Thinking about a new deck, fence, or exterior paint in Hillcrest or Brentwood? In these Oldham County neighborhoods, HOA design review can make or break your timeline. You want to improve your home without surprises, delays, or fines. This guide shows you what to expect, where to find the rules, and how to move from idea to approved project with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why design review matters
In Hillcrest and Brentwood, your HOA’s Architectural Control Committee usually reviews exterior changes for consistency with the recorded covenants. County zoning and building permits are separate from HOA approvals. You often need both. The Oldham County Planning & Development office handles public zoning and permits, which operate independently of private HOA rules. See how county permitting works through the county’s Planning & Development page for context (Oldham County Planning & Development).
Find your rules and contacts
Your controlling documents are the Declaration or CC&Rs, recorded amendments, Articles, bylaws, and any published architectural or design guidelines. If these conflict, recorded CC&Rs usually govern. Many associations publish design standards that outline what needs approval and how to apply (example of architectural standards).
To pull the official records, contact the Oldham County Clerk for recorded CC&Rs, plats, and deed references (Oldham County Clerk directory). For zoning, plats, and whether your lot sits inside a city boundary, reach out to Oldham County Planning & Development (Planning & Development). If your property lies inside a city, confirm any city permitting rules as well.
How the approval process works
The Architectural Control Committee (or similar group) reviews your application against the community’s standards. Some HOAs use volunteer committees, while others work through a management company or professional reviewer.
What to include in your application
- Completed ACC application with owner name and address.
- Scaled site plan showing location and setbacks.
- Elevation drawings plus material and color samples.
- Product specs for fences, decks, sheds, lighting, windows, or solar.
- Photos of the home and nearby context.
- Contractor details and estimated start and finish dates. See a representative list of submittal items in sample guidelines (sample ACC guidelines).
Typical timelines and permits
- Many communities set a review window around 30 days. Your CC&Rs control the exact timing and whether a lack of response leads to a default approval. Plan for possible rounds of revisions (guidance on timelines).
- HOA approval is separate from public permits. Coordinate with the county on building and zoning requirements. You may need both approvals before work starts (Oldham County permitting overview).
Common restrictions to expect
- Exterior colors and paint schemes.
- Roofing, siding, and trim materials.
- Fences and walls, including height, style, and placement.
- Decks, patios, porches, and additions.
- Sheds and accessory buildings, often with size and placement limits.
- Solar panels, satellite dishes, and HVAC placement or screening.
- Exterior lighting, signage, and landscaping that affects sight lines.
Items that often need extra attention: fences and masonry walls, large decks or additions that may need engineered plans, visible solar installations, and tree removal or replacement. You will usually find specifics in the neighborhood’s design standards or CC&Rs (sample scope of standards).
Smart steps for buyers
- Ask for a full HOA packet early: CC&Rs, bylaws, rules, design guidelines, meeting minutes, budget, insurance summary, and assessment schedule.
- Confirm if the home lies in a city boundary and what that means for permits or zoning (city and county context).
- Request an estoppel or resale certificate to verify assessments, any fines, and current governing documents. Expect a fee and set turnaround (what a resale/estoppel covers).
- Ask if there are open violations or unapproved exterior changes. Request copies of past approvals.
Smart steps for sellers
- Order the resale or estoppel package early so you are not waiting near closing. Confirm assessments, any special assessments, litigation, and transfer fees (resale details).
- Collect your ACC approvals and any county or city permits for past exterior work. If something is missing, consider addressing it before listing or disclose it.
Planning an exterior project checklist
- Start with your CC&Rs and architectural guidelines to confirm if approval is required and what to submit (sample design standards format).
- Prepare a complete package: site plan, elevations, material samples, product specs, contractor info, and dates. Incomplete applications often cause delays (application checklist example).
- Coordinate with the county and, if applicable, your city on permits. Do not assume HOA approval replaces public permits (Oldham County permitting overview).
Enforcement and appeals
If you skip approval or violate the standards, the HOA may issue notices, fines, stop-work directives, or seek liens or court orders to correct non‑conforming work. These powers come from the recorded covenants and state law (overview of HOA enforcement tools). Many HOAs offer appeals or variance processes. Document your submittals and decisions in writing and follow the steps in your governing documents. Kentucky statutes also address common-interest frameworks, which can inform procedures and owner rights (Kentucky code resource).
Local next steps
- Pull your recorded CC&Rs, amendments, and plats from the Oldham County Clerk.
- Confirm zoning, plats, and whether your lot is in a city at Oldham County Planning & Development.
- Review your HOA’s architectural guidelines and application form before you design.
- Time your HOA submittal and permit applications together to keep your project on schedule.
Ready to buy, sell, or plan improvements in Hillcrest or Brentwood? With local expertise and a curated vendor network, you can move forward with clarity and speed. If you want help securing documents, planning your timing, or positioning your home for the market, connect with Dee Amber Anderson for boutique, high-touch representation in Oldham County.
FAQs
HOA approval vs. building permits in Oldham County
- You usually need HOA approval for exterior changes and separate county or city permits. These are different processes, and you should plan for both.
Finding Hillcrest or Brentwood CC&Rs
- Ask the seller or HOA for CC&Rs and guidelines. If you need official copies, request recorded documents from the Oldham County Clerk.
Typical ACC review timing in these neighborhoods
- Many HOAs target about 30 days, but your CC&Rs control the exact window and what happens if there is no response. Submit a complete package to avoid delays.
What a resale or estoppel certificate includes
- It generally confirms assessment amounts, outstanding balances, special assessments, insurance details, and governing documents, with a fee and set turnaround.
What happens if work is done without approval
- The HOA may issue notices and fines and can pursue liens or court orders to correct non‑compliant work. You can often request a variance or appeal per the documents.
