What is a common concern with restrictive covenants that involve an architectural review committee?

A common concern with restrictive covenants that involve an architectural review committee is that their decisions may be perceived as arbitrary and capricious. This means that the criteria applied by the committee can sometimes seem subjective and inconsistent, leading to frustrations among property owners.

When a committee’s standards are not detailed or consistently applied, it can create uncertainty for homeowners seeking approval for their projects, as the outcomes can depend heavily on the individual opinions of the committee members at any given time. If homeowners feel that the committee's decisions lack a clear rationale or fairness, they may question the legitimacy of the governing authority over aesthetic and architectural standards within the community. Hence, the potential for arbitrary decision-making can lead to disputes and dissatisfaction among the residents.

This concern highlights the importance of having clearly defined criteria and guidelines for architectural review to ensure transparency and fairness, which can mitigate conflicts and foster a cooperative community atmosphere.