Pennsylvania HOA architectural review authority derives from recorded covenants and is governed by UPCA. Boards or architectural committees may approve or deny exterior modifications. Decisions must be reasonable, non-discriminatory, and applied consistently. Penn Hills building permits are separate and required regardless of HOA approval.
Architectural review authority in Pennsylvania HOAs derives from the community's recorded Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CCRs) and is further regulated by the Uniform Planned Community Act. Many HOAs establish an Architectural Review Committee (ARC) appointed by the board to review requests for exterior modifications including additions, paint colors, roofing materials, fencing, landscaping changes, and accessory structures. Written requests with plans are typically required, and the ARC must respond within a timeframe specified in the governing documents (often 30-60 days); failure to respond within the specified period may constitute approval by default. Decisions must be reasonable, applied consistently across owners, and cannot discriminate based on protected categories under the Fair Housing Act. Owners may appeal ARC denials to the full board. Even when the HOA approves a modification, owners must separately obtain any required Penn Hills building permits; HOA approval does not substitute for municipal permits. Conversely, Penn Hills permit issuance does not override private HOA restrictions. Owners should secure both approvals before starting work.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Allegheny County handle architectural review.
See how Penn Hills's architectural review rules stack up against other locations.
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