Home Improvement Request Process

Homeowners are required to submit plans for approval to the Community Improvement Services (CIS) Department for all exterior improvements prior to installation. For example, homeowners must submit plans when painting, installing air-conditioning equipment, or putting in a deck. While some improvements do not require approval, there may be parameters that need to be followed. The HRCA strives to ensure choices are in harmony with the overall appearance of the community.

If you have questions about which improvements must be approved by the committee or parameters regarding changes in the appearance of your home, please refer to the Residential Improvement Guide (RIGs) or call the Community Improvement Services Department at 303-471-8821 or email prior to beginning any work.

Steps for Getting Project Approval

1. Forms: Choose a form, complete and submit online:
   Online Home Improvement Submittal Forms 
   
   There is a fee schedule associated with most home improvement submittals; the fee is $5, $15, $40, or $100. 
   
   See examples of what needs to be included with your project request: Project Submittal Requirements
   
   Deadline for submitting requests: Please remember that when planning any exterior improvement, the plan must be submitted to the Architectural Review Committee before commencing work. Because the HRCA has 30 days to respond to any request, please remember to build this time into your timetable to start work. Submittals are required to be turned into the CIS Office by noon the Friday before the next meeting in order to be considered.
2. Completed Application: Once the CIS Department receives the completed form with all required attachments or samples they will pass the request to the Architectural Review Committee.
    
3. Committee Review: The Architectural Committee meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month to review improvement plans submitted by homeowners. 

The Architectural Committee: consists of five volunteers with various backgrounds who review and discuss blueprints, landscaping plans, paint sample choices, and many other improvements envisioned by architects, home improvement contractors, and homeowners.

In the busy spring and summer seasons, the Committee reviews six to seven hundred submittals during a meeting. Meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. and can run as late as 11:00 p.m. to review all the plans. In the winter, things slow to a more manageable pace with approximately one hundred improvement plans submitted for Committee approval. Each approval or denial results in a letter to the homeowner with the Committee’s decision; sent via email, if provided.

The Committee also makes time for homeowners requesting to speak directly to the Committee. There are five appointment times set aside at each meeting. Homeowners who have received a denial or simply want to further explain details about their plans are allowed 15 minutes for this purpose.

• Administrative Fee $150
• Non-Compliance Fines: click for details
• Room Addition Submission: $100
• Home Improvements
  Tier 1: $5 or $15
  Tier 2: $40
• Additional Legal Fees: As per Invoice  

Note: “As per Invoice” fees are passed through at cost directly from legal invoices.

Still have Questions?
Contact: HRCA Community Improvement Services Department at [email protected] or 303-471-8821. Office is located in the Recreation Center at Eastridge, 9568 University Blvd., Highlands Ranch, CO 80126.