Exterior Changes. By statute (Civil Code §1360(b)) any changes to the exterior appearance of an owner's house, condominium or townhouse must be done in accordance with the association's governing documents as well as applicable provisions of the law, such as the Building Codes. Accordingly, alterations to a structure requires that owners pull permits from the Department of Building and Safety.

Interior Changes. Restrictions on interior alterations on the type of development. Condominiums and townhouses almost always require association approval in the CC&Rs. Planned developments with single family homes on lots normally do not require association approval for internal alterations. The association's CC&Rs, Rules and Regulations, and Architectural Standards must be reviewed in each case.