HOA Painting Requirements: Navigating the Approval Process

You've decided to repaint your home's exterior. You've chosen colors, gotten estimates, and you're ready to schedule. Then you remember: you live in an HOA community. Now what?

Many Bay Area homeowners discover too late that their Homeowners Association requires approval before painting. Submitting the wrong information or choosing non-compliant colors can mean rejections, delays, and frustration.

We're Lamorinda Painting, a fully licensed and insured painting company based in Lafayette, CA. Since 2003, we've worked with dozens of HOAs throughout the Bay Area, from Walnut Creek and Danville to San Ramon and Lafayette. We've helped hundreds of homeowners navigate architectural review processes successfully.

In this guide, we'll explain how HOA painting approval works, what documentation you need, how to choose compliant colors, and how to avoid common problems that delay or derail projects.

Understanding HOA Authority Over Exterior Changes

If you live in an HOA community, you agreed to certain rules when you bought your home. These rules usually include architectural control over exterior modifications.

CC&Rs and Architectural Guidelines

Your community's CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) are the governing documents that establish HOA authority. Buried in these documents are rules about exterior changes including painting.

Most CC&Rs state that exterior modifications require Architectural Review Board or Architectural Control Committee approval. This includes color changes, even if you're repainting the same color.

Separate from CC&Rs, many HOAs maintain detailed Architectural Guidelines or Design Standards. These documents spell out specific requirements for paint colors, finishes, documentation, and submission procedures.

Some HOAs have pre-approved color palettes. Others require individual review of each color choice. Some restrict certain colors entirely. Some mandate specific brands or product types.

Why HOAs Control Exterior Paint

HOAs exist to maintain property values and aesthetic consistency. From the HOA's perspective, controlling exterior colors prevents one homeowner from making choices that negatively affect neighbors' property values.

This can feel restrictive, but it also protects you from your neighbor painting their house neon pink or bright purple. The rules apply to everyone.

Well-managed HOAs use architectural control to maintain cohesive neighborhood appearance that preserves and enhances property values. Poorly-managed HOAs use it arbitrarily or inconsistently, creating frustration.

Consequences of Painting Without Approval

Painting without HOA approval can result in:

• Requirement to repaint at your expense in approved colors
• Fines (often $50 to $500+ depending on HOA)
• Liens against your property for unpaid fines
• Legal action by the HOA
• Complications when trying to sell (non-compliant exterior modifications must be disclosed)

We've seen homeowners forced to repaint homes because they skipped approval or assumed their color choice would be fine. The cost of repainting plus fines far exceeds the small effort required for proper approval.

The Typical HOA Approval Process

While each HOA is different, most follow a similar general process.

Step 1: Review Your HOA Documents

Start by locating your CC&Rs, Architectural Guidelines, and any recent communications from the HOA about paint or exterior modifications.

Key information to find:

• Does your HOA require approval for exterior painting?
• Is there a pre-approved color palette?
• What documentation is required?
• How long does the review process take?
• What is the submission deadline (many HOAs meet monthly)?
• Are there restrictions on paint types, finishes, or brands?

If you can't find these documents, contact your HOA management company or board. They're required to provide copies.

Step 2: Determine If Your Project Requires Approval

Most HOAs require approval for:

• Any color change
• Repainting in a different color than currently approved
• Painting previously unpainted surfaces

Some HOAs require approval even when repainting the same color. Others allow same-color repaints without review.

When in doubt, submit for approval. It's better to get unnecessary approval than to skip necessary approval.

Step 3: Select Colors

Choose colors based on your HOA's specific requirements:

Pre-approved palette: Select from the approved colors. These are guaranteed to be accepted if you follow the palette correctly.

Individual color review: Select colors you like, understanding they must pass architectural review. Stick with conservative, neighborhood-appropriate choices for best approval odds.

Restricted colors: Avoid any specifically prohibited colors or color families.

Many Bay Area HOAs favor neutral colors (whites, beiges, grays, earth tones) and restrict or prohibit bright colors, very dark colors, or unusual colors.

Step 4: Prepare Your Submission

Typical submission requirements include:

• Completed architectural review application form
• Paint color samples or chips showing exact colors for body, trim, and accents
• Photos of your home showing current colors and condition
• Site plan or diagram indicating where each color will be used
• Paint manufacturer, product name, and color numbers
• Sometimes: contractor information and proof of licensing/insurance
• Sometimes: detailed project timeline
• Application fee (typically $25 to $150)

The more complete and professional your submission, the faster the approval.

Step 5: Submit and Wait

Submit your complete application by the deadline (usually 7 to 14 days before the monthly architectural review meeting).

Typical review timelines:

• Fast HOAs: 1 to 2 weeks
• Average HOAs: 3 to 4 weeks
• Slow HOAs: 6 to 8 weeks

Plan accordingly. Don't schedule painting until you have written approval in hand.

Step 6: Receive Decision and Respond

You'll receive one of three responses:

Approved: You can proceed with painting. Keep the approval letter. You may need it when you sell.

Approved with conditions: You can proceed but must make specified changes (different trim color, different finish, etc.). Confirm you understand the conditions and comply.

Denied: Your color choices were rejected. The denial should explain why. Revise your colors and resubmit.

If denied, don't take it personally. Review the feedback, adjust your colors, and resubmit. Most denials result from colors that don't fit community standards, not from arbitrary board decisions.

Common HOA Paint Restrictions

Understanding typical restrictions helps you choose approvable colors from the start.

Color Palette Restrictions

Many Bay Area HOAs maintain approved palettes of 20 to 50 colors. These are typically neutral whites, beiges, grays, and soft earth tones.

Pre-approved palettes take the guesswork out of selection. If your color is on the list, approval is guaranteed (assuming you submit properly).

Some HOAs use manufacturer-specific palettes (Dunn-Edwards or Sherwin-Williams colors only). This simplifies color matching and ensures consistency.

Prohibited Colors

Common prohibited colors in Bay Area HOAs include:

• Bright or neon colors
• Pure black (charcoal often allowed)
• Bright white (off-whites usually allowed)
• Bright or vivid blues, reds, yellows, greens
• Purple, pink, orange (almost universally prohibited)

These restrictions preserve neighborhood cohesion and prevent visual disruption.

Finish and Sheen Requirements

Some HOAs specify allowed sheens:

• Flat or matte for siding (most common)
• Satin or semi-gloss for trim
• Semi-gloss for doors

Glossy siding is often prohibited because it looks out of character and shows imperfections.

Trim and Accent Color Requirements

Many HOAs require trim colors to be lighter than body colors, prohibit more than two or three total colors, or restrict accent colors to specific options.

Some HOAs require all homes to have white or cream trim regardless of body color. This creates neighborhood uniformity.

Multi-Color Scheme Limitations

Victorian homes traditionally feature multiple colors, but many HOAs limit this to preserve a more subtle aesthetic.

Typical limits include:

• Maximum of 2 to 3 total colors
• Accent colors must be from approved palette
• Complex multi-color schemes require special approval

Brand or Product Restrictions

Some HOAs specify paint quality requirements:

• Must use premium or mid-tier paints (no budget products)
• Must use specific manufacturers (Dunn-Edwards, Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore)
• Must use low-VOC or zero-VOC paints

These requirements ensure paint jobs last and maintain appearance long-term.

Choosing HOA-Compliant Colors

Selecting colors that pass review saves time and frustration.

Start with the Approved Palette

If your HOA provides a pre-approved palette, start there. These colors are guaranteed to be accepted.

Many homeowners assume the approved palette will be limiting or boring. Usually they find plenty of attractive options.

We've worked with HOAs offering palettes from Dunn-Edwards, Sherwin-Williams, and Benjamin Moore. These typically include 30 to 50 sophisticated neutral colors spanning whites, beiges, grays, and earth tones.

Study Your Neighborhood

Walk or drive through your community and note which colors appear most frequently. HOAs typically approve colors that fit existing neighborhood character.

If most homes are soft beiges and warm grays, vivid blue probably won't be approved even if not specifically prohibited.

Conservative Choices Get Approved Faster

When in doubt, go more neutral. Architectural review boards rarely reject soft beiges, warm grays, or classic whites.

Bolder choices (even if allowed) sometimes require extended discussion or multiple board members' input, slowing approval.

If you want a quick, guaranteed approval, choose a soft neutral from the middle of the approved palette.

Test Colors Against HOA Guidelines

Before submitting, check your color choices against all written guidelines:

• Is each color on the approved palette (if one exists)?
• Do your colors avoid prohibited color families?
• Does your trim color meet requirements (lighter than body, white/cream, etc.)?
• Does your sheen selection match requirements?

If you can't definitively answer "yes" to all questions, your submission may be denied.

Document Color Placement Clearly

Your submission should clearly indicate which color goes where:

• Body/siding color
• Trim color (windows, doors, fascia)
• Accent color (shutters, front door, etc.)
• Garage door color

Use photos or diagrams to eliminate ambiguity. The board can't approve what they can't understand.

Working with Professional Painters and HOAs

Professional painters experienced with HOAs make the approval process smoother.

What We Provide for HOA Submissions

We regularly provide homeowners with:

• Paint color chips and samples for submission
• Manufacturer product information and color codes
• Professional photos showing proposed color placement
• Our contractor license and insurance information
• Project timeline information
• Sometimes: letters supporting the homeowner's color choices based on neighborhood appropriateness

Professional painters who regularly work with HOAs know what boards need to see.

Timing Painting Projects Around HOA Approval

Never schedule painting until you have written HOA approval. Board meetings are typically monthly, so factor in:

• 1 to 2 weeks to prepare submission
• 3 to 4 weeks for review (sometimes longer)
• Potential additional time if revisions needed

If you submit in early April, you might not get approval until mid-May. We can't start painting until you have that approval letter.

Plan ahead. If you want painting done in summer, start the HOA process in late winter or early spring.

Handling Denied Applications

If your colors are denied, we help you select alternative colors more likely to be approved. We can provide additional color samples and revised submissions at no extra charge.

Most denials result from colors that don't fit community standards. Slight adjustments usually solve the problem.

Emergency or Urgent Painting

If your home's paint is actively failing (peeling severely, causing wood damage), some HOAs will grant expedited approval for same-color repaints.

Contact your HOA board or management company, explain the urgency, and request expedited review. Provide photos showing the failure.

Many boards will approve emergency same-color repaints quickly to prevent property damage.

Common HOA Approval Problems and Solutions

Understanding common issues helps you avoid them.

Problem: Incomplete Submission

Missing information delays or denials are common. Boards can't approve incomplete applications.

Solution: Use a checklist. Include every required item. Double-check before submitting.

Problem: Colors Not on Approved Palette

Submitting colors outside the approved palette usually results in automatic denial.

Solution: Stick to the approved palette. If you want a color that's not on the list, contact the board first to ask if they'll consider adding it.

Problem: Insufficient Color Information

Paint chips that don't clearly show the color or lack manufacturer information create confusion.

Solution: Provide actual paint chips (not just color names), include manufacturer name, product line, and color code for each color, and show colors on actual substrate if possible (painted boards).

Problem: Unclear Color Placement

The board can't visualize how colors will look together if the submission doesn't clearly show what goes where.

Solution: Use photos or diagrams showing body vs. trim vs. accent color placement. Label everything clearly.

Problem: Missing the Deadline

Boards typically meet monthly. Missing the submission deadline means waiting another month.

Solution: Mark the deadline on your calendar. Submit 2 to 3 days early to ensure it's received.

Problem: Previously Approved Colors No Longer on Record

You've lived in your home 15 years and want to repaint the same color, but the HOA has no record of what was approved.

Solution: Submit the current color as if it's new. Include a note explaining it's the existing color. Most boards approve existing colors unless they've changed standards.

HOA Painting Requirements by Bay Area Community Type

Different HOA types have different typical requirements.

Planned Unit Developments (PUDs)

PUDs typically have moderate control. They usually offer approved color palettes but allow some individual choice within the palette.

Typical requirements:

• Selection from approved 30 to 50 color palette
• 2 to 4 week approval timeline
• Modest application fees ($25 to $75)

Examples include many developments in Walnut Creek, San Ramon, and Concord.

Townhome and Condo Associations

Townhome HOAs often have stricter control because units are attached and visual uniformity matters more.

Typical requirements:

• Very limited color choices (sometimes only 3 to 5 approved combinations)
• All trim must be white or specific approved color
• Sometimes the HOA handles all exterior painting and homeowners can't paint individually

Many townhome communities in Danville, San Ramon, and Pleasant Hill fall into this category.

Gated Communities

Upscale gated communities often have the strictest architectural controls.

Typical requirements:

• Comprehensive architectural guidelines
• Detailed submission requirements
• Longer review timelines (4 to 6 weeks)
• Higher application fees ($100 to $150)
• Sometimes required color consultations with HOA-approved designers

Examples include high-end communities in Blackhawk, Diablo, and parts of Walnut Creek.

Age-Restricted Communities

55+ communities typically have moderate to strict controls focused on maintaining property values.

Typical requirements:

• Approved color palettes
• Quality paint product requirements
• Standard review timelines
• Emphasis on maintenance and property upkeep

Common in Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Concord.

When to Push Back Against HOA Restrictions

Most of the time, working within HOA guidelines is straightforward. Occasionally, restrictions are unreasonable or arbitrarily applied.

Valid Reasons to Challenge HOA Decisions

Consider challenging if:

• Your color is clearly within written guidelines but was denied anyway
• The board is applying rules inconsistently (approving similar colors for other homeowners while denying yours)
• The rules have changed without proper notification
• The denial violates fair housing laws (rare but possible)

How to Appeal

Most HOAs have appeal processes. Review your CC&Rs for the procedure.

Typical appeal steps include:

• Submit written appeal explaining why the decision should be reconsidered
• Provide additional documentation supporting your position
• Sometimes appear at a board meeting to make your case

Appeals work best when you have clear documentation showing your submission complies with written rules.

When Legal Help Makes Sense

If the HOA is clearly violating its own rules or acting arbitrarily, consulting an attorney who specializes in HOA law may be worth it.

This is rare. Most HOA painting disputes resolve through simple communication or revision of color choices.

Maintaining HOA Compliance Long-Term

Once approved and painted, maintaining compliance protects your investment.

Keep Approval Documentation

Store your HOA approval letter permanently with your home documents. You'll need it when you sell.

Many buyers ask for documentation of HOA approvals for exterior modifications. Having it ready smooths the sale process.

Maintenance Repainting

When your paint eventually needs touching up or repainting, you'll need to go through the approval process again if changing colors.

Same-color repaints sometimes don't require approval (check your HOA rules), but getting approval anyway protects you if there's any question.

Reporting Project Completion

Some HOAs require notification when projects are complete. This triggers an inspection to verify the work matches the approval.

If required, notify promptly when painting is finished. This closes the approval file and prevents potential compliance issues.

Our Experience with Bay Area HOAs

We've worked with HOAs throughout the Bay Area for over 20 years. We understand architectural review processes and help homeowners navigate them successfully.

We provide all documentation needed for HOA submissions at no extra charge. We help select colors likely to be approved. We're familiar with specific requirements of many Bay Area HOAs and can offer guidance. We time project scheduling around approval timelines.

Many homeowners contact us before even selecting colors. We help them understand their HOA's process and choose colors that will be approved quickly.

We're Lamorinda Painting, and we provide high-quality exterior painting at affordable prices throughout Lafayette, Lamorinda, and the greater Bay Area. We're fully licensed and insured, and we always leave your home spotless when the job is done.

Contact us today for a free estimate on your exterior painting project. We'll help you navigate your HOA approval process smoothly and get your home painted in colors you'll love that your HOA will approve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need HOA approval to paint my house the same color?

This depends on your specific HOA's rules. Many HOAs require approval for any exterior painting project, even same-color repaints. Others allow same-color repainting without approval. Review your CC&Rs and Architectural Guidelines, or contact your HOA management company to clarify. When in doubt, submit for approval to protect yourself from potential fines or required repainting.

How long does HOA paint approval take?

Typical HOA paint approval takes 3 to 4 weeks in most Bay Area communities. Some HOAs with streamlined processes approve in 1 to 2 weeks, while others take 6 to 8 weeks. Timing depends on the HOA's meeting schedule (usually monthly), submission completeness, and color compliance. Plan to start the approval process at least 6 to 8 weeks before you want painting to begin.

What happens if I paint without HOA approval?

Painting without required HOA approval can result in fines ($50 to $500+ depending on the HOA), requirement to repaint at your expense in approved colors, liens against your property for unpaid fines, and complications when selling your home. The cost of addressing these problems far exceeds the small effort required to obtain proper approval. Always get approval before painting if your HOA requires it.

Can HOA deny my paint colors even if they're neutral?

Yes. HOAs can deny colors that don't fit their specific approved palette or community standards, even if the colors are neutral. The denial should be based on written guidelines, not arbitrary board preference. If you receive an unexplained denial for clearly appropriate colors, you can appeal the decision. However, most denials result from colors that don't match the approved palette or neighborhood character.

What if my HOA doesn't respond to my paint approval request?

If your HOA doesn't respond within their stated review timeline, follow up with the management company or board in writing. Most CC&Rs specify that if the HOA doesn't respond within a certain timeframe (often 30 to 45 days), the request is automatically approved. However, don't assume this—get written confirmation before proceeding with painting.

Do all Bay Area HOAs require paint approval?

Not all, but most do. HOAs in planned communities, townhome complexes, condominiums, and gated communities almost always require approval for exterior painting. Some older or less formal HOAs may have minimal architectural controls. Review your CC&Rs to determine your specific HOA's requirements. If you're unsure, contact your HOA management company before starting any exterior painting project.