Can I appeal an Architectural Committee decision?

Yes. The Rules & Regulations state it plainly: all rulings of the Architectural Control Committee may be appealed to the Board of Directors.

The Accessory Building Regulations add more detail for accessory buildings. If an Architectural Committee permit is denied, you can request a **variance meeting** with the Board of Directors. Variance requests are considered case by case, and the Board's decision is final.

So the route is: Committee first, then the Board, and the Board's decision ends the matter within the Association.

A few practical points.

- Contact the office to find out what to submit and when the Board next meets.
- A variance is decided on your particular circumstances. Because each is considered case by case, another member's outcome does not tell you what yours will be.
- Bring the specifics. What you are proposing, where it would sit, and why the standard is difficult to meet on your lot.

**A separate route exists at the Township.** If the obstacle is a Freeman Township zoning requirement rather than an Association requirement, that appeal goes to the Township's Board of Zoning Appeals, not to the Association Board. That is a different body with its own process, including a public hearing and written notice to nearby property owners.

The two are independent. An Association variance does not relieve you of a Township requirement, and Township relief does not relieve you of an Association requirement. Where both apply, you need both.

*Source: Rules & Regulations (7/12/2025), Building Plans; Lake of the Pines Accessory Building Regulations (6/8/2025), item 17.*