What Should Be Included In An HOA Landscape Submittal?
The information homeowners and architectural committees commonly need to understand a proposed landscape improvement.
When an HOA reviews a landscape project, the committee usually wants to answer three questions quickly: What is changing? What will it look like? Does it follow the community's standards? A good submittal makes those answers easy to find.
A Clear Landscape Plan
The plan is usually the foundation of the application because it shows how the proposed improvements relate to the house and property. Our Landscape Design Process can show planting areas, patios, walks, walls, fences, gates, lighting, and other improvements in one coordinated layout.
Hardscape Materials And Finishes
For Hardscape & Concrete, the HOA may want to know the finish, color family, paver style, porcelain material, natural stone, brick, or border treatment. Visible improvements are easier to review when the committee can clearly understand the proposed appearance.
Walls, Fences And Outdoor Structures
Projects involving Retaining Walls or Keystone Wall Systems may require heights, locations, finish information, or elevations. For Fencing, the association may regulate height, color, board direction, gate style, setbacks, or visibility from common areas.
Shade structures can have their own requirements. Decks & Pergolas may need dimensions, locations, finish colors, and information showing how the structure relates to the home and neighboring properties.
Plants, Turf And Water Use
Planting plans are often reviewed for quantity, mature size, screening, appearance, and compatibility with the community. A Plant Consultation can help establish a plant palette that works with the property while considering maintenance and water use.
For homeowners replacing traditional lawn, Drought-Tolerant Landscaping and Artificial Turf can be considered as part of the overall design. The HOA may still want to understand the location, transitions, edging, and how the finished landscape will look.
Lighting And Drainage Information
Landscape Lighting can affect nighttime appearance, so fixture visibility, glare, brightness, and light spill may matter in an HOA community. Likewise, Drainage can be one of the most important technical parts of the project because changes to hardscape and grade can affect neighboring properties.
Material Samples And Product Information
Some committees want more than a written description. They may request product sheets, color samples, manufacturer information, photographs, or examples of the proposed material. When required, providing those items with the initial package can reduce unnecessary back-and-forth.
Keep The Submittal Consistent
One common mistake is showing one material on the plan and submitting a different material photo or description. Another is changing a fence, wall, or plant after approval without checking whether the association needs to review the change. The final approved documents should match the project that will actually be built.
Before You Submit
Use the current HOA application, not an old copy.
Make sure required homeowner signatures are complete.
Confirm the plan shows the improvements the HOA is reviewing.
Attach required product sheets, photographs, or material information.
Keep a complete copy of everything submitted.
Keep the final written approval and approved plans with the project records.
Need Help Organizing The Project?
If your HOA has provided a checklist or architectural application, send it to us when you request a consultation. You can also review our Frequently Asked Questions, browse Our Work, or Get A Quote to discuss your landscape.
