Austin, TX HOA Rules: Architectural Review (2026)

Most Austin HOAs include an Architectural Control Committee (ACC) established through the association's declaration of covenants (CC&Rs). These committees review exterior modifications including paint colors, roofing materials, fencing, landscaping changes, and additions. Texas Property Code Section 209.00505 provides an important safeguard: if an HOA does not issue a decision on an architectural application within 60 days of receiving a completed application, the request is deemed approved by operation of law. Associations must maintain written architectural guidelines and apply standards consistently across all owners to avoid selective enforcement claims. Under Section 202.004, property owners' associations may not include or enforce provisions that prohibit displaying religious items on entry doors or door frames. Section 202.011 protects homeowners' rights to display the U.S. flag, Texas flag, and military branch flags, though HOAs may adopt reasonable rules about flagpole size and placement. Section 202.010 prohibits HOAs from restricting a homeowner's right to install solar energy devices, though reasonable restrictions on panel placement are allowed. Architectural decisions can be appealed through the association's internal process and, if unresolved, through alternative dispute resolution under Section 209.0071.