Planning a new fence, patio, or paint color in WingHaven? A little prep can save you weeks of delays and avoid costly do-overs. Whether you are buying, selling, or settling in for the long haul, you want a smooth Architectural Review Committee (ARC) approval. This guide shows you who to contact, which documents to pull, how the ARC process works, expected timelines, and a simple checklist tailored to WingHaven in O’Fallon. Let’s dive in.
Understand WingHaven’s HOA structure
WingHaven uses a master association with neighborhood-level rules. Some streets fall under sub-associations with their own guidelines and application forms. Always confirm the exact association for your lot and get the most current contacts and documents from the association or its management. Public filings confirm the Winghaven Master Association and are a helpful starting point to locate current contacts and documents (Winghaven Master Association overview).
Start with the right contacts
- WingHaven Master Association or your sub-association. Ask for the Declaration/CC&Rs, Design or Architectural Guidelines, and the ARC application with current procedures and timelines.
- St. Charles County Recorder of Deeds. Search recorded CC&Rs, plats, and amendments for your subdivision before you plan exterior work. Use the county’s land-records tools to retrieve official copies (St. Charles County land records).
- Title company and closing documents. Your title report often lists the HOA name and recorded documents.
- If documents conflict or are unclear, consider consulting a Missouri real estate or HOA attorney.
Know your governing documents
Declarations set the rules
Your recorded Declaration or CC&Rs usually establish ARC authority, what needs approval, and decision timelines. When in doubt, the recorded Declaration controls, and ARC guidelines must operate within that authority (why governing documents control).
Bylaws and guidelines
Bylaws explain how the board and committees operate. Architectural or Design Guidelines spell out details like allowed fence types, paint palettes, materials, and submission requirements. Read them closely, since incomplete submissions create delays.
Missouri laws you should know
Missouri law protects rooftop solar on individually owned roofs and limits HOA restrictions. Associations can adopt reasonable rules that do not prevent or impair system function. The statute also addresses political and sale signs. If your project involves solar or signs, review RSMo section 442.404 and ask how the ARC applies those rules (Missouri solar and sign protections).
How ARC approvals typically work
Pre-submission
Read your CC&Rs and Design Guidelines. If the change is listed as needing approval, plan to apply. If unclear, contact management or the ARC chair to confirm requirements. Do not rely on oral approvals, and always request written guidance when possible (ARC homeowner guidance).
Build a complete application
Most ARCs want a site plan or plat showing the location; drawings or photos; material specs; color samples or paint chip numbers; contractor insurance or license if requested; and project dates. The more complete the packet, the smoother the review (what ARCs look for).
Receipt and review
Management usually logs your application and confirms completeness. Ask for written confirmation of the receipt date, since many deadlines start when the packet is deemed complete. Common delays come from missing documents, easement checks, or items that require a board vote or legal review (common delay sources).
The decision
Expect a written approval or denial with reasons and any conditions. If denied, you should be told how to revise or appeal. Do not start work until you have written approval. General best practices recommend requesting the appeals process in writing if you need it.
Timelines to plan for
Your CC&Rs control exact deadlines, and some communities set 30 to 60 days for decisions. Others outline what happens if the ARC does not act in time. Practically, here is what many owners experience when submissions are complete and the committee meets regularly:
- Very minor like-for-like changes. Often 3 to 14 days if a pre-approved color or material exists.
- Routine exterior projects. Fences, small decks or patios, and modest landscaping changes often run 14 to 45 days, especially if a site visit or neighbor notice is needed.
- Major additions. Additions, detached garages, pools, and large grading can take 30 to 90 days or more, since they may need board votes, variance reviews, or permit coordination.
Projects that usually need approval
- Exterior paint color changes or full-house repaints.
- Fences, including location, height, and materials.
- Decks, patios, pergolas, and screened porches.
- Sheds or outbuildings with size, material, and placement rules.
- Hardscapes, retaining walls, and grading that affect drainage.
- Driveway expansions, parking pads, and detached garages.
- Pools and hot tubs with safety and setback requirements.
- Rooftop solar, which is protected by state law. HOAs may adopt reasonable rules that do not prevent or impair the system’s function.
- Satellite dishes and antennas. Federal OTARD rules limit HOA restrictions on small dishes. Check your guidelines, and confirm that federal protections apply (OTARD overview).
Avoid violations and delays
Common mistakes
- Starting work without written approval.
- Submitting an incomplete packet with missing specs, samples, or site plans.
- Not confirming the exact HOA or sub-association rules for your street.
- Overlooking easements, setbacks, or drainage that trigger extra review.
What enforcement can look like
If you build without approval, most HOAs can send notices, levy fines, suspend privileges, and, in rare cases, pursue legal action to restore the property. Protect yourself by getting approvals in writing and keeping a record of all submissions and decisions.
Copy-and-paste request script
“Hello — I’m the owner at [address]. Please send the recorded Declaration/CC&Rs and the current Architectural/Design Guidelines that govern my lot, plus the ARC/ACC application form, the submission checklist, and the current expected review timeline. Please confirm receipt in writing and tell me the email/contact for the ARC or management. Thank you.”
Quick WingHaven checklist
- Confirm your exact HOA or sub-association for the property.
- Retrieve recorded CC&Rs and any amendments from the St. Charles County Recorder of Deeds. Save copies.
- Get the latest Design or Architectural Guidelines and the ARC application form from management.
- Build a complete packet: site plan, photos or drawings, materials and color samples, contractor info, and project dates.
- Submit through the approved channel and request written confirmation of the receipt date.
- Ask for the expected decision date, and plan buffers: small projects 2 to 4 weeks, medium 4 to 8 weeks, major 8 to 12 weeks or more.
- Wait for written approval before starting any work.
Local help when you need it
If you are planning a project before listing, coordinating contractors during a move, or navigating a tricky approval, you do not have to go it alone. With deep local relationships and a hands-on approach, The Monschein Team can help you pull the right documents, prepare a complete packet, and keep your sale or purchase on track. Reach out to The Monschein Team for guidance tailored to your home and timeline.
FAQs
What does the WingHaven ARC do, and why does it matter?
- The ARC reviews exterior changes for compliance with your recorded CC&Rs and Design Guidelines, and issues written approvals or denials that you need before starting work.
How long does fence approval usually take in WingHaven?
- Plan for about 14 to 45 days after a complete submission, but always check your CC&Rs for exact deadlines and meeting schedules.
Do I need HOA approval for rooftop solar in WingHaven?
- You should apply through the ARC, and the association’s rules must be reasonable and cannot prevent or impair rooftop solar on individually owned roofs under Missouri law.
Where can I find my WingHaven CC&Rs and amendments?
- Check your closing packet and search the St. Charles County Recorder of Deeds for recorded CC&Rs, plats, and amendments. Your association or manager can also provide copies.
What if the ARC does not respond by the deadline?
- Your CC&Rs will say what happens if the ARC does not act, which may include no automatic approval. Document your submission and follow up in writing.
Can I install a satellite dish without HOA approval?
- Small satellite dishes often fall under federal OTARD protections. Review your guidelines and confirm placement rules with management before installation.
