One of the most important and proactive policies a homeowner association board can enact involves acceptable appearance standards. These are particularly important in common wall communities like condos, townhouses, rowhouses and co-ops where uniform appearance underscores market value.

Many unit owners formerly lived in single family housing where they were free to express themselves with plantings, pink flamingos and lawn jockeys. Some folks feel the further need for personalized fences, trellises, decks, light fixtures, security doors, security bars, awnings and other structural modifications. The ways owners are driven to "customize" the common area are limitless. The Board can never be prepared for some of the more creative ways. However, it helps to establish an appearance philosophy with guidelines. Here's a sample:

Community Appearance Philosophy:

The Association has responsibility to maintain the grounds and building exteriors to protect the appearance and market value of all owners property . To accomplish those objectives, standardize guidelines have been established and in the spirit of cooperation, we encourage all owners to follow these guidelines:

1. Only ________Brand Model _____ storm doors with bronze finish are permitted.

2. Only ________Brand Model _____ patio roofs with bronze finish are permitted on upper decks.

3. Common area landscape is to be altered, supplemented and maintained by the landscape contractor only.

4. Light fixtures and address numbers are standardized by brand, color and type and must remain so.

5. Only barbeques and suitable outdoor furniture are permitted on decks and patios (no storage).

6. To avoid the "prison look", security bars are not appropriate.

7. Awnings of any kind modify the uniform appearance and are not allowed.

8. Please restrict window signage to one "For Sale" or "For Rent" sign measuring no more than 18" x 22".

9. For safety reasons, no potted plants should be set on upper deck rails.

10. All structural modifications must be approved by the Board.

Most of the conflicts that Boards experience related to owners wanting to customize their corner of the world are largely avoidable by establishing clear, reasonable policies and communicating them regularly. Consider enacting appearance standards for your community and "headin' them off at the pass".

For more information on this subject, see www.Regenesis.net.

Published: October 6, 1999

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Richard Thompson owns Regenesis, a management consulting company that specializes in condominium and homeowner associations. He is a nationally recognized expert on HOA management issues. Regenesis publishes The Regenesis Report, a monthly newsletter for HOA boards, developers and managers. To subscribe, go to Regenesis.net. He can be contacted by email at .