Do I need HOA approval to repaint my house the same color?

Most HOAs require an Architectural Review Committee (ARC) submission before any exterior repaint, even the exact same color, since approved palettes are sometimes updated. Request the current approved palette directly from your HOA management company.

What does an HOA ARC submission usually require?

Typically the specific paint brand, product line, and color code, which surfaces get which color if multi-color schemes are allowed, a photo or rendering of the home, and enough lead time, some HOAs take 2 to 4 weeks to approve a submission.

Do non-HOA homes have any color restrictions in the Denver area?

Some Denver-metro municipalities and historic districts have their own exterior color or material guidelines independent of any HOA, most commonly in designated historic neighborhoods. Check with the city planning department if the home is in a historic overlay district.

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HOA rules and paint codes, explained

Last updated August 12, 2026

Many Denver-metro neighborhoods, especially newer developments, are governed by a homeowners association with rules about exterior color. Getting this wrong can mean repainting twice.

Check before you pick a color

Most HOAs maintain an approved color palette or require an Architectural Review Committee (ARC) submission before any exterior repaint, even if you're repainting the exact same color. Request the current approved palette and the ARC submission form directly from your HOA management company; palettes are sometimes updated and an old color you remember being approved may no longer be on the current list.

What an ARC submission usually needs

The specific paint brand, product line, and color code (not just a color name, "Sage Green" varies by manufacturer).
Which surfaces get which color (body, trim, door, shutters) if your HOA allows multi-color schemes.
A photo or rendering of your home, sometimes required for corner lots or homes visible from common areas.
Lead time, some HOAs take 2-4 weeks to approve a submission, so apply before you book a painter's schedule.

Working with a painter who knows HOA color-matching

Painters who regularly work in HOA-governed neighborhoods often already have a given community's approved palette on file, and know how to color-match a specific code precisely rather than approximate it. That's worth asking about directly, it can save an ARC resubmission if the applied color doesn't exactly match what was approved on paper.

If you're not in an HOA

Some Denver-metro municipalities and historic districts have their own exterior color or material guidelines independent of any HOA, this is more common in designated historic neighborhoods. Check with your city's planning department if your home is in a historic overlay district before repainting.

Need HOA-compliant colors matched exactly? Tell us that in the matcher and we'll prioritize painters with direct HOA experience.