Communities & ownership
Shenandoah Davie: HOA Restrictions for Home Projects
Quick answer
Get the HOA's written rules before you hire anyone. Find your association's declaration and architectural guidelines, submit the project for approval with drawings and materials, and wait for written approval. Town of Davie permits are a separate step — HOA approval doesn't replace a permit, and a permit doesn't replace HOA approval. Doing both in the right order avoids fines and redo work.
Chapter 720 architectural authority and estoppel review
§720.3035(1)(a), Florida Statutes limits architectural review authority to what is specifically stated or reasonably inferred in the declaration or authorized published guidelines and requires reasonable, equitable application. Obtain the documents for the association actually governing the Shenandoah parcel; this is not a claim that every parcel has identical restrictions.
Submit the specific roof, paint, fence or addition proposal with the association’s requested drawings and samples, retain dated submission and written decision records, and verify Town permit requirements independently. Ask an attorney about an inconsistent denial rather than assuming approval, a waiver or a universal review deadline.
§720.30851 requires an HOA estoppel certificate within ten business days of a qualifying written or electronic request and specifies assessment and other information, including open noticed rule violations. Have the closing professional request it from each applicable association. An estoppel summarizes specified account and compliance information; it does not authorize a proposed exterior improvement.
Order of operations
| Step | Who |
|---|---|
| Get declaration and architectural guidelines | HOA / management |
| Submit application with plans and samples | Owner or contractor |
| Receive written HOA approval | Architectural committee |
| Apply for Town permit | Contractor |
| Final inspection and HOA sign-off | Town / HOA |
Projects that often need review
- Roof material or color
- Fences and gates
- Exterior paint
- Pools and screen enclosures
- Impact windows and doors
- Additions and driveways
Your rights
The Chapter 720 architectural authority cited above depends on the applicable governing documents. Ask an attorney if a denial seems inconsistent with the written rules.
Selling later
Keep approvals, permits and finals together. Buyers and their agents will ask.
Related Mora Realty Davie pages
Sources
- Florida Statutes §720.3035 — Architectural control authority
- Florida Statutes §720.30851 — Estoppel requests, response and information requirements