What “deemed approved” means
Many declarations (CC&Rs) give the architectural review committee (ARC) a fixed number of days — often 30, 45 or 60 — to respond to a complete application. Some add that if the committee does not respond in time, the request is considered approved.
When that clause exists, a slow review is not just an inconvenience: the homeowner may be entitled to build exactly what they submitted, even if it breaks your guidelines. Whether such a clause applies, and how, depends on your own governing documents and state law — confirm with your association attorney.
Where deadlines usually slip
- No clear date stamp for when an application was received or became complete.
- Volunteers reviewing by email, with requests lost between meetings.
- Waiting for the next monthly meeting when the clock is already running.
- Requests for more information sent late, or without stating what is missing.
A process that keeps you inside the window
- Find the exact review period and any “deemed approved” language in your declaration and design guidelines.
- Log the received date for every application and the date it became complete.
- Send any request for missing information in writing, quickly, listing each missing item.
- Set internal reminders well before the deadline — not on it.
- Decide in writing and keep the decision, the rule relied on and the delivery date in the file.
How Smart-HOA-AI helps
Smart-HOA-AI time-stamps every submission, pre-screens it against your CC&Rs and design guidelines within hours, and shows the board how many days remain. The board still makes every decision — the software makes sure it has time to.
Common questions
- How many days does an ARC have to respond?
- It depends on your declaration and design guidelines — many set 30, 45 or 60 days from a complete application. Check your own documents for the exact period.
- What happens if the ARC misses the deadline?
- If your CC&Rs include a “deemed approved” clause, the request may be treated as approved as submitted. Confirm how it applies with your association attorney.
- When does the review clock start?
- Usually when a complete application is received. Record both the received date and the date it became complete.
Sources
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and your governing documents control — confirm with your association attorney.