2.24 Architectural Review Process

• Jurisdiction: Arizona

§ 2.24 Architectural Review Process

A.R.S. § 33-1817 regulates certain aspects of the architectural review process in planned communities. The rules are:

1. It is mandatory that at least one board member serve on the design review committee, architectural committee, or any other committee that performs similar functions.

2. The board member on the committee is required to function as the chairperson of the committee.

3. With respect to “new construction of the main residential structure on a lot” or for “rebuilds of the main residential structure on a lot,” a “security deposit” to “secure completion of the member's construction project or compliance with approved plans” can be required ONLY if:

a. the planned community has enacted “design guidelines or other similar rules” (can be a CC&R provision); and
b. if the association documents permit the association to charge the member a security deposit.

4. If a security deposit is charged, it must be placed in a “trust account” (“trust account” is not defined in the statute) with the following rules:

a. The cost of the trust account must be shared equally between the association

...