August 11, 2026
Architectural Review Committee
Stonehaven Community Association
Board of Directors (copy)
Re: Appeal of Architectural Violation Fine A-330 — Front Porch Railing, 18 Fern Hollow
Dear Committee and Board:
I appeal architectural fine A-330, issued July 29, 2026, in the amount of $450, alleging an “unapproved porch railing profile” at 18 Fern Hollow. This sample HOA architectural violation appeal letter is an educational example of how an owner might rely on a prior written approval rather than an unrecorded handbook update. It is not legal advice.
The railing was installed in April 2024 under Architectural Approval ARC-24-118, emailed by the then-chair on March 12, 2024, with stamped drawings (Exhibit A). The current citation quotes a June 2026 “porch style checklist” that was never recorded as a covenant amendment and was not served on owners as a rule-change notice under the association’s governing documents.
I request the committee file for ARC-24-118, the minutes or vote adopting the 2026 checklist, and any recorded instrument that authorizes retroactive application to work completed under a prior approval. If the association cannot produce that adoption record, fine A-330 should be rescinded and the existing railing confirmed as approved.
A sitting committee member who lives at 16 Fern Hollow previously emailed management about this railing. I respectfully request that member’s recusal from deliberation and from any vote so the hearing remains fair. At the hearing I will present side-by-side drawings from ARC-24-118 and current photographs showing the installed profile matches the approved set.
I ask the board to rescind the $450 fine, confirm that the existing railing remains approved, and publish a clarified checklist that distinguishes recorded covenants from unrecorded design preferences. I remain willing to discuss a mutually acceptable stain if the board identifies a recorded color standard that actually applies to this lot.
Please confirm the hearing date, the recusal decision, and the exhibits the association intends to introduce at least five days before the meeting. Thank you for reviewing this architectural appeal on the written approval record.
Very truly yours, Quinn Ellison Owner, 18 Fern Hollow