Nearly every subdivision we work in across Champaign, Savoy, Mahomet, Bloomington-Normal and Decatur has an HOA, and nearly every one has a line in its covenants about exterior alterations and holiday decorations. We’ve helped a lot of homeowners get permanent lighting approved. Here’s what we’ve learned.
New to the idea? Start with our overview of permanent Christmas lights: what they are, how they look and where we install them.
What covenants usually say
Most Central Illinois HOA documents have two relevant sections:
Exterior alterations. Anything attached to the home that changes its appearance typically needs architectural review committee (ARC) approval. This is where a permanent system falls, because the track is attached to the fascia.
Holiday decorations. Many covenants allow decorations within a date window, often from mid-November through mid-January, sometimes with a line about “tasteful” displays or restrictions on flashing lights. Seasonal installs live here.
Some newer subdivisions, especially those built in the last decade in southwest Champaign and east Bloomington, have added language that specifically addresses permanent lighting. Read your documents first; if the words “permanent” or “roofline lighting” appear, that’s your answer. If not, it’s an exterior alteration and goes to the ARC.
Why most HOAs approve permanent lighting
The objection boards expect is “Christmas lights left up all year.” What they actually get is a color-matched aluminum channel tucked under the eave that is invisible from the street by day, and a warm white accent glow at night that looks like architectural lighting. Once a board sees photos of an installed system, or visits a neighbor who has one, approval is usually straightforward.
The things that help:
- Daytime photos showing the track on a similar trim color
- Night photos in warm white, the default most owners run
- Product specs for the track, LEDs and controller
- A written note that holiday colors will be used within the HOA’s decoration window and warm white otherwise
We provide all of that for any ARC submission.
A step-by-step approach
- Read your covenants for “exterior alteration,” “architectural review” and “holiday decorations.”
- Request a quote from us and ask for the HOA packet. We’ll include photos, specs and a description of the install.
- Submit to the ARC using your HOA’s form. Attach the packet. Mention that the track is color-matched and the everyday setting is warm white.
- Offer a look. If the board is unsure, we can point them to an installed home nearby or set up a short demo on your trim.
- Note the date window. If your HOA restricts holiday decorations to certain dates, tell the board the system will run warm white outside that window. Scheduling in the app makes that automatic.
What about seasonal lights?
Seasonal installs rarely need approval when they fall within the decoration window, but some subdivisions have guidelines on colors, flashing, brightness or inflatable decorations. We design to them. Warm white rooflines are allowed essentially everywhere, which is one reason they’re the most popular choice in HOA neighborhoods. Tell us your HOA’s rules on the design visit and we’ll stay inside them.
If your HOA says no
It’s rare, but it happens, usually in subdivisions with blanket bans on any roofline attachment. In that case, seasonal lighting within the decoration window is the answer, and we can design a display that’s as striking as any permanent system for the weeks it’s up.
We’re glad to talk through your specific covenants before you spend anything. Request a quote and mention your HOA; we’ll bring the packet to the design visit.