You want your McCormick Ranch home to shine the moment it hits the market. The fastest wins often happen outside, but in this community you also need to keep the Architectural Control Committee in mind. With a smart plan, you can refresh your exterior, stay compliant, and move fast.
Below, you’ll find low-lift, high-impact ideas likely to align with MRPOA expectations, plus clear steps to speed your ACC submission and avoid delays. Let’s dive in.
Start with MRPOA and the City
Before you pick a paint color or order new fixtures, pull the right documents and confirm the process for approval and permits.
HOA approval vs. City permits
MRPOA enforces neighborhood design standards under its CC&Rs, Rules and Regulations, and Architectural Guidelines. City of Scottsdale permits focus on safety and building codes. You often need both. For example, a fixture may meet design rules, but new wiring can still require a City permit. Treat HOA approval and City permits as two separate checklists.
What to review first
- MRPOA CC&Rs, Rules and Regulations, and Architectural Guidelines. These define what needs ACC review, approved color palettes, and screening requirements.
- City of Scottsdale permit requirements for exterior work. Certain items like structural shade structures, electrical circuits, or moving an HVAC condenser typically require permits.
- FCC rules for antennas and satellite dishes. Placement has protections, but concealment and safety standards still apply. Verify before changing dish or antenna locations.
Timing at a glance
Industry norms suggest minor administrative approvals can take about 3 to 14 days. Committee reviews often run 2 to 4 weeks from a complete submittal. City permits can add more time depending on scope. Start early if you expect visible changes.
Low-lift refreshes that tend to pass review
These projects are quick, cost conscious, and usually straightforward with the ACC when properly documented. For each, confirm MRPOA rules and any City permit needs before you begin.
Paint and trim refresh
A clean, even repaint does more for curb appeal than almost anything else.
- What works: Repaint the exterior body and trim, refinish or repaint the front door, and touch up trouble spots. Keep finishes cohesive.
- ACC check: Changing body or trim color often requires approval and must align with the approved palette. Repainting the same approved color is usually simpler and may qualify for administrative handling. Confirm with MRPOA.
- Permit risk: Painting itself does not typically require a City permit. If you add exterior lighting or other electrical work in the same project, that can change.
- Pro tip: If you plan a color change, include photos, elevation mockups, and manufacturer color chips in your application.
Exterior lighting upgrades
Warm, shielded lighting makes twilight showings feel welcoming without glare.
- What works: New LED porch light, warm-white pathway lights, low-voltage uplighting on a specimen tree, and subtle backlit house numbers.
- ACC check: Many rules limit glare and require fully shielded fixtures, directed light, and warm color temperatures around 2700 to 3000K. Document fixture specs and proposed locations.
- Permit risk: Swapping a fixture on the same wiring may not require a permit. New circuits or wiring changes usually do. Check with the City.
- Pro tip: Choose fixtures that are fully shielded and match your home’s finish. Keep pathway systems low voltage to simplify installation.
Screen mechanical equipment
Discreet screening cleans up sightlines and often satisfies MRPOA expectations.
- What works: Screens that match stucco and paint, quality lattice with landscape buffers, or masonry that ties into the home’s finish.
- ACC check: Screening is commonly required for HVAC compressors, pool equipment, and trash bins. Follow approved materials and keep service and airflow clearances.
- Permit risk: Moving equipment, pouring new pads, or adding electrical may trigger permits. Simple screens often do not, but verify.
- Pro tip: Include manufacturer clearance diagrams and show distances to property lines on a simple site plan. Note that screens will be painted to match the body color if required.
Window coverings, shutters, and screens
Consistent window treatments polish your look from the street.
- What works: Coordinated interior blinds and neutral exterior screens that blend with the façade.
- ACC check: Exterior shutters or permanent awnings usually need approval. Some communities restrict reflective materials or require neutral backside colors. Confirm rules before you buy.
- Permit risk: Interior coverings do not require permits. Permanent exterior additions may require HOA and City review.
- Pro tip: For speed, choose interior options that are not visible from the street or exterior screens in approved materials and finishes.
Minor hardscape and front-yard landscaping
Small landscape edits can transform curb appeal without major construction.
- What works: Fresh gravel or mulch, trimmed shrubs, defined beds, healthy potted plants, and clean, repaired walkways.
- ACC check: Changes that alter drainage, remove mature trees, or expand hardscape footprints often need review. Keep updates cosmetic and non-structural for faster approvals.
- Permit risk: Large drainage changes can trigger City review. Cosmetic refreshes usually do not.
- Pro tip: Avoid removing mature plantings or changing irrigation coverage without checking the rules.
Front door, numbers, and garage hardware
Buyers notice the entry. Make it crisp and inviting.
- What works: Refinished or repainted front door, new hardware in a cohesive finish, and modern house numbers that are easy to read.
- ACC check: A change to door color can require approval if it is not within the approved palette. New numbers and small hardware updates often qualify for administrative review.
- Permit risk: Hardware swaps do not require permits. Door replacement might, based on structural changes.
- Pro tip: Show a quick mockup photo of the door and numbers so the ACC can visualize the look.
Screens for vents, meters, and solar-ready planning
Tidy concealment keeps the exterior clean while maintaining access.
- What works: Louvered or removable screens that conceal utility meters and conduit painted to match the exterior.
- ACC check: Access for service is typically required. Solar panels and roof equipment often come with specific placement rules and need approval.
- Permit risk: Concealment screens usually do not require permits. Solar installation does. Plan early if you anticipate adding panels.
- Pro tip: Use hinged or removable screens and call out service access in your submittal.
Fast-track your ACC submission
A complete, clear application is the number one way to speed approval.
Typical steps
- Review MRPOA governing documents to confirm what needs approval.
- Complete the MRPOA architectural application with your contact info, project description, materials, colors, site plan or photos, and contractor details.
- Submit for administrative review or full committee review, depending on visibility and scope.
- Wait for the written decision. Do not start work until you have approval and any required City permits.
What to include in your packet
- Completed MRPOA application form
- Current photos of front and affected elevations
- Simple elevation mockup or marked photos showing the change
- Color chips, material samples, and lighting spec sheets
- Basic site plan with distances and orientation
- Contractor license and insurance, if required
- Proposed start and end dates and who maintains the installation
- City permit number or a note stating a permit will be obtained, if applicable
Timelines and speed tips
- Expect about 3 to 14 days for minor administrative approvals and 2 to 4 weeks for committee reviews from a complete submittal.
- Ask staff if your item qualifies for administrative approval. Many small changes do.
- Use clear language like “no change” or “color match” when repainting in the same color.
- Offer compromises in writing, such as painting screens to match the body color and maintaining manufacturer clearances.
- If you are under contract, share your escrow timeline. Some associations offer expedited options. Ask MRPOA in writing about availability.
Avoid common delays or denials
Save time by addressing these issues before you submit.
- Incomplete applications. Add photos, specs, site plans, and color chips.
- Unapproved colors or materials. Provide samples and confirm palette alignment.
- Blocked clearances at HVAC or pool equipment. Show manufacturer clearance diagrams.
- Overbright or unshielded lighting. Choose fully shielded fixtures at 2700 to 3000K.
- Permanent changes that affect drainage or increase hardscape. Keep work cosmetic unless you have time for full review.
Top-of-market curb appeal, fast
If you are listing soon, focus on updates that show well without long approvals.
- Repaint or touch up in the same approved color, power wash stucco, and clean gutters.
- Replace dated exterior fixtures with low-glare LED options in a neutral finish.
- Update house numbers and mailbox to a modern but modest design.
- Stage the front porch with healthy potted plants, a new welcome mat, and polished hardware.
- Professionally trim, edge, and refresh mulch or rock. Remove dead plants.
If you want larger changes like a new exterior color or expanded hardscape, start the ACC and City conversations before you list. Once approved, provide documentation to buyers and escrow so there are no surprises during inspections.
Next steps for McCormick Ranch sellers
- Pull MRPOA CC&Rs, Rules and Regulations, and Architectural Guidelines first, then confirm City permit needs based on your scope.
- Prioritize low-lift refreshes that improve first impressions and align with ACC standards.
- Build a complete ACC packet with photos, specs, color chips, and a simple site plan.
- If your sale is time sensitive, ask about administrative review and any expedited options.
Want a quick, practical plan for your home’s exterior and timing? Let’s talk about what will move the needle for your price range and buyer profile in McCormick Ranch.
Ready to list with confidence and a clean ACC path? Connect with Easy Living Arizona for a pre-list strategy session and to Get Your Instant Home Valuation.
FAQs
Can I change my exterior color in McCormick Ranch?
- Many changes require ACC approval and must fit the MRPOA palette. Repainting the same approved color is often the fastest path.
How long does MRPOA approval take before listing?
- Industry norms suggest 3 to 14 days for minor administrative items and 2 to 4 weeks for committee reviews once your packet is complete.
Do I need a City permit for new exterior lighting?
- Replacing a fixture on existing wiring may not require a permit. Adding new circuits or significant electrical work usually does. Confirm with the City of Scottsdale.
Can I screen my AC unit right up to the condenser?
- No. Screens must respect manufacturer service and airflow clearances. Provide clearance diagrams with your ACC application.
What if my ACC request is denied while under contract?
- You cannot proceed with the work. Request an expedited review if available and share escrow details. Consider alternatives that do not require approval.
