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Bellflower, CA HOA Rules: Architectural Review (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
BMC § 17.80.070(A)
Who reviews first
Private architectural board or HOA
Who submits findings
Applicant, not the City
When required
Before City acts on application

Summary

Bellflower requires applicants whose property carries deed-restricted or HOA architectural review to complete that private review first and hand the board's written findings to the City before the City acts on the application.

Private Architectural Review. Where deed restrictions or private property covenants, codes, and restrictions require review by a private architectural board, committee, or homeowner's association, the review must be accomplished by the applicant and the findings of such board or committee must be transmitted in writing to the City before City action. Application to the board and transmission of its findings are the responsibility of the applicant, not the City.

B. Architecture and Site Model. Projects with a project valuation greater than $2,500,000.00, adjusted annually to reflect the Consumer Price Index, must provide an architectural model that illustrates the site layout, design features and architecture of each structure within the project. The model must be constructed to the specifications established by and in the sole discretion of the Director. The model is the property of the City.

C. Context Model. In addition to the architecture and site model specified in Subsection (B) of this section, projects with a project valuation greater than $5,000,000.00, adjusted annually to reflect the Consumer Price Index, must also provide a massing model that illustrate the mass and bulk of the proposed structures on the site and within the immediate vicinity. The models must be constructed to the specifications established by and in the sole discretion of the Director. All models are the property of the City. (Prior code § 19-17.9; Ord. 1321 § 8, 10/24/16)

Full Breakdown

Under Bellflower Municipal Code § 17.80.070(A), when a proposed development sits under deed restrictions or private CC&Rs that require review by a private architectural board, committee, or homeowner's association, the applicant, not the City, must complete that private review and transmit the board's or committee's written findings to the City before the City acts on the application. The City does not run or referee the HOA's process; the applicant carries the burden of applying to the private board and forwarding its findings as a submittal item for City review.

Violations & Fines

The Code sets no separate fine for skipping this step; without the board's written findings on file, City staff can treat the application as incomplete and decline to act on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the City conduct the HOA architectural review?
No. Bellflower Municipal Code § 17.80.070(A) puts that burden on the applicant, who must apply to the private board and forward its written findings to the City before City action.
What happens if HOA findings aren't submitted?
The application can be treated as incomplete; City staff won't act on it until the private board's or committee's written findings are on file, per § 17.80.070(A).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bellflower

All Bellflower rules

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