Guide to Permits and Approvals for Condominiums
When living in a condominium, you typically have the freedom to make interior renovations such as painting, flooring, and kitchen or bathroom updates. However, when it comes to major exterior projects, the responsibility falls on the condo association, which includes all residents.
HOA Permissions vs. Municipal Permits
Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) govern many aspects of condo remodeling through their governing documents, which all condo owners must adhere to upon purchasing their property. HOA permissions are separate from municipal permits, which may be required for activities related to remodeling by the city, county, or state.
Municipal Permits for Condo Remodels
Many condo remodels require municipal permits, just like single-family homes. Even projects that don’t typically require a permit for a detached house, such as replacing a kitchen floor, may need one in a condo. For example, some municipalities require a permit for condo owners to replace carpet with hard flooring, such as wood, stone, or ceramic.
Interior Changes Mandated by the HOA
In some cases, the HOA may require condo owners to make interior changes. For instance, some governing documents mandate that water heaters be replaced every 10 years, even if they are still functioning properly. This is because a malfunctioning water heater could severely damage common property.
HOA Authorization for Remodels
HOAs are primarily concerned with maintaining the property as a whole, which includes preserving the structural integrity of the building. Therefore, they may have rules and regulations regarding interior remodels that may seem to be outside of their purview. For example, installing a kitchen floor in a condo becomes a larger issue because the weight of the flooring may impact the structure as a whole. Lightweight flooring options like sheet vinyl or luxury vinyl plank may be allowed, while heavier materials like natural stone may not.
HOAs are also concerned about noise, which is a common source of conflict in condos. They may restrict certain types of flooring or other renovations that could generate excessive noise. Additionally, HOAs need to maintain control over common property, which includes plumbing and electrical systems.
Projects That Require HOA Approval
Generally, any condominium remodel involving the following areas usually requires HOA approval:
- Interior or exterior walls
- Structural floor
- Ceilings
- Columns
- Finish flooring
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Painting exterior door or window casing
As a rule of thumb, any permanent change to the condo exterior will likely require HOA board approval.
Projects That Do Not Need HOA Approval
Despite the ambiguity of some HOA governing documents, it’s always advisable to consult with the HOA board before making any proposed remodels. Some projects that may not need approval include:
- Painting interior walls or ceilings
- Installing crown molding
- Replacing or installing baseboards
- Installing, replacing, or repairing door and window casings
- Replacing light fixtures, outlets, and switches on a one-for-one basis
- Replacing shower, bath, or sink fixtures
- Installing built-in cabinets
- Installing new kitchen cabinets
It’s important to note that these lists are not exhaustive, and specific requirements may vary depending on the HOA’s governing documents and local regulations. Always check with your HOA and the appropriate municipal authorities before starting any remodeling project in a condominium.