Texas Property Code Chapter 209 governs Fort Worth HOA architectural review, requiring written standards, notice of denial, and a hearing right before enforcement.
Texas Property Code Chapter 209, the Texas Residential Property Owners Protection Act, governs most Fort Worth single-family HOAs. Chapter 209 requires HOAs to file dedicatory instruments (including architectural guidelines) with the county clerk before enforcement, give written notice of any denial of an architectural change request, and provide a hearing before the board or an architectural committee at the owner's request. Architectural review requests must be decided in a reasonable timeframe; unreasonable delay can be challenged in district court. Specific protections in Section 202.007 preserve rainwater harvesting and xeriscape, Section 202.018 protects EV charging stations, Section 202.011 protects solar devices, and Section 202.010 protects flag displays, each subject to reasonable aesthetic review. Enforcement of architectural violations must follow the notice, cure, and hearing sequence in Chapter 209 before the HOA can fine or place a lien. Tarrant County homeowners can also request inspection of HOA books and records under the statute.
HOAs that fine without compliant notice and hearing expose themselves to lawsuit under Chapter 209. Homeowners may recover actual damages and, in certain cases, attorney fees. Owners who ignore validly imposed architectural rules face fines, liens, and eventually foreclosure.
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