Deed Restrictions In The Dominion: A Buyer’s Guide

Buying a home in The Dominion comes with one extra layer of clarity and protection: deed restrictions. These rules help preserve the community’s look and feel, but they also shape what you can build, change, or rent. If you plan renovations, outdoor amenities, or possible rental use, understanding the framework early will save you time and money. In this guide, you will learn what deed restrictions cover, how the Architectural Review Board operates, and the protections to include in your offer so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Deed restrictions explained

Deed restrictions, often called CCRs, are recorded contracts that attach to the property and bind current and future owners. They set standards for exterior appearance, property use, and owner obligations. In The Dominion, these rules are typical of luxury gated communities and are designed to protect community character and home values. They work hand in hand with Architectural Review Board guidelines that detail materials, colors, landscaping, and more.

CCRs in The Dominion

CCRs are recorded in Bexar County property records and apply to each lot according to its section and any amendments. They often address exterior design, parking and vehicle storage, signage, and rental use. Because provisions can vary by section, you should verify the exact recorded documents tied to the specific lot you are considering. These private covenants are enforceable, and compliance is required.

ARB and design guidelines

The Architectural Review Board, sometimes called an architectural committee, uses written design guidelines to implement the CCRs. These guidelines typically cover permitted materials, roof types, colors, landscaping, fences, lighting, and equipment screening. The ARB reviews exterior work for compliance and compatibility, and it can approve with conditions or request revisions. Most approvals expire after a set period if work does not begin.

Where to get the documents

Start with recorded CCRs and amendments from the Bexar County Clerk’s property records. Then request The Dominion HOA’s design guidelines, rules and regulations, bylaws, fee schedules, and any ARB application forms. Ask the seller for the HOA resale or disclosure certificate that lists assessments, violations, and key rules. For any exterior work or rentals, check City of San Antonio permitting and code requirements since local law still applies.

Common restrictions to expect

While language varies by section, luxury gated communities like The Dominion often include consistent themes. These are the areas where buyers see the most day-to-day impact.

Exterior modifications

Expect standards for architectural style, façade materials, and roof types. Color selections may require pre-approved palettes or color sample submissions. Pools, spas, outdoor kitchens, patios, and pergolas usually have rules on setbacks, screening, and noise. Fences, walls, gates, and hardscaping often have height, placement, and material limits, and landscape plans can include tree protection and replacement.

Parking and vehicles

Many sections restrict overnight street parking or curbside parking. Storage of commercial vehicles, trailers, boats, or RVs is often prohibited if visible from the street. Some communities allow storage only inside an enclosed garage or behind approved screening. Contractor parking during construction may require special permits or designated areas.

Short-term rentals

Short-term rental rules vary widely. Some HOAs prohibit STRs, others allow them with registration, minimum stays, or owner-occupancy conditions. If rentals matter to your plan, verify whether STRs are allowed, whether there are registration or insurance requirements, and whether additional HOA fees apply. Also confirm any occupancy or guest parking limits that would affect rental use.

Maintenance and signage

Owners are typically required to maintain exterior conditions to community standards. This can include landscaping health, fence repairs, and paint upkeep. Signage is often limited to specific sizes or placements, including for sale signage. Exterior lighting may be subject to brightness or dark-sky guidelines.

Architectural review process

The ARB process is structured and timeline driven. Treat it like a formal permitting step and build it into your planning.

Submission basics

Most ARB applications require a site plan or survey, scaled elevations, a complete materials list, and color samples. Landscape and drainage plans are common for larger projects, along with contractor information and a proposed schedule. Many ARBs encourage a pre-application meeting to align on concept and reduce rounds of revisions. A complete, professionally prepared package usually speeds up review.

Timelines and fees

Expect an initial completeness check in roughly 10 to 14 business days, then a substantive review that can take 2 to 6 weeks depending on scope. Emergency repairs or minor changes may qualify for an expedited path. Application fees and refundable construction deposits are common, and approvals often expire after several months if work has not started. Final inspections or sign-offs may be required.

Variances and appeals

If your plan does not fit a standard, you can request a variance. Common criteria include hardship, unique lot conditions, and overall compatibility with the community. CCRs and bylaws usually outline how to appeal decisions, who hears appeals, and how long you have to request reconsideration. Variances are discretionary, so present a clear, well-documented case.

Buyer due diligence checklist

Use this list as soon as you are serious about a property. The goal is to verify rules and reduce surprises before you draft an offer.

• Recorded CCRs and all amendments for the specific section.
• ARB design guidelines and application forms.
• HOA bylaws, rules and regulations, and schedule of fines.
• Most recent HOA budget, reserve study, and financial statements.
• HOA meeting minutes for the last 12 to 24 months.
• Resale or disclosure certificate, including assessments, violations, and rental policy.
• Copies of ARB approvals for existing exterior improvements on the home.
• Any outstanding violation notices or pending enforcement actions.

On-site and outreach steps:

• Walk the property and nearby homes to see prevailing materials, fence types, and landscape patterns.
• Ask whether the lot is subject to any supplemental or section-specific standards.
• Contact HOA management or ARB staff to confirm typical timelines and current backlog.

Offer and contract protections

Luxury buyers often win or lose time and money based on what the contract requires the seller and HOA to deliver. Consider these protections:

• Document delivery contingency: Require receipt and review of CCRs, ARB guidelines, rules, resale certificate, financials, and minutes within a set number of days.
• Violation cure: Require the seller to resolve any HOA violations before closing or provide an agreed credit.
• ARB approval contingency: If you plan exterior changes, make the purchase contingent on ARB approval of your concept or formal submission within a defined period.
• Assessment allocation: Clarify responsibility for current and special assessments, including any construction-related fees.
• Rental warranty: If STR permissions are critical, require written confirmation or a contractual warranty that CCRs permit your intended rental use.
• Title and easements: Include review of recorded easements or developer rights that could affect additions, pools, or fencing.

Suggested plain-language clauses you can discuss with your agent or attorney:

• “Buyer’s obligation to close is contingent on receipt and buyer’s approval of all HOA documents, including CCRs, ARB guidelines, rules, financials, and resale certificate, within X days.”
• “Closing is contingent on written confirmation from the HOA that the property has no outstanding violations. Seller will cure or provide a credit of $____.”
• “Buyer may terminate if the ARB denies or fails to act on buyer’s proposed exterior changes within X days after complete submission.”

Planning renovations

If you plan to upgrade or add amenities, front-load your design work. Early clarity prevents costly delays.

• Engage an architect or designer familiar with The Dominion standards.
• Prepare complete drawings, specs, and color or material samples.
• Anticipate screening requirements for HVAC, generators, pool equipment, and trash enclosures.
• Expect close scrutiny for high-visibility elements like roof changes, front façades, driveways, gates, and lighting.

Enforcement and Texas context

HOAs typically enforce through notices and cure periods, then fines if issues are not corrected. They can suspend common-area privileges for noncompliance, and they may record liens for unpaid assessments or fines as allowed by CCRs and Texas law. In some cases, HOAs can seek court orders to remove unapproved work or compel compliance. Texas statutes also provide procedures for meetings, disclosures, records access, and assessment collection.

If a dispute escalates, options can include internal hearings, appeals, mediation, or litigation. For complex matters like liens, foreclosures, or contested fines, consider consulting an attorney experienced in Texas HOA law. Courts look at both the recorded CCRs and state-law protections, so documentation is key.

The bottom line

Deed restrictions in The Dominion protect the community and your investment, but they also set clear limits on design, parking, and rentals. The smartest move is simple: verify the recorded CCRs for your section, read the ARB rules for your lot, and build timeline and approval contingencies into your offer. With the right documents and plan, you can buy confidently and execute your vision the right way.

If you want a local, media-savvy advisor to help you navigate CCRs and structure a clean, protective offer, connect with MarkAnthony Ball. We will help you verify the right documents, align your plans with the ARB process, and position you for a smooth, confident purchase.

FAQs

What are deed restrictions in The Dominion?

• They are recorded CCRs that run with the land and set rules for exterior appearance, property use, and owner obligations, enforced by the HOA and ARB.

How do I verify short-term rental rules?

• Request the recorded CCRs, current HOA rules, and resale certificate, and obtain written confirmation from the HOA if STR permissions are essential to your plans.

How long does ARB approval usually take?

• Initial completeness checks often take 10 to 14 business days, and full reviews can take 2 to 6 weeks depending on scope and whether revisions are needed.

Can I park an RV or boat at my home?

• Many luxury communities restrict visible storage of RVs, boats, and commercial vehicles, often allowing only enclosed garage storage or screened parking if permitted.

What if the seller made unapproved changes?

• Require copies of prior ARB approvals and a resale certificate. Add a contract term that the seller will cure any violations or provide a negotiated credit before closing.

What is an HOA resale certificate and why is it important?

• It summarizes assessments, violations, key rules, and pending issues. Review it during your option period to confirm costs, compliance status, and rental or parking policies.