Architectural Enforcement
Our deed restrictions and protective covenants provide that most exterior home improvements require AEC approval. Please use the AEC Project Review Form to describe your exterior project and request approval.
Painting
All exterior painting projects and paint colors require AEC approval before work begins. Please use the webform to submit color choices for siding, trim, front doors, shutters, decks, and garage doors.
Consider a guaranteed-to-be-approved color from the Lake Forest Exterior Color Palette for the fastest review. Our palette has numerous earth tone options, including many updated colors.
The AEC will deliver a Lake Forest Exterior Color Palette fan deck to anyone contemplating a painting project. Please contact aec@lfloa.org to arrange prompt delivery.
Please submit your proposed color for AEC review if you wish to use a paint color not found on our palette. Please contact the AEC if you would like our professional color consultant to identify additional options.
Painting the "same" color
If you plan to restore your current paint color and know the name or formula used previously, please request approval for that color and provide a swatch of the actual paint to be used.
If you do not have the color name or any original paint, the AEC's paint color professional can help determine it. We also offer the portable Sherwin Williams ColorSnap Match scanning technology. Please get in touch with us to arrange a consultation.
Painting the "current" color without AEC review and approval is not permitted. Since paint fades dramatically over time, the faded version of an approved color is no longer the approved color. For example, taupe may fade to mauve, beige to yellow, and brown to red or orange. That is why the AEC discourages attempting to match the faded paint on existing siding or a gutter's underside (except for minor touch-ups). At worst, some homeowners have ended up with non-compliant house colors. At best, this practice may result in a color that looks washed out after a significant investment.
Siding replacement
The AEC will approve these James Hardie siding colors: Navajo Beige, Cobble Stone, Monterey Taupe, Khaki Brown, Woodstock Brown, Timber Bark, Slate Gray, Pearl Gray, and Mountain Sage.
Shutters and front doors
Sherwin-Williams paint colors recommended for shutters and front doors include Peppercorn, Caviar, Iron Ore, Sealskin, Black Fox, Urbane Bronze, Andiron, Roycroft Copper Red, Aurora Brown, Rookwood Dark Red, Carriage Door, and Anchors Aweigh. Please contact the AEC for samples of styles and colors if replacing shutters.
Roof replacement
Shingles must be earth tone in color. Black is not permitted. Approved Owens Corning colors: Driftwood, Brownwood, Teak, and Desert Tan. GAF options: Weathered Wood, Barkwood, Hickory, Mission Brown, Estate Gray, Williamsburg Gray, Slatestone Gray and Quarry Gray. Similar colors by other manufacturers may be approved.
Window replacement
New windows must be white, brown, tan, beige, bronze, or taupe. The AEC will not approve black windows.
Garage door replacement
Garage doors must be earth tone in color. The AEC will not approve black or white garage doors. Please see our website for new maintenance-free options. The AEC can provide samples of approved colors for Haas garage doors.
Decks
Please submit materials and colors for deck boards and railings for AEC review.
Structures
Approval is needed before installation, renovation, or relocation of any screened porch, sunroom, home addition, storage structure, pergola, or gazebo. Any structure with a roof requires a Pittsfield Township Certificate of Zoning Compliance in addition to AEC approval.
Fences
Only split rail fences up to 48" high will be approved. Split rail fences may have green vinyl welded wire mesh between the rails. In addition, a Pittsfield Township Fence Permit is required.
Swimming Pools
Above-ground swimming pools are explicitly not permitted in Lake Forest. All in-ground pools require AEC approval.
Solar panels
Please see the subdivision solar panel policy.
Landscaping
No approval is required for landscaping that does not change the topography of the property. Work that changes the grade may affect drainage and must be approved. Homeowners who are not sure should contact the AEC to discuss the project.