A homeowner preparing to repaint the house, replace a fence or add a patio cover may be thinking first about contractors and costs. In Oak Park Trails, there is another important first step: checking whether the planned exterior improvement needs written architectural approval. Applying before work begins gives homeowners an opportunity to confirm the proposal meets community standards, rather than discovering a problem after investing in construction.

Oak Park Trails is part of Highland Knolls Community Association, which is managed by Crest Management. Homeowners should rely on the association's 2025 Amended and Restated Architectural Guidelines when reviewing current requirements, rather than assuming an older version of the guidelines governs a proposed project.

What Projects Need Approval in Oak Park Trails?

The current architectural rules require a written application for covered exterior alterations. Exterior repainting is included, even when the new paint is the same color as the existing finish. Fence projects, patio covers, swimming pools and other specified exterior construction also call for review. The neighborhood's Architectural Control Committee page specifically reminds residents to obtain approval for exterior painting and roof, fence and driveway replacement.

Lighting can be another easily overlooked part of a project. The current guidelines address exterior wall-mounted and security lighting, along with floodlights and spotlights, as improvements requiring approval. Low-voltage landscape lighting must receive ACC approval before installation under Section 12.1. Additional exterior lighting, including security and directional fixtures, is subject to the guidelines on placement, light levels and effects on neighboring homes. Being an allowed fixture does not remove the application requirement.

When Is ACC Approval Not Required?

One express distinction in the 2025 guidelines concerns landscaping. Ordinary planting of living plants, trees, shrubs and flowers generally does not require ACC approval. The introduction excludes changes to ground configuration, including berms and fill dirt; Section 18.1 also narrows the exception for landscaping intended as a structural hedge or visual barrier, visually objectionable work, or work that conflicts with the surrounding neighborhood or declaration. Permanent brick borders, trellises, lattices, window boxes and arbors require approval. Landscape timbers and bricks without mortar do not require approval unless they exceed one foot in height. Drainage and grading changes warrant review. Homeowners should confirm whether their particular project falls within the stated landscaping exception before making changes.

The absence of an item from a short list of common projects does not automatically make it exempt. This is especially worth remembering when replacing existing improvements, installing new exterior equipment or combining landscaping with construction.

How to Apply Through Crest Management

Start at the Oak Park Trails ACC page on My Neighborhood News. Its ACC Request Form link leads to Crest Management's exterior modification request process for Highland Knolls Community Association. Crest also maintains a Highland Knolls association page with an Exterior Modification Request link and management contacts. Follow the portal prompts, including any homeowner sign-in or account verification requested, or contact management for assistance accessing the request.

Before submitting, prepare a written description of the proposed work and supporting details that show what will change. Depending on the improvement, useful attachments include a property survey or site drawing marking the location, dimensions, construction plans, product or material specifications and paint or finish samples. Provide the information requested by the current application process, retain a copy of the submission and monitor for any follow-up questions. The recorded 2025 guidelines say the ACC generally has 30 days after receiving a complete request to respond unless the declaration provides otherwise. They say construction should not begin before approval and warn that an after-the-fact application can lead to removal of an unapproved improvement. Allow time for written review before scheduling work.

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What ACC Approval Does and Does Not Cover

Architectural approval evaluates a proposal against association standards; it does not replace applicable building permits, municipal requirements, easement restrictions, utility approvals or a homeowner's responsibility to hire qualified contractors. A proposed pool, fence or drainage-related project may require additional checks outside the association's process. If a plan changes after approval, residents should ask whether the revision must be resubmitted rather than assuming the original decision covers different materials or dimensions.

For Oak Park Trails homeowners, checking the current rules before buying supplies or setting an installation date is a practical way to protect a home improvement budget and reduce avoidable delays. Residents can consult the Amended and Restated Architectural Guidelines and contact Crest Management with project-specific questions.

By Johnny Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Johnny Krenek has been connected to community news since childhood, growing up alongside the family business his parents founded—Krenek Printing. Today, he serves as Vice President and lead developer for My Neighborhood News, where he drives the digital experience and supports the team across a variety of technical and operational roles. He is passionate about building tools that help connect neighbors and strengthen communities.

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