Pittsburgh, PA HOA Rules: Architectural Review (2026)

Under the UPCA, an HOA declaration may create an architectural review committee (ARC) with authority to approve or deny exterior modifications such as paint colors, additions, roofing materials, fencing, landscaping changes, and solar panel installation. The ARC must apply its standards uniformly and cannot impose requirements that contradict the recorded declaration. Homeowners must submit a written application before making modifications, and the ARC typically has 30 to 45 days to respond (exact timeline set by the declaration or bylaws). If the committee fails to respond within the stated period, approval is deemed granted in many associations. Denials must be in writing with the specific reason cited. Pennsylvania does not have a statewide solar access law that overrides HOA restrictions, but federal law prevents HOAs from unreasonably restricting FCC-regulated satellite dishes under 1 meter. Property owners who disagree with an ARC decision may use the dispute resolution process in the bylaws or pursue legal action under the UPCA.