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August 6, 2008 7:30 AM

HOA committee nixes changing door style

Posted by Elizabeth Rhodes

Q: Our house, in a Kitsap County neighborhood, is governed by a homeowners association (HOA), which requires owners to get its architectural committee's approval for any construction affecting a home's exterior. This committee has denied our request to replace our front door with one containing a window -- even though there's no conformity of door styles in our neighborhood. Are we stuck with this ruling?

A: Not necessarily, says Bellingham attorney Philip Buri of Buri Funston Mumford. But that's not because your HOA is overstepping its authority. In buying into HOA-governed communities, homeowners agree to abide by the HOA rules. A very common one, Buri says, involves exterior uniformity. Having an architectural committee weigh in on all proposed changes is the usual way to ensure and protect that.

"The idea is everyone's property values increase if the homes look compatible, although they don't have to be identical," he explains.

While HOA boards are elected, committees usually are board-appointed. So your board is the ultimate arbiter.
"You want to see if there's a way to appeal to the full board," Buri says.

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