HOA Exterior Paint Approval in Fort Collins: How to Actually Get It Approved
Most Fort Collins HOAs approve exterior paint in 2–6 weeks. Here's how to submit once and not have to resubmit.
Fort Collins, Timnath, Windsor, and Loveland all have neighborhoods with active architectural review committees — Harmony, Fossil Lake Ranch, Rigden Farm, Water Valley, RainDance, Highland Meadows, and dozens more. Getting exterior paint colors approved is straightforward if you submit the right package the first time.
1. How HOA approval works in most Fort Collins subdivisions
Most local HOAs have a published palette (approved color families) and require an Architectural Review Request for any exterior color change.
Some HOAs also cap the number of homes in a row with the same color scheme — you may need to submit 2–3 backup schemes.
Turnaround is usually 2–4 weeks. Committees typically meet monthly.
2. What to submit the first time
The completed Architectural Review Request form (available from your HOA management company).
Body, trim, and accent color chips with SW or BM name AND code.
A photo of your home's front and one side elevation.
A rendering or color drawdown if the HOA requires it (some do, some don't).
Neighbor signature acknowledgement if required — Fort Collins doesn't universally require this but a few subdivisions do.
3. Common reasons for rejection
Body color too close to an adjacent home's scheme (the '3-house rule').
Trim color not from approved palette (many HOAs are strict on trim, loose on body).
Accent color considered too saturated (bright reds, saturated blues).
Submitting a big-box brand color without an approved-line equivalent.
4. Timeline expectations
Submit at least 6 weeks before your desired paint start date.
Book your painting contractor's calendar slot conditionally in parallel — we routinely hold slots for clients awaiting HOA approval.
If rejected, expect a 3–5 week additional cycle for resubmission and next meeting.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. On request we prepare the full submission package — SW color chips, drawdowns, home photos, and the completed form — for any Fort Collins-area HOA at no additional cost when we're contracted for the paint job.
You'll almost certainly be required to repaint at your cost, plus possible fines. Not worth it. Six weeks of patience is much cheaper.
Locally owned Northern Colorado painting contractor. Licensed, insured, vetted crews only.