top of page

Dream It, Design It, Approve It—HOA Review & Approvals Made Easy

  • West Winds HOA
  • Apr 20
  • 4 min read

Are you planning to build a fence, add a shed, update landscaping, or take on an exterior home improvement project in the West Winds subdivision this year? We’re thrilled you’re investing in your property—but before you start your project, there’s one essential step: submit your West Winds HOA online Architectural Control Committee (ACC) Review Application.


In-progress landscaping project featuring groundwork preparations, large stone placements, and decorative gravel arrangements in a residential driveway.
Before you dig, pour, paint, install, plant, or build -> Submit Your ACC Review Application

Per Article XI (Section 11.4) and Article XII of the West Winds Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions CC&Rs, all exterior improvements, new construction, and landscaping projects must receive prior written approval from the West Winds HOA Board/ACC. This helps keep our neighborhood cohesive, attractive, and compliant with City of Bozeman regulations.


What Needs ACC Approval?


In short - nearly anything that changes on the outside of your home or building. This includes (but isn’t limited to):


  • Fences or gates

  • Detached structures like storage sheds or greenhouses

  • Landscaping changes, retaining walls, rock beds, or irrigation systems

  • Patios, decks, pergolas, or porch additions

  • Driveways, sidewalks, or added parking pads

  • Solar panels

  • Exterior remodels, additions, or new paint colors

  • New Construction


Submitting your application helps avoid future violations or costly removals and protects the architectural integrity of the entire neighborhood.


TIP: Even small upgrades may require review. A quick application helps you avoid costly delays or non-compliance.


Why It Matters


The Board's/ACC’s job is to help ensure all West Winds lot improvements:


  • Comply with HOA design standards and CC&Rs

  • Harmonize with the neighborhood’s look and feel

  • Align with the City of Bozeman building codes and ordinances

  • Help maintain and protect your home’s value—and your neighbors’


What Happens If You Don’t Get ACC Approval?


Skipping ACC review might seem faster - but it can cost you much more in time, money, and frustration. Under Article XI, Section 11.8 of the West Winds CC&Rs, the HOA has enforcement rights if unapproved improvements are made, including:


  • Written violation notices

  • Fines or penalties (as set forth by the Board or governing documents)

  • Legal action or mediation requirements

  • Mandatory removal or restoration of the unapproved structure or improvement at the owner’s expense

  • Suspension of member privileges (e.g., voting or common area use)


In some cases, projects have been required to be revised or completely removed, even after they have been substantially completed.


Don’t risk it—submit your application first.

Don’t risk it—submit your application first. The ACC is here to help your project succeed by ensuring it meets West Winds HOA standards and aligns with the City of Bozeman Code of Ordinances.


The Application is Online (and Easy!)


We’ve streamlined the process—your ACC Review Application is now fully online.

Just gather and be prepared to submit:


  1. Project description

  2. Site plan (bird’s-eye view of your Lot)

  3. Sketches or elevations

  4. Material and color list

  5. Neighbor Notification Form (if applicable)

  6. Your signature

  7. Application Fee (see below)


You will receive a decision within 30 days of submitting a complete ACC Review Application (no changes, amendments, or modifications required) and fee(s) payment.


TIP: Avoid review and decision delays and/or additional administrative or ACC Consultant fees by submitting a complete, compliant, and comprehensive application the first time. Additional review fees and project decision delays occur if you are required to amend, modify, or resubmit your application documents or diagrams to earn ACC approval. 


Reminder: Incomplete applications or missing fee payment(s) will delay the review and approval process.


Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid when submitting an ACC Review Application


What Does It Cost?


Every project type includes an application fee that consists of a $100 HOA administrative fee + an initial ACC Consultant Fee (if applicable).


Examples of application fees:


  • Fence, Shed, or Solar Panels: $250

  • Home Addition: $350

  • New Home Construction: $450

  • Other Basic, Complex, or Multi-Part Projects: Custom-quoted


Review fees are charged to an owner via PayHOA. The initial application fee payment is required before the review begins. If incurred, any additional administrative fees or consultant expense reimbursements are charged to the owner and must be paid before the ACC can issue its final decision.


Stay Compliant. Protect Property Values. Build with Confidence.


Enhancing your property is exciting - but doing it right avoids costly penalties and ensures lasting quality and value for everyone in West Winds.


Before you dig, pour, paint, install, plant, or build -> submit your ACC application. You’ll find the application form and CC&Rs on the HOA's website:




The content provided in this blog/news story is intended for informational purposes only. It is designed to offer a simplified and reader-friendly overview of pertinent sections of the West Wind HOA's Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs), as well as the relevant city of Bozeman regulations, ordinances, or laws. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, this content should not be considered a substitute for the actual governing documents, applicable city laws, ordinances, or legal advice. Homeowners and residents are advised to consult the full, legally binding governing documents and city regulations or seek professional legal counsel for official reference or legal purposes.


Boat_Trailer Parked on Landscaped Yard

Report A
CC&Rs
Violation

Weeds-Lawn-Maintenance example-west winds hoa
bottom of page