If you want to make changes to your home or landscape, you may need to get approval from the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) — the Issaquah Highlands homeowners association — Architectural Review Committee (ARC). This includes modifications to your home’s exterior, fencing, and yard.
View all ARC applications here.
The ARC meets on the first Tuesday of every month. The deadline for ARC application submissions is seven days before the meeting date. Click here to learn more about the ARC.
Questions? Email asktheihca@ihcommunity.org or call 425-427-9257.
Select from the categories below to find relevant IHCA guidelines and applications for making changes to your home or landscape. The ARC General Application covers most requested changes, unless otherwise noted.
Find ARC Guidelines and Applications
Tap below to explore guidelines:
Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps, Generators
Guidelines, Rules, & Standards
- Architectural Guidelines: Air Conditioners
- Use Restrictions and Rules: Air Conditioners
- Use Restrictions and Rules: Fuel Storage (for generators)
Applications
- Complete the Application for Air Conditioning, Heat Pumps, and Generators
Fences
Guidelines
- Architectural Guidelines: Fences
- Pre-Approved Fence Stain Colors
- Pre-Approved Fence Styles
- Architectural Guidelines: Retaining Walls
Applications
- Installing a new fence?
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- Complete the Fence Installation Notification Form.
- If installing a new fence in a pre-approved style and color, no application fee is required unless the owner requests a formal ARC review, or the fence is not a pre-approved design.
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- If no changes will be made to existing fence style or color, no application or approval is necessary.
Resident Discount
The Sherwin-Williams® store on Issaquah-Pine Lake Road Southeast in Sammamish offers discounts on all interior and exterior paints or stains for Issaquah Highlands residents. Discounts range from supplies to product paint lines. Download the IHCA Sherwin-Williams benefits flyer for details.
Gazebos, Arbors, Pergolas, Patio Covers
Hot Tubs
Landscape Changes
Guidelines
- Architectural Guidelines: Landscaping
- Including synthetic and artificial turf
- Architectural Guidelines: Trees
- Small Landscape Project Guidelines
- Recommended Plant List
- Water-Wise Guidelines
Applications
- Complete the ARC General Application
Major Exterior Additions or Remodels (Accessory Structures)
Guidelines
- Architectural Guidelines: Major Alterations
- Examples include accessory structures that require a building permit, room additions, second-story decks, swimming pools, attic ventilators, chimney and metal flues, roof alterations, garages and carports.
- Architectural Guidelines: Accessory Structures
Applications
- Complete the ARC General Application
Paint Alterations
Guidelines
- Note: There is currently no pre-approved paint palette for Issaquah Highlands. All color modifications must be approved by the ARC.
Applications
- Complete the ARC General Application
Resident Discount
The Sherwin-Williams® store on Issaquah-Pine Lake Road Southeast in Sammamish offers discounts on all interior and exterior paints or stains for Issaquah Highlands residents. Discounts range from supplies to product paint lines. Download the IHCA Sherwin-Williams benefits flyer for details.
Patios/Decks
Guidelines
- Architectural Guidelines: Patios
- Architectural Guidelines: Decks
- Use Restrictions and Rules: Patios and Porches
Applications
- Complete the ARC General Application
Resident Discount
The Sherwin-Williams® store on Issaquah-Pine Lake Road Southeast in Sammamish offers discounts on all interior and exterior paints or stains for Issaquah Highlands residents. Discounts range from supplies to product paint lines. Download the IHCA Sherwin-Williams benefits flyer for details.
Play Equipment
Guidelines
- Architectural Guidelines: Recreation, Sports, and Play Equipment
- Use Restrictions and Rules: Basketball Backboards
Applications
- Complete the ARC General Application
Satellite Dishes
Solar Panels
Guidelines
Applications
- Complete the Solar Panel Installation Notification.
- Live in a supplemental neighborhood? In addition, please complete the Solar Panel Installation Application for Supplemental Neighborhoods Only
Trash Can Enclosures
Miscellaneous/Other
For small exterior modifications and other modifications not listed here, please review the complete architectural guidelines and submit an ARC general application.
If you’re unsure of which guidelines or applications to refer to for your project, please email asktheihca@ihcommunity.org or call 425-427-9257.
Why does Issaquah Highlands have architectural standards?
The Issaquah Highlands Architectural Standards were created to provide design guidance and standards for builders and homeowners. The IHCA Board of Directors governs over the Architectural Standards and works to evolve the guidelines as the community matures.
Read the IHCA’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions governing document to learn more
What is the Architectural Review Committee (ARC)?
The IHCA Board of Directors appoints volunteer members to the ARC and grants the ARC review authority. The committee meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. to review resident-submitted home and landscape modification applications.
How do I submit an ARC application?
ARC application packages must be received by the ARC at least seven days before the next scheduled ARC meeting. ARC meetings are regularly held on the first Tuesday of each month (check the community calendar for dates). Any applications received less than seven days before the next scheduled ARC meeting will not be reviewed and considered by the ARC until the following meeting.
Email applications to Blair.k@ihcommunity.org or mail to the following address:
IHCA ARC c/o IHCA Offices
2520 NE Park Drive, Suite B
Issaquah, WA 98029
How will I know if I receive ARC approval for my project?
You will be notified of the ARC’s decision, via email or standard mail, within one week after the ARC meeting. All projects must be started and completed within one year of application. Once your project has commenced, it must be diligently pursued without delays until complete. If the project is not completed in the allotted time, a new application must be submitted for approval. Projects that are still incomplete within one year of commencing construction can result in non-compliance and fine notices.
What happens if I don’t receive ARC approval?
Violations will be issued for any residential architectural project which has not been approved by the IHCA ARC. Violations may also be issued for any residential architectural projects which have been approved by the IHCA ARC but deviate from the scope of the approved ARC project or are in violation of the IHCA’s governing documents.
Have questions about making changes to your home or landscape?
Call the IHCA at 425-427-9257 or send an email.
Email the IHCA
