President’s Corner – July 2026 – Avoid These Five Common HOA Pitfalls

Let’s be honest. We all want our homes to look beautiful.

Whether it’s fresh landscaping, a new walkway, updated lighting, or adding a few personal touches, taking pride in our homes is one of the things that makes our community such a wonderful place to live.

But here’s the catch.

Many of the things homeowners do with the best of intentions are the very things that generate the most violations. Not because anyone is trying to break the rules, but because they simply didn’t know.

So I thought I’d share the five issues I run into most often. If this article saves even one homeowner from having to remove something, replant something, or redo a project, then it’s worth the read.

1. Exterior Modifications Without ARC Approval
This is by far the most common violation. One of the questions I hear most often from residents is, “Do I need approval for this?” The answer is usually simple: if you’re changing anything on the outside of your home or lot, the answer is yes.

Our Architectural Review Committee (ARC) is not here to make projects more difficult. The review process exists to protect property values, ensure compliance with governing documents and local regulations, and help preserve the attractive appearance that makes our community such a desirable place to live. To help homeowners avoid unnecessary violations, here are the five most common issues we see.

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that virtually any exterior modification requires ARC approval before work begins. This includes projects such as:

• Driveways and walkways
• Landscape renovations
• Trellises, arbors, and pergolas
• Exterior lighting (this is all the rage now but many are in violation of Viera’s standards)
• Decorative borders and edging
• Patio additions
• Paint color changes
• And yes…just about anything else that changes the exterior appearance of your property.

Even if a contractor tells you approval is not necessary, or a similar improvement already exists in another neighborhood, please submit an ARC application first. A few minutes of planning can save significant time and expense later.

2. Unscreened Equipment and Stored Items

Air conditioning equipment, pool equipment, spa equipment, and garbage containers are required to be properly screened from view. The same applies to items that are stored outside on a regular basis, including hose reels, lawn equipment, yard tools, fertilizer, and other maintenance supplies. Screening helps maintain an attractive streetscape and prevents outdoor storage from becoming visual clutter throughout the community.

3. Decorative Items

Everyone wants their home to reflect their personality, but there is a balance between personal expression and maintaining a cohesive community appearance. Decorative statues, yard ornaments, wall art, signs, and other decorative items are among the more common violations we encounter.
Before installing decorative features, review your neighborhood guidelines or contact your Community Association Manager if you are unsure whether an item is permitted.

4. Routine Property Maintenance

Regular maintenance is one of the simplest ways to keep your home looking its best and remain in compliance. Some of the most common maintenance issues include:

• Weeds in landscape beds
• Dirty driveways and sidewalks
• Mildew on exterior walls
• Roofs that need cleaning
• Overgrown landscaping

Florida’s climate is wonderful for enjoying the outdoors, but it also means landscaping grows quickly and mildew can develop just as fast. Staying ahead of routine maintenance helps preserve both your home’s appearance and the overall beauty of the community.

5. Landscaping Requirements

Landscaping is often the area where homeowners unintentionally run into the greatest number of compliance issues. Every homesite is required to maintain a minimum number of hardwood trees and shrubs as established by the Brevard County Land Development Code and the West Viera PUD landscaping requirements. Following this winter’s freeze, many properties have lost trees and shrubs and may no longer meet these minimum requirements. (See the formulas below.)

In addition, homeowners should be aware that:

• Some neighborhoods prohibit citrus and other fruit trees due to concerns about attracting wildlife, including rats.
• Drainage easements and other utility easements often prohibit trees, landscaping, fences, walls, or other improvements.
• Some neighborhoods do not permit decorative rock in landscape beds.
• Individual neighborhoods may have additional landscape standards beyond CVCA’s general requirements.

Before removing or replacing landscaping, it is important to understand both your neighborhood’s architectural standards and applicable Brevard County regulations. What seems like a simple weekend project can sometimes create unintended compliance issues.

The good news is that most violations are completely avoidable with a little planning. If you’re ever unsure whether a project requires approval, have questions about landscaping requirements, or need guidance on your neighborhood’s standards, contact Chris Briggs at Fairway Management at 321-777-7575 or email him at Chris@fairwaymgmt.com. Chris is an ARC expert and can help you with any of your questions. We’d much rather answer a question before work begins than ask you to correct it afterward. A quick phone call or email today can save you considerable time, expense, and frustration tomorrow.

So, until next time, remember, “Good houses take work.” – Michael S. Smith

Eva M. Rey, President
Central Viera Community Association, Inc.