Thinking about a new pool, addition, or exterior refresh in Camelback Country Club Estates? The fastest way to slow a project is to skip the HOA’s architectural review steps. You want a smooth, on-time build with no costly rework or neighbor disputes. This guide shows you exactly what to submit, how long reviews usually take, how HOA approvals relate to City of Scottsdale permits, and the design priorities that matter most in this neighborhood. Let’s dive in.
What the ARC controls
Your community uses Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) and related rules to protect neighborhood standards and property value. Before you sketch a plan or call a contractor, get the CC&Rs, Architectural or Design Guidelines, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, and the recorded plat map. These documents explain what is allowed, where you can build, and how to apply.
An Architectural Review Committee (ARC) or Architectural Control Committee (ACC) administers approvals for exterior work visible from the street or neighboring lots. Some communities use a property manager or an outside architectural consultant. The CC&Rs and Design Guidelines supersede general advice, so always follow them first.
You can request documents from the HOA or management company. If the HOA offers an online portal, you may be able to download the latest versions there. Make sure you have the most current guidelines and any addenda before you submit.
What to include in your package
A complete, well organized submittal speeds up review and reduces resubmittals. Most projects need the items below.
Core forms and plans
- Completed ARC application form signed by the owner (some HOAs also require contractor signatures).
- Site or plot plan showing lot lines, setbacks, distances to property lines, existing and proposed structures, contours for slope work, and any easements or view corridors.
- Scaled exterior elevations and floor plans for additions or major remodels showing rooflines, heights, and finish materials.
Materials, finishes, and colors
- Manufacturer names, product codes, and samples for paint, stucco, stone, roofing, pavers, fences, and railings.
- If you plan high-contrast or reflective finishes, confirm they meet the neighborhood palette. Desert communities often favor earth tones and natural textures.
Landscape and water-wise design
- A landscape plan with a plant list (botanical and common names), hardscape layout, and irrigation details.
- Expect a water-efficient palette with native or low-water plants, drip irrigation, and limited turf.
Drainage, grading, and engineering
- A drainage and grading plan showing how you will manage roof runoff and hardscape flows without impacting neighbors.
- If you add retaining walls or change grades, the ARC may require civil or structural engineering and stormwater calculations.
Lighting, walls, and fences
- A lighting plan with fixture locations and cut sheets. Shielded, downward-facing fixtures and limits on brightness and color temperature are common.
- Fence and wall plans with height, materials, finishes, gate details, and footings.
Pools and mechanical screening
- Pool footprint, pool equipment locations, sound mitigation, and screening details.
- Plans for decks, retaining walls, and equipment enclosures, especially near property lines.
Contractor info, fees, and deposits
- Contractor license numbers, proof of insurance, and contact details.
- Application fees and refundable deposits may be required to cover common-area or landscape restoration.
Construction schedule and staging
- Estimated start and completion dates, work hours, parking and storage plan, and neighbor notification approach.
- Plan for dust control, erosion control, and site fencing as required.
How the review process works
Pre-submittal consult
A quick concept review can save weeks. Many ARCs offer a preliminary meeting to flag setbacks, height limits, view impacts, or material conflicts early. Bring sketches, photos, and questions.
Completeness check
Your manager or ARC will check the package for required items. Incomplete submittals are often returned without review. Use the checklist in the Design Guidelines and confirm any neighborhood-specific forms.
Review timelines to expect
Once your package is complete, allow time for committee cycles. Many HOAs complete an initial review within about 30 days. A practical rule of thumb is 4 to 8 weeks for minor items like paint, fencing, or small landscaping. Plan 8 to 16 or more weeks for additions, pools, or anything involving engineering, neighbor input, or variances. Complex designs may take multiple rounds.
Decisions, conditions, and appeals
Outcomes usually include approved, approved with conditions, denied, or tabled pending more information. Read conditions closely and build them into your construction plan. If denied, the CC&Rs typically outline an appeal path. Variance requests add time and require strong justification.
Final inspection and sign-off
Many HOAs require a final inspection to confirm compliance before returning deposits or closing the approval. Keep your approvals, final plans, and any as-built updates on file.
Coordinate with Scottsdale permits
ARC approval is separate from City of Scottsdale permits. Do not start work until you have both. Exterior work that changes structure, rooflines, habitable area, pools, major retaining walls, or electrical and plumbing typically needs city permits and inspections.
If your project affects public right-of-way, curb, or sidewalk, expect right-of-way or wall permits. Scottsdale also sets construction hours and noise limits. Your HOA may be stricter, so plan for the tighter rule. Call for utility locates before any excavation and verify sewer or septic connections and drainage paths.
Water conservation is a priority across Arizona. Expect support for water-efficient landscaping and drip irrigation. Some guidelines limit turf areas or specify plant lists. Incorporate these standards in your landscape plan from the start.
Design priorities in this neighborhood
Topography and view protection
Near Camelback Mountain, preserving natural contours and shared views is often a core value. Keep grading thoughtful and use retaining solutions that blend with existing slopes. Avoid massing that dominates ridgelines or blocks sightlines.
Rooflines, height, and massing
Height limits and roof forms are typically controlled. Low-pitched or flat rooflines and parapet treatments may be preferred. Confirm height measurements and datum points on your elevations to prevent surprises late in review.
Materials and desert palette
Stucco, stone, natural tile or clay roofs, and earth-toned paint palettes commonly suit the setting. High-gloss, mirror-like finishes or stark contrasts are often restricted. Submit actual samples with product codes so the ARC can evaluate accurately.
Privacy, walls, and character
Walls and fences should balance privacy with the open, refined feel of the area. Expect maximum height limits, finish requirements, and screening details. Gate design and materials should align with the overall architecture of your home.
Lighting and nighttime comfort
Shielded, downward-directed fixtures help preserve nighttime character. Many guidelines limit lumens and color temperature to reduce glare. Provide fixture cut sheets and a simple photometric narrative so reviewers can understand brightness.
Driveways and impervious surface
Designs often manage stormwater through limits on hardscape coverage and driveway width. Consider permeable pavers or breaks in hardscape to slow runoff and protect neighboring properties.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Starting work before approvals. This can trigger stop-work orders, fines, and required removal or rework.
- Submitting incomplete packages. Missing plans or samples usually result in automatic delays due to meeting schedules.
- Overlooking drainage. Poor grading can cause neighbor disputes and required remediation.
- Using unapproved materials or colors. Repainting or recladding to comply can be expensive.
- Hiring contractors without credentials or insurance. The HOA may suspend your approval or require replacements.
- Skipping city permits. City enforcement can require undoing work and add cost.
Practical timeline you can follow
- 3 to 6 months before start: Obtain CC&Rs and Design Guidelines, talk with the HOA manager or ARC about your concept, and hire professionals familiar with Scottsdale and HOA processes.
- 2 to 3 months before: Prepare your full ARC package, including site plan, elevations, materials, landscape, drainage, contractor info, and fees. In parallel, prepare city permit documents.
- 1 to 2 months before: Expect the first ARC review and possible resubmittal. Secure neighbor input if needed and apply for city permits once your design stabilizes.
- Before construction: Provide proof of ARC approval, city permits, contractor insurance, construction schedule, and any required bonds or deposits. Notify neighbors as required.
- During construction: Follow construction hours, parking rules, dust and erosion control, and site fencing. Get written ARC approval for any visible scope changes.
- At completion: Schedule the HOA final inspection, restore disturbed areas, request deposit returns, and file approvals and as-built plans.
Smart questions to ask
- ARC questions: What items are mandatory for my scope? When are ARC meetings, and what is the expected review time once my application is complete? Are pre-application reviews or site visits available? What construction hours and contractor requirements apply? What triggers withholding of refundable deposits?
- City questions: Which permits are required for my scope, including pools, retaining walls, additions, or AC pad changes? What grading and drainage standards and inspections will apply? Are hillside, right-of-way, or stormwater rules relevant to my lot? What are permitted construction hours and noise limits?
Final thoughts
The surest way to keep your project on time is simple: start early, follow the CC&Rs and Design Guidelines, and submit a complete, well documented package. Coordinate ARC approval with city permits, plan for drainage and views, and confirm materials before ordering. These steps reduce revisions, protect neighbor relations, and help your design fit the character of Camelback Country Club Estates.
If you are planning improvements ahead of a sale or want to understand how ARC approvals could impact value, let’s talk. You can request a free valuation or schedule a confidential consultation with Lauren. Start the conversation at paradisevalleyhomes.com.
FAQs
How long does ARC approval take in Camelback Country Club Estates?
- Plan 4 to 8 weeks for minor items like paint, fencing, or small landscape updates, and 8 to 16 or more weeks for additions, pools, or projects that need engineering or variances.
What documents do I need for an ARC submittal in Scottsdale?
- A completed application, site or plot plan, elevations for additions, material and color samples, landscape and irrigation plan, drainage plan, lighting cut sheets, contractor credentials, fees, and a construction schedule are common requirements.
Do I need city permits if the HOA approves my project?
- Yes. HOA approval is separate. Many exterior changes, including structural work, roofline changes, pools, major retaining walls, and electrical or plumbing, require City of Scottsdale permits and inspections.
What design choices matter most near Camelback Mountain?
- Protect views and natural topography, respect height and roofline controls, use earth-toned materials, limit glare with shielded lighting, and manage hardscape to reduce runoff.
What happens if I start work before ARC approval?
- You risk stop-work orders, fines, required removal or rework, and potential liens. Always wait for written ARC approval and any required city permits before beginning.
