board of Directors selects a replacement. Until a replacement is chosen, the remaining member(s) have full authority to act.

The Bylaws further support the Board’s authority to manage such appointments, as Section 4.2.1 of the Bylaws grants the Board the power to conduct the Association’s affairs, which includes overseeing committee appointments.

The Board may assume the ACC’s  responsibilities temporarily or permanently at its discretion (Section 3.6.1 and 3.6.5 of the CC&Rs).

Question 3

What types of projects require ACC approval?

Accepted Answer

Any construction, reconstruction, erection, or alteration of a structure (except wholly interior changes) or modifications altering a structure’s exterior appearance must be approved by the ACC.

This includes new construction, any exterior modifications, and landscaping plans (Section 3.2 of the CC&Rs).

Question 4

What must be submitted to the ACC for approval?

Accepted Answer

Owners must submit two complete sets of detailed building and construction plans, landscaping plans, and a site plan showing the location of proposed structures and modifications. These plans must be in a form satisfactory to the ACC, including details on location, exterior color, finish, architecture, height, and materials (Section 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 of the CC&Rs).

The Committee shall have thirty (30) days after delivery of all required materials within which to issue its approval or disapproval in writing, with such approval to be indicated by the endorsement of the Committee on the plans and specifications provided.

If the ACC fails to respond within 30 days of complete plan submission, the plans are deemed approved. (Section 3.2.2, 3.2.3, and 3.2.4 of the CC&Rs).

Before submitting your application, please consult our CC&R’s, which can be found  on our Documents web page here, for further information.

You can submit your application by email to acc@highlandgrovehoa.com  or by postal mail to:

Highland Grove Architectural Committee
P.O. Box 1356
Duvall, WA 98019

Please include the following information:
Application Date
Name of property owner & address
List of improvements that you want to be reviewed with a detailed explanation for each including materials to be used
Indicate timeframe of when you plan on having these improvements done
Include drawings/site plans and paint swatches if necessary
Include copy of permit from the city if necessary
Indicate the best way to contact you if we have any questions
Include 2 copies of your request (including the drawings/site plans)

Also, please make sure that you check with neighbors on all sides that their views will not be obstructed, port-a-potties will be in a reasonable area of the property, dumpsters will not block traffic, etc.

Question 5

How does the ACC review and approve plans?

Accepted Answer

The ACC evaluates plans based on factors such as location, exterior color scheme, finish, architecture, height, impact on views from other lots, appropriateness, and harmony with the community’s development plan.

The Committee shall have up to thirty (30) days after delivery of all required materials within which to issue its approval or disapproval in writing, with such approval to be indicated by the endorsement of the Committee on the plans and specifications provided.

If the ACC fails to respond within 30 days of complete plan submission, the plans are deemed approved. (Section 3.2.2, 3.2.3, and 3.2.4 of the CC&Rs).

Question 6

What happens if an owner makes changes without ACC approval?

Accepted Answer

No alterations to a structure’s exterior appearance, including color changes, can be made without prior written ACC approval. Unapproved changes may result in the Board or ACC seeking injunctive relief to halt or reverse the work, enforceable in a court of competent jurisdiction. The owner may be responsible for legal costs, including any bond required for injunctive relief (Section 3.2.4 and 3.2.5 of the CC&Rs).

Question 7

Can the ACC approve variances from construction standards?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the ACC can approve variances from standards (e.g., setbacks, fence locations) on a case-by-case basis if the owner demonstrates a unique hardship in writing. However, such approvals apply only to the specific lot and do not diminish other limitations in the CC&Rs.

Variances must also comply with applicable governmental laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations (Section 3.4.22 of the CC&Rs).

Question 8

Are there specific material or design standards enforced by the ACC?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the ACC enforces minimum standards, including:
Masonry Chimneys: All exterior chimneys must be constructed of masonry.
Wooden Windows: Windows must be vinyl-clad or wood; metal windows are prohibited.
Roofs: Only shake cedar shingle, concrete tile or architectural asphalt shingles of at least the quality of CertainTeed presidential roofing is allowed.
Siding: Exterior siding must be cedar, stucco, brick, or superior materials approved by the ACC (Section 3.5 of the CC&Rs).

Question 9

Can the ACC require tree preservation or removal?

Accepted Answer

The ACC must approve the cutting or removal of any tree with a diameter of six inches or more (measured three feet above ground) unless necessary for approved structures, walkways, or driveways. Trees within 15 feet of a house’s foundation, front, side, or rear walls are exempt for construction purposes. This ensures preservation of the community’s aesthetic and environmental quality (Section 3.4.16 of the CC&Rs).

If a tree is removed without ACC approval, the Board or ACC may seek injunctive relief to enforce compliance, potentially requiring the owner to replace the tree or restore the lot to its approved condition (Section 3.2.5 of the CC&Rs).

Owners must also comply with any applicable governmental regulations regarding tree removal or replacement, as the CC&Rs require adherence to local laws (Section 3.1 of the CC&Rs).

The Board’s authority to adopt rules (Section 6.1 of the CC&Rs; Section 4.2.1 of the Bylaws) could further allow the establishment of specific tree replacement policies, which the ACC would enforce.

Question 10

Is the ACC liable for its decisions, and are members compensated?

Accepted Answer

ACC members are not personally liable for actions taken in good faith, without willful or intentional misconduct, unless covered by insurance (Section 10 of the CC&Rs).

The Association indemnifies ACC members against expenses and liabilities incurred in their duties, except in cases of bad faith or unlawful conduct (Section 11 of the CC&Rs).

ACC members receive no compensation for their services (Section 3.6.3 of the CC&Rs).

Question 11

How does the Board ensure compliance with architectural standards?

Accepted Answer

The Architectural Control Committee (ACC), overseen by the Board, reviews plans for construction or exterior modifications to ensure uniformity and quality (Sections 3.2 and 3.6 of the CC&Rs).

Section 4.2.1 of the Bylaws grants the Board authority to manage the Association’s affairs, including delegating oversight of the ACC.

Owners must submit plans to the ACC, and unapproved changes can lead to legal action, such as injunctive relief (Section 3.2.5 of the CC&Rs).

The Board may access lots to inspect for compliance, supported by its management powers (Section 4.2.1 of the Bylaws).

Highland Grove Homeowners Association
Duvall, Washington

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the Architectural Control Committee (ACC)?

Who serves on the ACC, and how are members selected?

What types of projects require ACC approval?

What must be submitted to the ACC for approval?

How does the ACC review and approve plans?

What happens if an owner makes changes without ACC approval?

Can the ACC approve variances from construction standards?

Are there specific material or design standards enforced by the ACC?

Can the ACC require tree preservation or removal?

Is the ACC liable for its decisions, and are members compensated?

How does the Board ensure compliance with architectural standards?

Highland Grove Homeowners Association Duvall, Washington

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the Architectural Control Committee (ACC)?

Who serves on the ACC, and how are members selected?

What types of projects require ACC approval?

What must be submitted to the ACC for approval?

How does the ACC review and approve plans?

What happens if an owner makes changes without ACC approval?

Can the ACC approve variances from construction standards?

Are there specific material or design standards enforced by the ACC?

Can the ACC require tree preservation or removal?

Is the ACC liable for its decisions, and are members compensated?

How does the Board ensure compliance with architectural standards?

Highland Grove Homeowners Association
Duvall, Washington