Tarrant County, TX HOA Rules: Architectural Review (2026)
Key Facts
- Board Authority
- TX Property Code 209.00505 requires board-appointed ACC members
- Appeal Rights
- Written denial with specific reasons required; appeal to board available
- Protected Items
- TX Property Code 202.007 preempts solar panel bans
- Protected Items
- Flags, religious items, political signs protected under Ch. 202
- Notice Requirement
- Notice and cure under 209.006 required before fines or suit
Summary
ACCs in Tarrant County HOAs follow TX Property Code 209.00505 after HB 3571 (2021): limited management-company control, written denial reasons, and owner appeal rights. State law preempts solar, xeriscape, and flag bans.
Sec. 209.00505. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW AUTHORITY. (a) In this section, "architectural review authority" means the governing authority for the review and approval of improvements within a subdivision. (b) This section: (1) applies only to a property owners' association that consists of more than 40 lots ... (d) A decision by the architectural review authority denying an application or request by an owner for the construction of improvements in the subdivision may be appealed to the board. A written notice of the denial must be provided to the owner by certified mail, hand delivery, or electronic delivery.
Full Breakdown
Most DFW master-planned communities in Tarrant County (Southlake, Keller, Grapevine, Mansfield, Trophy Club portions, Colleyville, Haslet) require Architectural Control Committee (ACC) approval for exterior modifications. 00505, enacted via HB 3571 in 2021, ACCs must consist of members appointed by the board rather than controlled by a management company, except when no board-appointed committee is feasible. ACC decisions must be in writing with a specific reason for any denial, and owners have the right to appeal a denial to the full board. Typical ACC jurisdiction covers exterior paint colors, roofing materials, fences, landscaping, outbuildings, patio covers, solar panels, satellite dishes, and major grading changes.
010 limits restrictions on rain barrels and xeriscape. 0041 protects political signs in the 90 days before an election. 00593, and amendments generally require member approval per the declaration. 006 notice and cure before any fine or suit.
Violations & Fines
Unauthorized exterior modifications can result in an ACC violation notice, a 209.006 statutory notice and cure (at least 30 days to remedy), HOA fines, and in extreme cases, suit for injunctive relief and removal. An HOA that violates solar, xeriscape, flag, or religious display preemptions under Property Code Chapter 202 can be sued, and attorneys fees may be awarded to the prevailing owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA deny my solar panel installation?
What if the ACC denies my application without explanation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tarrant County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Tarrant County to another location·View the Texas hoa rules overview
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