Why the Details Matter: Section 7B

Section 7B is a great case study for how our covenants protect the HOA and homeowners alike.

This month, as the board struggled with decisions concerning legal action, I find myself referring back to Section 7B of our covenants, which outlines exactly how the approval process must work.

It’s not a trivial point. It’s about fairness, documentation, and trust. This section protects your homeowner’s rights.

Guest post by Evan Clifthorne.

What Section 7B Actually Says

Section 7B states that:

• All approvals or disapprovals by the ACC must be in writing.

• That written letter must be signed by at least two members of the committee.

• If a project is disapproved, the homeowner has the right to appeal to the Board, in writing, within ten days.

• The Board must then review and decide within a specific time frame — fifteen days after the next scheduled meeting.

• If the ACC fails to respond to a request within 30 days, the plans are considered automatically approved.

• And, if no legal action (“a suit to enjoin the construction”) is started before the project is finished, approval is assumed and compliance with the covenants is legally “deemed to exist.”

On the surface, this may sound like a lot of formality for a small community project. But each line exists for a reason.

Why the Rule Exists

1. Fairness and Transparency

   Written approvals create a clear record that protects both the homeowner and the committee. It prevents miscommunication — no one can say later, “I was told it was fine” or “I never got a response.”

2. Checks and Balances

   Requiring two signatures ensures that no single person makes decisions on behalf of the entire committee. It’s a built-in safeguard against bias, burnout, or simple oversight.

3. Timeliness and Accountability

   The 30-day clause exists to keep the process moving. If the committee doesn’t act within that window, the project moves forward by default. This prevents homeowners from being left in limbo or waiting indefinitely.

4. Right to Appeal

   The appeal process gives homeowners a clear avenue to challenge decisions — not through personal persuasion, but through procedure. That’s what makes it fair.

Why That Last Line Matters

That final clause protects homeowners from being stuck in endless uncertainty. Once a project is complete, the time for challenge has passed; the association can’t retroactively deny it.

In other words, the covenant sets a clear deadline for enforcement:

• If the committee doesn’t respond in 30 days → deemed approved.

• If no lawsuit is filed before construction ends → deemed compliant.

This prevents after-the-fact disputes and ensures that everyone — both the homeowner and the committee — knows the limits of their authority.

Why This Keeps Coming Up

When board members reference Section 7B, it’s not because we love paperwork — it’s because we want our decisions to hold up.

If the ACC doesn’t follow this process — if we skip the signatures, skip the written letters, or take too long to reply — the entire enforcement effort can fall apart. A project we meant to review might be “deemed approved” simply because the paperwork wasn’t handled correctly.

That’s not just a technicality. It’s the difference between a rule that’s enforceable and one that isn’t.

What Article 7 Section B Means for Homeowners

You’ll get a written answer. The Architectural Control Committee (ACC) must respond in writing, and at least two committee members must sign that decision. This protects everyone by creating a clear record of approval or disapproval.

You have the right to appeal. If your project is disapproved, you can appeal in writing within 10 days. The Board must review your appeal promptly and make a final decision within 15 days after its next scheduled meeting.

Silence equals approval.

 If the ACC doesn’t respond within 30 days — or if no legal action is taken before your project is finished — your plans are automatically considered approved and compliant with the covenants.

The Bigger Picture: Good Governance in Practice

Section 7B isn’t about leniency. It’s about good governance — creating a process that’s predictable, consistent, and transparent.

When we follow it, everyone benefits:

• The committee is accountable.

• Homeowners know where they stand.

• The board can make informed, fair decisions when appeals arise.

These small procedural details are the scaffolding of trust. They’re what make a community’s rules feel legitimate instead of arbitrary.

In short: Section 7B isn’t a technicality — it’s a roadmap for fairness.

It ensures that our processes reflect our values: accountability, transparency, and respect for one another’s time and effort.

That’s why it matters.