[SFH] [Co] pergola in backyard
Looking for some general perspective on how HOAs typically handle this kind of situation.
We recently built a pergola as part of a backyard deck project (not visible from street).The original design was approved by the HOA, but during construction the pergola was extended to match the full width of the deck. The materials, style, and overall design stayed the same — it’s just wider than originally submitted.
The HOA flagged it after a complaint (neighbor that complains about evwrything) and is now saying it doesn’t meet design standards (mostly citing things like “massing” and “architectural integration”). From our perspective:
- The structure is still within all height limits
- It’s in the backyard and not visible from the street
- It’s an open pergola (not enclosed), so no real impact on light/privacy
- There are somewhat similar structures in the neighborhood
We’ve responded and are open to minor aesthetic adjustments (trim, color, etc.), but they are pushing back mainly because it doesn’t match the originally approved dimensions.
For those with HOA experience:
- How do boards typically handle cases where the build deviates from approved plans but doesn’t seem to create real impact?
- Are compromises (e.g., cosmetic changes instead of structural changes) common?
- At what point do these situations usually escalate to fines vs. getting resolved?
just trying to understand what’s realistic and how these situations usually play out.
I really appreciate any help you can provide.