HOA Paint Color Approval

Blackhawk: what the ARC asks for

Blackhawk HOA requires architectural approval for exterior changes, including paint. Its ARC application for exterior painting asks for:

• Color samples, including trim
• Brand, color names and numbers for each color
• A $50 non-refundable architectural review fee for exterior painting
• Submission by noon on the Tuesday one week before the next Wednesday ARC meeting

Approvals are valid for 90 days. The form also asks owners to keep the signed approval with their property files for disclosure when selling. Get the current form from the Blackhawk HOA site.

Rossmoor

Rossmoor, inside Walnut Creek, is made up of separate mutuals, each with its own written policies. Exterior painting and color changes generally go through your mutual, so read its policy manual (posted on rossmoor.com) before you get quotes.

Orinda enclaves and other associations

One Orinda painting contractor notes that Wilder and some newer Orinda enclaves have architectural review for exterior colors. Diablo has a property owners' association; we didn't find a published color-review process, so ask the association if you're changing colors. Townhome and condo associations across the area typically control exterior colors too. When in doubt, ask your management company before choosing paint.

How to prepare a clean submittal

1. Read the rules for approved palettes or banned colors first.
2. Pick a full scheme: body, trim, and accents such as the front door, garage door and shutters.
3. Get real samples: large painted sample boards are easier for a committee to judge than small chips.
4. List brand, color name and number for every color, exactly as the paint store will mix it.
5. Add photos of the current house and, if allowed, a marked-up photo showing where each color goes.
6. Calendar the deadline and the approval window, and schedule the painter inside it.

Next: exterior painting · Danville, Alamo & Blackhawk