How to get permanent lighting approved by your HOA, with the template letter we use
Most HOAs in Clark County and the Portland suburbs have never seen a permanent lighting application until the first neighbor submits one. Committees approve what they understand, so the job is to make the product boring: a low-profile channel that matches the fascia, a warm-white nightly setting, and color only on holidays. What they ask, what to attach, and a letter you can send today:
Questions to address in an HOA application
Describe the daylight appearance, proposed colors and schedule, attachment method, removability and installer credentials. Your association decides whether the proposal meets its covenants; a complete application does not guarantee approval.
What to attach
Include the exact manufacturer’s product sheet, a channel sample photo, your proposed layout and mounting description, and verified installer registration and insurance details. Label renderings as concepts. Ask the committee whether it needs anything else.
Check the rules for your property
Requirements vary by association and property. Read the current architectural rules and seasonal-display provisions, then ask the committee to review your exact proposal. Do not assume a warm-white setting or a neighbor’s installation establishes permission.
The letter
Copy, fill in the brackets, attach the packet, submit through your management company's portal or email. Ask your association for its submission deadlines and current review timetable.
To the Architectural Review Committee, [HOA name] Re: Request for approval of low-profile permanent roofline lighting at [address], Lot [lot number] I'm requesting approval to install a permanent, low-voltage LED roofline lighting system on the fascia of my home. What it is: a low-profile channel, color-matched to the fascia ([color]), with sealed LED lights inside snap-on covers. There is no visible wiring. The system runs at 24 volts from a listed plug-in supply and is controlled by a phone app. Daytime appearance: the channel matches the fascia and is not noticeable from the street (photo of the color sample against my fascia attached). Nighttime use: the default setting is warm white at approximately [40–60]% brightness, on a schedule from dusk to [11:00 pm]. Colored settings will be used only for the following holidays: [Thanksgiving through New Year's, Halloween, July 4th], and otherwise off. Mounting: the channel is bonded to the fascia face with 3M VHB tape and brackets. No fasteners penetrate the roofing, shingles or drip edge. The system is removable. Installer: Permanent Lights NW, a trade name of BTN Homes LLC · WA contractor reg. BTNHOHL796B9 · OR CCB 261227 · Insured. Any electrical work is done by a licensed electrician. Attachments: [product sheet, proposed layout, reference photo and the installer's proof of insurance]. I'm happy to adjust the default brightness or schedule to the committee's preference. Thank you for your consideration. [Name] [Phone] · [Email] [Date]
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Packages mentioned
- Pebble Track — Small dome lights in a color-matched channel. Warm white for every evening, color for special occasions.
- C9 Track — Classic C9 bulbs in a color-matched channel. Permanent, wire hidden, looks like Christmas lights should.
Priced by the foot · No hidden fees
Read next
- How Permanent Christmas Lights Are Installed, Step by Step
- Permanent Lighting App and Scene Ideas (Minleon)
- How our pricing works
- Free estimate
City pages mentioned: Camas, Ridgefield, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Wilsonville.