Architectural Change Request (ACR)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who?

Who needs to submit an ACR?

All modifications to the external appearance of a home in Hampshire must be submitted using an ACR.  This covenant-required process  includes new work and like-for-like replacements (repainting, replanting).  The covenants allow for only two exceptions:  playgrounds and portable basketball goals.  Otherwise, remember this phrase: When in doubt, fill it out!  

Who reviews ACRs?

ACRs are reviewed relative to the guidelines described in the covenants by members of the Board or a Board-designated Architectural Committee.

What?

What is an ACR?

An ACR is a process for approving exterior improvements.  The process is analogous to pulling a permit with local authorities; while local authorities are concerned with the physical quality of the structure, the Board is checking that the proposed improvements are in keeping with the covenants and the overall quality of the neighborhood.

What are the criteria for passing or rejecting an ACR?

The covenants allow the Board broad authority when approving or rejecting ACRs, including, as stated in Article 4, aesthetics.  Generally, if the covenants allow an improvement, and the improvement is in good taste relative to the character and quality of Hampshire, the reviewing authority will likely approve the ACR.  Rejected ACRs violate the covenants or are in unusually poor taste.

What is the point of an ACR?

The ACR process ensures that improvements are made in accordance with the covenants and overall quality of the neighborhood.  This covenant-required process protects against improvements that are of low quality or do not fit the character of Hampshire; the ACR process enforces contractual obligations defined in the covenants to prevent the installation of unauthorized improvements.

What happens if I don’t submit an ACR?

ACRs are required before any external modification.  The covenants provide various mechanisms for the Board to enforce ACR compliance (or, said another way, to force a house to follow the contract signed – the covenants –when the house was purchased in Hampshire).  These measures include unpleasantries like placing a house in bad standing, fines, and legal action.

What authority does the Board have to require an ACR?

Article 4 establishes the Board’s (or an officially-designated Architectural Committee’s) authority to administer and enforce the ACR process.

What material do I need to include with my ACR?

At a minimum:

• A completely filled-in ACR form.
• A plot plan showing the location of the improvement.
• An easement encroachment (if your project will be installed in an easement)

For a complete list, follow the instructions in the latest ACR form.  Note that quotes from contractors are only required if requested by the HOA; the cost of your project is irrelevant to the ACR approval process.

What quotes do I need to include with my ACR?

Should a quote from a contractor be required, the reviewer will request one.  Quotes from contractors generally should not be included with an ACR; the cost of a project is irrelevant to the approval or rejection decision.

What do I do if the scope of my project changes during the course of the project?

You’ll need to submit a new ACR to cover the modifications.  The modifications cannot start until the new ACR is approved.

When?

When do I need to submit an ACR?

An ACR must be submitted before any physical work begins.  Keep in mind that the Board has 30 days to approve your project; plan accordingly.  For example, if you have a project that you want to start on June 1, your ACR must be submitted no later than May 2.

When should I schedule a final inspection (if I want one)?

Final inspection should be scheduled after the project is completely finished.  To arrange for a final inspection, simply send an email to board@hampshirehoa.com.

Where?

Where do I submit an ACR?

ACRs need to be submitted on TownSq.

Where do I find the ACR forms?

ACR forms can be found on TownSq.

Why?

Why do I need to submit an ACR?

ACRs are required for a few important reasons:

• The covenants – part of the purchase contract signed by every homeowner in Hampshire — require an architectural review of any exterior modification of any home in Hampshire.
• To protect neighbors from undesirable improvements out of character with the neighborhood.
• To protect homeowners from future rules changes that decide certain improvements are no longer allowed.

How?

How do I submit an ACR?

Fill out the ACR form and all related forms (the ACR form will tell you which ones you need as you work through the process).  Submit the ACR form and all related forms on TownSq.

How long does a review typically take?

At most, the Board has 30 days from the date a submission is complete to approve or reject a project.

How do I expedite approval of my project?

• Fill out all forms as completely as possible.
• Respond to questions from reviewers promptly.
• Be flexible — find ways to modify your project to meet stated requirements or assuage concerns from reviewers.
• Approval is not guaranteed if you follow all these steps; projects that are banned by the covenants or are otherwise deemed inappropriate for Hampshire can be denied by the Board for many reasons.  For more information, see the covenants.

More…

Do I still need permits from the town or county if I have an ACR?

Yes.  The ACR process is only to ensure compliance with the covenants; other authorities may require additional permits.  Determining which permits are required for your project is your (or your contractor’s) responsibility.

I started my project and forget an ACR, what happens now?

Starting a project without an ACR may result in fines, legal action, or removal of the improvement at the homeowner’s expense.  Remember:  When in doubt, fill it out!