Thinking about fresh paint, new lighting, updated landscaping, or a patio project at your home in The Lake Club at Lakewood Ranch? You want a smooth approval and a clean timeline, especially if you are prepping to list or coordinating multiple contractors. In this guide, you will learn exactly which exterior changes tend to get the Architectural Review Committee’s green light and how to package your application so it moves fast. You will also find checklists you can copy for paint, lighting, landscaping, and hardscape. Let’s dive in.
ARC basics and why it matters
The Architectural Review Committee enforces The Lake Club design standards set in the recorded CC&Rs and ARC or Design Guidelines. ARC approval is separate from any Manatee County permits, so you must secure both when required. If you start work without ARC approval, you risk fines, stop-work notices, or removal of the work, which can derail your schedule and even delay a closing. Plan early and build your timeline around both HOA review and county permitting.
Plan your timeline
Simple exterior requests in many Florida master-planned communities often turn around within 14 to 30 days, while larger or complex projects take longer. Confirm The Lake Club specific timing in the ARC guidelines and factor that into your contractor scheduling. For anything that also needs county permits, submit your ARC application and county permit applications in parallel when allowed. Do not begin construction until you hold written ARC approval and any required Manatee County permits.
Paint and color changes that pass
When you change exterior paint, the ARC looks at your overall color scheme, product brand and sheen, and how accent colors are used. Using the community’s approved palette or a close match is the fastest route to approval. Repainting with your original approved color is usually straightforward.
What tends to be approved:
- Colors from the community palette or compatible muted earth tones and coastal neutrals.
- Accent colors reserved for front doors or limited trim, not entire elevations.
- Clear documentation that shows where each color will go.
Common reasons for denial:
- Bright, high-saturation or metallic colors.
- Extensive use of accent colors beyond doors or modest trim.
- Missing paint chips, product details, or photos of the elevations to be painted.
Documentation to include:
- Completed ARC application.
- Color chips with manufacturer, brand, and exact color codes.
- Photos of all elevations plus a “before” photo showing current colors.
- Product specs for sheen and material, and contractor info if you are using one.
- A small sample board or painted test area if required.
Pro tip: Provide a simple visual mockup so the ARC can see the proposed scheme in context. Keep accents subtle and note their exact locations.
Exterior lighting that gets approved
The ARC prioritizes style compatibility, glare control, and neighbor-friendly lighting. Fixtures should be shielded and aimed down so they do not spill into neighbors’ yards or public areas. Lower lumen output and warmer color temperatures typically read well in the neighborhood.
What tends to be approved:
- Low-voltage LED fixtures at 2700 to 3000 K for a warm appearance.
- Wall-mounted fixtures, recessed soffit lighting, pathway lights, and discreet landscape uplights that are shielded and aimed carefully.
- Timers or dusk-to-dawn controls, with motion sensors in rear yards when shielded.
Common reasons for denial:
- Unshielded uplighting blasting into windows or streets.
- Overly bright fixtures or cool-blue LEDs at 5000 K and above.
- Large decorative or landscape systems without a plan that shows light levels and spill.
Documentation to include:
- Cut sheets for each fixture showing model, size, and finish.
- A location plan showing fixture positions relative to the house and property lines.
- A photometric layout for bigger projects to show illumination and spill.
- Control strategy including timers, sensors, dimmers, and specified color temperatures.
Pro tip: Note any neighbor-facing fixtures and show how you will shield and aim them. Downlighting is often easier to approve than uplighting.
Landscaping that fits The Lake Club
Great landscape plans show the ARC that plant selection, size, placement, and irrigation work together and respect the community’s character. The HOA looks at species, spacing, overall composition, and potential impacts on drainage.
What tends to be approved:
- Native or Florida-friendly species recommended by trusted regional lists.
- Balanced front-yard compositions with foundation plantings, community-standard palms or trees, and well-kept turf.
- Irrigation plans that avoid runoff and support long-term plant health.
Common reasons for denial:
- Invasive plants or species that will outgrow the space.
- Missing plant lists with botanical names, quantities, and sizes.
- Removing community or street trees without required reports or replacements.
- Changes that block sightlines near corners or driveways.
Documentation to include:
- A scaled landscape plan that shows existing features and proposed plant locations.
- Plant list with common and botanical names, quantities, container sizes, and expected mature heights.
- Irrigation plan or notes if you are modifying irrigation.
- Tree removal permits or arborist reports where applicable, plus replacement plans.
- A maintenance plan for new plantings, especially for native installations.
Pro tip: Choose salt-tolerant and drought-tolerant plants suited to Southwest Florida’s climate. Use a landscaper who has experience with Lakewood Ranch communities and ARC-ready documentation.
Hardscape and structures that work
Hardscape covers driveways, pavers, patios, pools, fences, walls, and screens. The ARC will look at materials, colors, patterns, drainage, setbacks, and any structural elements that might need engineering.
What tends to be approved:
- Paver driveways and patios using community-compatible colors and patterns.
- Pool and lanai screens in approved colors and profiles located within required setbacks.
- Low fences made of approved materials, such as aluminum in community-approved styles.
Common reasons for denial:
- Driveway widening that exceeds impervious coverage or encroaches on easements.
- Paver colors or patterns that clash with the home or community palette.
- Fences in prohibited locations or within drainage easements.
- Retaining walls or grade changes without engineering and drainage solutions.
- Starting construction before ARC or county permits are issued.
Documentation to include:
- A site plan showing property lines, structures, easements, drainage swales, and proposed work with dimensions.
- Product samples and cut sheets for pavers, coping, fence panels, screens, and gates.
- A drainage plan showing how water will connect to existing systems.
- Engineered drawings where needed for walls or major grade changes.
- Permit numbers or applications if the county requires them.
- Contractor license and insurance information.
Pro tip: Confirm lot coverage and impervious surface caps before you finalize design. If you are building a pool, submit ARC and county permits together and show equipment locations and screening to address noise and neighbor impact.
Safety and code items to consider
For hurricane protection upgrades like shutters or impact windows and doors, check both The Lake Club ARC guidelines and Florida building code permitting rules. Safety upgrades are often allowed with proper documentation, but installation details and permits may be required. If your project affects stormwater, wetlands, or off-site drainage, you may need additional approvals beyond the county.
Avoid common pitfalls
Many denials come down to missing documents or not checking easements and setbacks. Build your package around the ARC’s checklists and confirm boundary and drainage constraints on your survey. Do not start work until all approvals are in hand. When a project has phases, sequence it so grading and drainage are integrated with hardscape and landscaping rather than in conflict.
How to avoid delays:
- Hire pros who work in Lakewood Ranch and know Manatee County processes.
- Ask for a pre-submittal check-in with ARC staff to confirm your direction.
- Include neighbor-facing elevations or notes about sightlines, lighting, and drainage impacts.
- Time projects around seasonal demand and contractor availability, especially in winter and spring.
Fast-track strategy for sellers and busy owners
If you are planning to list or you want to keep a tight schedule, organize your approvals early and in parallel where possible.
- Step 1: Get The Lake Club ARC guidelines and CC&Rs, and confirm whether expedited reviews or pre-application consults are offered.
- Step 2: Share concept photos and sketches for informal ARC feedback before you finalize.
- Step 3: Prepare a full package using the category checklists for paint, lighting, landscaping, and hardscape.
- Step 4: Submit the ARC application and, when applicable, apply for Manatee County permits at the same time. Note permit application numbers on your ARC submission.
- Step 5: Wait for written ARC approval and required permits before any work begins.
- Step 6: For listing timelines, allow 30 to 60 days for most exterior projects and 60 to 120 days or more for large hardscape or pool work.
- Step 7: Keep a tidy record with approvals, permits, contractor licenses, and as-built photos.
Quick ARC-ready checklist
Use this condensed list to prep your submission fast.
- Completed and signed ARC application form
- Current survey or site plan with property lines and easements marked
- Paint color chips, labeled with brand and codes, plus elevation mockups
- Lighting fixture cut sheets, location plan, and photometric layout for larger systems
- Scaled landscape plan, botanical plant list, irrigation notes, and any tree permits
- Hardscape product specs, drainage plan, and engineered drawings where required
- Contractor license and insurance copies
- Manatee County permit applications or numbers when required
- Timeline estimate with contractor start and finish dates
- Photos of existing conditions and neighbor adjacencies
Ready for expert help?
If you want a streamlined process that supports your sale timeline, you can lean on a team that knows The Lake Club and the Lakewood Ranch approval environment. Shanahan Luxury Group coordinates listing prep with contractors and organizes the documentation you need for ARC review and county permitting. You get a cleaner schedule, stronger presentation, and fewer surprises. Request a VIP Consultation with Shanahan Luxury Group to align your project plan with your real estate goals.
FAQs
How long does ARC approval in The Lake Club usually take?
- Simple requests often turn around in 14 to 30 days, while larger or complex projects can take longer; confirm specific timing in The Lake Club ARC guidelines.
Do I need Manatee County permits if I have ARC approval?
- Yes, ARC approval is separate and you must obtain any required Manatee County permits before starting work.
Which exterior paint colors are most ARC-friendly in The Lake CLub?
- Community palette colors, muted earth tones, and coastal neutrals usually move through faster, with bold colors limited to front doors or modest trim.
What lighting color temperature should I specify to avoid denial?
- Warm white LEDs at 2700 to 3000 K with shielding and downlighting are commonly approved and reduce glare and light spill.
Can I widen my driveway in The Lake Club?
- It depends on impervious coverage limits, setbacks, and easements; provide a site and drainage plan and confirm county permitting requirements before you submit.
