Westerville HOA architectural review committees derive authority from recorded CC&Rs and ORC 5312.04. Decisions must be made in good faith and not arbitrarily. Owners may challenge denials in court.
Under ORC 5312.04, the board of a planned community has the authority to enforce architectural standards recorded in the declaration. Most Westerville subdivisions (Highlands at Hoover, Cherrington, Spring Grove, Glengary) delegate review to an Architectural Review Committee (ARC). Owners must submit plans for exterior modifications including additions, paint colors, fences, sheds, solar panels, satellite dishes, and landscaping before commencing work. ARCs typically must respond within 30-45 days; failure to respond may constitute approval depending on the declaration. Ohio case law (including Worthington Hills v. Chaffin) requires decisions to be reasonable and applied consistently. Ohio's solar access protection under ORC 5312.16 limits HOA restrictions on solar panels: HOAs may impose aesthetic rules but cannot effectively prohibit installation.
Unapproved exterior modifications: HOA may require removal at owner expense plus fines of $25-$50 per day under declaration authority. Owner may challenge arbitrary denial in common pleas court.
See how other cities in Franklin County handle architectural review.
See how Westerville's architectural review rules stack up against other locations.
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