HOA and design review for new homes in Prescott

Two different approvals

People often confuse the building permit with design review, but they're separate. A building permit comes from the city, town or county and checks that the home meets building code. Design review comes from your community and checks that the home meets the community's standards. You may need both, and passing one doesn't mean passing the other.

What the rules usually cover

Your community's CC&Rs and design guidelines are the place to start. They can vary widely, but they often address:

• Minimum and maximum home size
• Height limits and how the home sits on the lot
• Setbacks and building envelopes
• Exterior materials and colors
• Roof pitch and roof materials
• Exterior lighting, fencing and landscaping
• Rules for contractors during construction

What committees usually ask for

A typical submittal includes a site plan, floor plans, exterior elevations, a materials and color selection, and sometimes landscape and lighting plans. Some communities have several steps, starting with a preliminary review before final drawings. Many charge a review fee or ask for a construction deposit. Your community's documents will spell that out.

Timing

Allow for review in your schedule. Committees often meet on a set calendar, and one round of comments can add weeks. It's common for the design to go through review first, with the building permit following once the plans are approved. We coordinate the two so one doesn't hold up the other.

How to keep it smooth

• Get the documents before you design. Don't rely on memory or what a neighbor did.
• Check for updates. Guidelines change, so make sure you have the current version.
• Choose materials early. A color or stone that gets rejected late can cost time.
• Talk to the committee. A quick question early beats a resubmittal.
• Keep a record. Save approvals in writing, and note any conditions.

Talking Rock

Talking Rock is the clearest example in our service area. It has published design guidelines and its own design review, and we handle the submittals for clients building there. Read more on our Talking Rock page.

Subdivisions in Prescott and Prescott Valley

Many neighborhoods in Prescott and Prescott Valley have CC&Rs too. Some are strict and some are light. Rural parcels may have recorded deed restrictions even without an active HOA, so it's worth checking your title report. Inside Prescott, the city also keeps a page on property-specific restrictions.

How we help

We read the rules with you, work with your designer so the plans fit, prepare and submit what your HOA or committee needs, respond to comments, and line up the timing with your permit. It's built into how we build.