Architectural Modification Process
Architectural Modification Process
Before You Modify Your Property
Property modifications may require review before work begins. This guide helps residents understand the ARC form, what information is needed, and why association authorization matters.
Simple Resident Roadmap
The Process in Plain English
A clear visual version of the ARC request flow for residents.
Decide What You Want to Change
Any property modification that may affect the building, neighbors, common elements, appearance, sound, safety, or building systems should be treated as something that may need ARC review.
Fill Out the ARC Form
Print legibly and include your request date, association, owner name, Township address, phone, unit, floor, and email.
Describe the Modification
Explain exactly what work is being requested, where it will be done, and check the appropriate model/property type.
Attach a Drawing
The form states that you must submit a drawing of your modification on an additional sheet and attach it to the application.
Get Signatures & Wait
Association authorization requires two signatures by authorized signers on your village board before TCMA action is taken.
When to Ask First
Examples That May Need Review
When in doubt, ask before starting. This is especially important in condos, where work inside one unit can affect nearby residents, shared building systems, and common elements.
Floors & Tile
Removing or installing tile, marble, hard flooring, sound underlayment, or floor assemblies.
Walls & Structure
Removing, opening, building, or altering walls, ceilings, supports, or attached fixtures.
Plumbing & Electrical
Work that may affect pipes, drains, wiring, panels, shared systems, leaks, or safety.
Doors, Windows & Exterior
Changes to doors, windows, patios, screens, paint, visible exterior areas, or common elements.
Why Approval Matters
Possible Consequences of Starting First
Written approval protects the resident, the association, nearby neighbors, and the property. If work begins before approval, the owner may be responsible for the problem that follows.
Stop the Work
Unapproved work may be stopped until the proper request, drawings, association authorization, and TCMA review are completed.
Correct or Remove It
The owner may be required to correct, remove, restore, or redo work that was started without written approval.
Pay the Cost
Costs caused by unapproved work may become the owner's responsibility, including repairs, restoration, or professional review when required.
Delay Final Approval
Missing approvals, vague requests, or undocumented changes can delay association inspection, completion records, and future approvals.
Bring This With You
Resident Checklist
- Completed ARC application form.
- Name of association and Township address.
- Owner name, phone number, unit number, floor, and email address.
- Model/property type checked on the form.
- Clear description of the requested modification and location of the work.
- Drawing of the modification attached on an additional sheet.
- Applicant signature and date.
- Association authorization with two village-board signatures.
Avoid Problems
What Residents Should Not Do
- Do not begin work before written approval.
- Do not submit a vague request with no drawing.
- Do not skip your village association authorization.
- Do not assume a contractor can approve the change for you.
- Do not assume prior neighbor approval means your request is automatically approved.
- Do not assume interior condo work is exempt if it may affect neighbors, sound, flooring, walls, plumbing, electrical, structure, or common elements.
Review Outcome
Approval or Disapproval
The form includes sections for Association Action Taken and T.C.M.A. Action Taken. Requests may be marked approved or disapproved. Residents should keep a copy for their records.
After the Work
Association Inspection
The form includes an Association Inspection area for work completed, date, and approval. This reinforces that approval and completion are part of a documented process.
Official Form
Download and Print the ARC Application
This visual guide is meant to help residents understand the process. The official ARC form still needs to be downloaded, printed, completed, and submitted according to T.C.M.A. requirements.