Thinking about refreshing your home’s exterior but worried about getting flagged by the HOA or city? You’re not alone. In communities using the Silverleaf name, it’s easy to mix up rules and end up repainting twice. Here’s how to choose colors you love, stay compliant, and avoid costly do-overs. Let’s dive in.

First, confirm your “Silverleaf” and authority

Silverleaf is a name used in more than one community in Maricopa County. The well-known Silverleaf in DC Ranch sits in Scottsdale, while your address may be in Camelback East Village within the City of Phoenix. Before you pick a paint color, verify your exact community, municipality, and HOA. For context on the Scottsdale Silverleaf community many people reference, see this overview of Silverleaf Village in DC Ranch, a separate jurisdiction from Phoenix’s Camelback East area (overview of Scottsdale’s Silverleaf).

HOA rules control appearance

Your CC&Rs and Design Guidelines set the standards for color schemes, submittal steps, and approvals. Expect Architectural Review Board (ARB) review for any color change from the original scheme. Repaint-in-kind can be easier, but confirm what that means in writing. For a refresher on how HOAs typically work, this guide explains common processes and enforcement (how HOAs work).

City rules operate in parallel

If your home is inside the City of Phoenix, repainting is generally treated as nonstructural facade work and does not trigger full development review (Phoenix Zoning Ordinance Section 507). Phoenix may still enforce maintenance or any special overlays that apply to your parcel. Always confirm whether a historic district or other overlay affects your home through Phoenix Planning & Development or the village planning office (Phoenix permitting overview and contacts).

Know the color limits that may apply

Phoenix expectations

In most Phoenix neighborhoods, changing exterior paint colors does not require design review. That said, if your lot is in a historic district or other overlay area, you may face specific standards. The safest path is to ask Phoenix Planning & Development if any overlay applies to your address and keep the city’s guidance in writing (contact PDD via this overview).

Scottsdale example if you’re actually in Scottsdale

Some Silverleaf properties are in Scottsdale and may be subject to numeric limits on color brightness and saturation. Scottsdale’s Foothills Overlay and related standards cap light reflectance value (LRV) and Munsell value/chroma in certain areas, which can rule out bright or high-contrast colors regardless of HOA approval (Foothills Overlay overview; Scottsdale code example with LRV/Munsell limits). If your address is in Scottsdale, cross-check any HOA-approved color with the city’s numeric caps before you submit.

Step-by-step to get your repaint approved

1. Confirm your property and jurisdiction

• Verify your municipality and HOA. Pull your CC&Rs, Design Guidelines, and ARB forms.
• If you are unsure which Silverleaf community you are in, verify the parcel in county and HOA records. For context, here’s a look at the distinct Scottsdale Silverleaf community many people confuse with Phoenix’s Camelback East (Scottsdale Silverleaf overview).

2. Check city overlays and standards

• Ask Phoenix Planning & Development if your parcel sits in a historic district or design overlay and whether any color or reflectivity rules apply. Keep written confirmation (Phoenix permitting overview).

3. Review your HOA’s ARB process

• Note deadlines, meeting dates, required materials, and review timelines. Many ARBs require physical manufacturer chips and may have a 30-day review window. See a typical HOA ARC checklist for what associations often require (sample ARC requirements).

4. Choose colors with numbers in mind

• Get LRV and Munsell values from the manufacturer’s color page. If your HOA or city requires them, include those numbers in your packet. Manufacturers like Dunn-Edwards publish LRV and Munsell data for each color (Dunn-Edwards color data example).

5. Test large on-site samples

• Paint large swatches on sun and shade sides and view them at different times of day. Photograph your tests and note dates to document what you submitted and what you saw in field conditions. Local experts recommend larger samples to account for desert light (why big test swatches matter).

6. Pick products suited to desert conditions

• Use quality 100% acrylic exterior paint designed for high UV and temperature swings. Lighter colors generally fade less and absorb less heat than darker, saturated hues. Avoid full elastomeric coatings on stucco unless the manufacturer and contractor specifically recommend them for your situation (desert paint guidance).

7. Budget and schedule wisely

• Exterior repaint costs vary with prep, repairs, height, and access. National guides suggest a wide range from roughly a few thousand dollars for an average home, or around $1.50 to $4.00 per exterior square foot, depending on scope (exterior paint cost guide).
• In Phoenix, late fall through spring is often preferred to avoid extreme heat and monsoon storms.

8. Submit a complete ARB packet and keep records

• Include before photos, color chips with LRV/Munsell values, on-site sample photos, your contractor’s info, and a schedule.
• Save all HOA and city correspondence. Good documentation helps if questions arise later.

Avoid common pitfalls

• Do not assume Scottsdale rules apply if you are in Phoenix. Confirm your jurisdiction first.
• Do not rely on an HOA-approved palette without checking city overlays. Municipal limits can override HOA approvals.
• Do not skip large test patches. Colors read lighter and brighter in desert sun.
• Do not paint in peak heat or right before monsoon storms. Plan for stable weather.

If a dispute comes up, start with the HOA’s appeal or variance process. For persistent conflicts, neutral mediation or specialized counsel may help resolve CC&R versus municipal questions (example of HOA dispute context).

Ready for expert guidance?

If you want help aligning your repaint with HOA expectations and local standards, we’re here to guide you. From clarifying jurisdiction to connecting you with trusted painters, you can get it done right the first time. Reach out to Beth Shindler for personalized support.

FAQs

What is the difference between Phoenix’s Camelback East Silverleaf and Scottsdale’s Silverleaf when choosing paint colors?

• Phoenix parcels typically treat exterior repainting as nonstructural and do not require design review, while some Scottsdale overlays cap LRV and Munsell values, so verify your city and any overlays before you pick colors.

Do I need a permit or design review to repaint my exterior in Phoenix?

• In most cases, no design review is required for nonstructural facade work in Phoenix, but always confirm overlays or historic designations with Planning & Development (Phoenix ZO Section 507).

What are LRV and Munsell numbers, and why do they matter?

• LRV measures how much light a color reflects and Munsell values measure lightness and chroma; some cities like Scottsdale limit these numbers in certain areas, so get the values from the manufacturer and include them in your ARB packet (Dunn-Edwards example).

What documents will my HOA likely require for an exterior color change?

• Expect an ARB application, physical color chips, photos, and sometimes neighbor notifications, with timelines outlined in your CC&Rs and guidelines (sample ARC checklist).

When is the best time of year to paint in Phoenix’s climate?

• Late fall through spring is generally preferred to avoid extreme heat and monsoon conditions, which supports better adhesion and cure times (desert paint timing tips).