Navigate the ARB process with confidence — we've helped 500+ Richmond homeowners achieve 100% approval
Each HOA has unique requirements. Select your community for detailed, community-specific guidance.
Henrico County's premier community with strict architectural standards. Vinyl and aluminum preferred.
Golf course community with emphasis on visual harmony. Natural tones and high-quality materials required.
Richmond's largest planned community. Natural earth tones required, extensive ARB review process.
Lake community with unique waterfront restrictions. Natural wood and earth-tone vinyl encouraged.
Newer master-planned community with modern aesthetic. Segmented by neighborhood with varying rules.
Richmond metro has 100+ HOAs. Don't see yours listed? We have experience with most communities in the area.
• The Highlands
• Twin Hickory
• Grey Oaks
• Hallsley
• Montfair
• ...and 95+ more
When you work with Evergreen, we handle the entire HOA approval process from research to submission — ensuring 100% success on the first attempt.
We obtain and review your HOA's Declaration, Bylaws, and Architectural Guidelines to understand all fence requirements — materials, colors, heights, setbacks, and approval procedures. Most homeowners skip this critical step and submit non-compliant applications.
Based on your HOA's guidelines, we recommend only materials and colors with proven approval history in your community. We maintain a database of 500+ successful applications showing what works in each HOA — no guesswork.
We prepare a detailed site plan showing fence location, dimensions, setbacks from property lines, gate locations, and relationship to existing structures. Most HOAs reject hand-drawn sketches — we provide CAD-quality plans.
We include manufacturer specs showing exact product names, colors, dimensions, and warranty information. For communities requiring physical samples (Wellesley, Wyndham), we provide those at no charge.
For HOAs requiring neighbor involvement, we help you navigate that process — providing templates for notifications, explaining the project benefits, and addressing common concerns. We can attend neighbor meetings if helpful.
We compile all documents and submit the application on your behalf (or guide you through online portals like Magnolia Green's). Include all required signatures, fees, and supporting documentation — nothing left to chance.
We monitor your application status and respond immediately to any ARB questions or requests for clarification. If revisions are needed (rare), we handle them promptly. You receive written approval before we schedule installation.
Problem: Homeowner requests white vinyl in Brandermill (only tan/clay allowed) or chain link in Wellesley front yard (prohibited).
Our Solution: We pre-screen all material selections against your HOA's specific approved list before you even see options. You only choose from materials guaranteed to be acceptable.
Problem: Hand-drawn sketches without dimensions, setbacks, or scale. ARB can't visualize the project.
Our Solution: Professional CAD-style site plans showing exact measurements, setbacks, gate swings, elevations, and relationship to property boundaries and structures.
Problem: Application submitted without required neighbor notification/consent. Automatic rejection in Wellesley, Woodlake, and most Henrico HOAs.
Our Solution: We identify which HOAs require neighbor involvement and provide templates, talking points, and support to secure signatures before submission.
Problem: Requesting 6ft fence when HOA limits rear yards to 5ft (Woodlake) or placing fence too close to property line without variance.
Our Solution: We verify height limits and setback requirements in your HOA documents and county ordinances. Design compliant layouts from the start — no variance requests needed.
Problem: Application says "install fence" without specifying exact product, manufacturer, color name, style, or specifications.
Our Solution: Detailed specifications including manufacturer name (ActiveYards, Jerith, etc.), exact product line, color code, style name, and warranty documentation. ARB knows exactly what you're installing.
Problem: Submitting application 1 week before desired install date when HOA takes 4-6 weeks to review. Or missing monthly ARB submission deadline in Brandermill.
Our Solution: We educate you on realistic timelines upfront (6-8 weeks total from application to installation). Track ARB meeting schedules and submission deadlines to ensure your application is reviewed promptly.
Quick reference showing which materials and colors have proven approval history in major Richmond HOAs. Individual applications may vary based on lot-specific factors.
| HOA Community | Vinyl | Wood | Aluminum | Chain Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellesley | ✅ White, Tan, Clay (rear yards only) | ⚠️ Case-by-case (cedar, stained) | ✅ Black, Bronze (pools, front accents) | ❌ Not approved |
| Wyndham | ✅ Tan, Clay only (no white) | ✅ Natural stain (earth tones only) | ✅ Bronze, Black (golf lots preferred) | ❌ Not approved |
| Brandermill | ✅ Tan, Clay ONLY (white prohibited) | ⚠️ Rarely approved (prefer vinyl) | ✅ Bronze (pools only) | ❌ Not approved |
| Woodlake | ⚠️ Allowed but wood preferred | ✅ Natural wood (cedar, pine stained) | ✅ Black, Bronze (pools common) | ❌ Not approved (lakefront) |
| Magnolia Green | ✅ White, Tan, Clay (all sections) | ✅ Natural or stained (most sections) | ✅ Black, Bronze (decorative approved) | ⚠️ Backyard only (vinyl-coated) |
✅ = Generally approved | ⚠️ = Case-by-case review | ❌ = Typically not approved
Approval timelines vary by community. Wellesley and Wyndham (Short Pump): 2-4 weeks. Brandermill (Chesterfield): 4-8 weeks with monthly ARB meetings. Woodlake: 3-6 weeks. Magnolia Green: 2-3 weeks for most applications. We recommend submitting 6-8 weeks before your desired installation date to account for potential revisions or clarifications requested by the ARB.
The #1 rejection reason is incorrect materials or colors. Many homeowners submit applications for materials not explicitly approved in their HOA guidelines (e.g., requesting wood when only vinyl is allowed, or choosing white vinyl when only tan/clay are approved). The #2 reason is incomplete applications—missing site plans, neighbor signatures, or material specifications. When Evergreen assists with your application, we pre-screen all materials against your specific HOA's guidelines, resulting in our 100% approval rate.
Most Richmond area HOAs require neighbor notification or consent if the fence is on or within 5 feet of the property line. Wellesley requires written consent from affected neighbors. Brandermill requires notification (but not necessarily approval). Woodlake requires signatures for shared property line fences. We recommend discussing your plans with neighbors early, showing them material samples and explaining the 'good neighbor' design (finished side facing their property). Most neighbor objections stem from surprises—proactive communication solves 95% of potential conflicts.
Absolutely not. All Richmond metro HOAs require pre-approval before installation. Installing without approval will result in: (1) Formal violation notice and fines ($50-250 per day in most communities), (2) Mandatory removal of the fence at your expense, (3) Potential legal action and liens against your property, (4) Damaged relationship with HOA board affecting future requests. Even if you're certain your fence meets guidelines, you must submit an ARC/ARB application and receive written approval before starting work. The approval process exists to ensure community standards—skipping it creates liability for everyone.
Denials are rare when applications are properly prepared, but if it happens: (1) Request detailed written explanation of the denial reasons, (2) Review your HOA's governing documents and the specific objections, (3) Revise your application addressing each concern (change materials, height, location, or color), (4) Resubmit with modifications. In our experience, most denials are due to fixable issues like wrong materials or insufficient drawings. We've helped homeowners overturn denials by providing better specifications, material samples, and professional site plans. If you believe a denial is unreasonable or inconsistent with HOA guidelines, consult an attorney specializing in HOA law.
Join 500+ Richmond homeowners who achieved stress-free, first-time approval with our guidance
What You Get:
*When you follow our material and design recommendations