Who Decides HOA Architectural Requests: The Board or the Architectural Committee?

Architectural committees are common in California HOAs, but not every HOA has one. When an HOA does use an Architectural Review Committee, Architectural Control Committee, or Design Review Committee (these are all different names for the same committee), homeowners often misunderstand what that committee can do, where its authority comes from, and what rights the homeowner has after a denial. In this episode, California’s leading homeowner-side HOA lawyer, Michael Kushner, focuses specifically on architectural committees themselves, not the step-by-step process for submitting plans or obtaining approval. What You’ll Learn: ✅ How the composition of a committee can change whether the Open Meeting Act applies.✅ Why some HOAs create architectural committees and others do not.✅ What rights homeowners have after an architectural committee denies a project.✅ How bad HOAs misuse committee structures to limit homeowner rights. Architectural committees are common in larger communities, but the way they are structured matters. Some HOAs use them correctly as a review body that assists the board. Others blur the lines between committee authority and board authority in ways that create confusion and conflict. Understanding how committees are created, how they operate, and what happens after a denial helps homeowners evaluate whether their HOA is following the law. 🎧 📞 If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe to HOA HELL. Listen on YouTube at @hoahellpodcastofficial or wherever you get your podcasts. To schedule a consultation, visit https://mbkchapman.com/ and mention the HOA HELL discount. DISCLAIMER:  This content constitutes attorney advertising. The content of this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by listening to this podcast, submitting a question, or receiving a response. Always consult with a licensed attorney regarding your specific legal situation. MBK Chapman and Michael Kushner disclaim any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this podcast.  This communication does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. ABOUT:  Michael Kushner created and taught the systems now used by the biggest law firms in the state focused on HOA litigation. Managing partner of MBK Chapman, and author of the best-selling book, HOA HELL, Kushner teaches homeowners how to fight their bad HOAs and win. 💥 Amazon [https://tinyurl.com/tx47hmvn] | Barnes & Noble [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/hoa%20hell] #DavisStirlingAct #CaliforniaHOA #badHOA #HOAHell #HOAarchitecturalcommittee #ARCs #HOAarchitecturalreview #HOAboard #HOAapproval #HOAdisputes 🔥 HOA Hell California’s #1 HOA attorney shares real legal tools to help homeowners fight back—and win.👉 Got an HOA nightmare? Submit your question at [email protected]. more about your rights as a homeowner: https://MBKChapman.com📲 Follow us: Instagram: @mbkchapmanpc YouTube: HOA Hell (https://www.youtube.com/@HOAHELLpodcastofficial)