Short answer: in most Scottsdale master-planned communities, new windows and exterior doors need written design review approval before work starts, and the HOA's approval never replaces the city permit. Below is each community's own published rules for windows and doors in the same format, with links to the source documents. Rules and fees change, so download the current documents before you order.
Jump to: Desert Mountain · McCormick Ranch · Grayhawk · Gainey Ranch · DC Ranch · McDowell Mountain Ranch · Windgate Ranch
Desert Mountain
Desert Mountain Master Association
- Who approves
- Architectural Review Committee (ARC). Replacement doors and windows are a Minor Modification on the application.
- Timeline
- The ARC responds in writing within 30 days after it reviews a submittal and meets on a published schedule. It won't review a submittal while a lot has open compliance issues.
- Glass & install
- Glass must sit at least 4 inches back from the wall face (section 7.20); flush windows and "pop-outs" aren't allowed, and larger assemblies need a deeper setback. No colored, mirrored or highly reflective glass.
- Frame & door color
- If you introduce a new frame color, all windows have to be replaced so the frames match. Some villages add their own style and color rules.
- What to submit
- Architectural Review Application with owner, village and lot, contractor details, and colors with LRV.
- Published fees
- Minor Modification review listed at $1,000 in the guidelines' fee schedule (section 10); a minor field change submitted after it's built is another $1,000. HOA fees can change at any time, so confirm the current amount with the HOA before you submit.
Sources: DMMA Architectural Review Guidelines · Architectural Review Application
McCormick Ranch
McCormick Ranch Property Owners' Association (MRPOA)
- Who approves
- Architectural Control Committee (ACC). The Executive Director can approve front door, security, screen and iron door replacement, and window replacement that matches the color and style of other windows in your subdivision. A sub-association approves first.
- Timeline
- The ACC generally meets the first and third Wednesday; complete applications are due by noon the Thursday before. It acts within 30 calendar days of a complete application, in writing.
- Glass & install
- Physical samples are required for every project, including doors (a catalog page counts), delivered in person or by mail, not email.
- Frame & door color
- Front doors may be semi-flat or satin; principal and trim colors are flat. Unapproved work may have to be modified or removed at the owner's expense.
- What to submit
- ACC application with samples, plus the sub-association's approval letter if you have one.
- Published fees
- No window or door review fee is published in the documents we reviewed. Ask the HOA.
Sources: MRPOA 2026 Rules and Regulations (PDF) · MRPOA Architectural Control
Grayhawk
Grayhawk Community Association
- Who approves
- Architectural Review Committee (ARC), with prior approval for any revision to doors or windows. Some neighborhoods also have sub-association rules.
- Timeline
- The ARC meets the first and third Tuesday; applications are due by 5 p.m. the Wednesday before. Written notice within two weeks of review. Approvals are valid 90 days.
- Glass & install
- Doors and windows must be recessed, not flush; frames 2 inches or less with a stucco return. No mirrored or reflective glass or reflective film. No exposed metal, including wrought iron, on doors or windows except approved security doors.
- Frame & door color
- Door and window colors are encouraged to differ from, but complement, the main house color. West-facing windows should be limited or shaded.
- What to submit
- Design Review Application ("Doors/Windows"), exterior photos, the frame cut sheet with color, install method, photos of similar installs, and the contractor's name.
- Published fees
- No window or door review fee is published in the documents we reviewed. Ask the HOA.
Sources: GCA Design Guidelines · ARC windows checklist
Gainey Ranch
Gainey Ranch Community Association (GRCA)
- Who approves
- Both the GRCA Architectural Committee (consulting architects) and your satellite association's committee.
- Timeline
- Approval is needed before work starts; work started early can bring a penalty and removal.
- Glass & install
- Reflective, mirrored or non-approved glass is prohibited. The window form asks for glass type or tint, the Low-E spec, and a glass sample.
- Frame & door color
- All visible elevations must keep a consistent appearance; submit a photo or sample of the frame color.
- What to submit
- Window Replacement Form with contractor ROC number, manufacturer and frame details, photos of every window, an elevation or marked-up photos, and a copy of the City permit.
- Published fees
- A processing fee applies (amount not published on the form); the GRCA is authorized to charge a $450 penalty for work started before approval. HOA fees can change at any time, so confirm the current amount with the HOA before you submit.
Sources: GRCA architectural page · Window Replacement Form (PDF)
DC Ranch
DC Ranch Association
- Who approves
- Modification Committee, then Covenant Commission review. A sub-association board reviews first if you have one.
- Timeline
- Meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday; complete submittals are due 11 days before. Response within 30 days of a complete submittal; decisions emailed within 3 days, then up to 10 more working days for Covenant Commission review.
- Glass & install
- Product cut sheets must show exact size, material, color, finish and how the product mounts.
- Frame & door color
- Submit the manufacturer's color and finish on the cut sheets, with photos of the existing windows or doors.
- What to submit
- Architectural Modification Request Form with a plot plan or aerial, photos, cut sheets, and a plan marking every window or door cross-referenced to the dealer's quote. A DC Ranch-issued construction permit and a final inspection follow.
- Published fees
- A design review fee applies; work done without review carries a minimum $500 penalty on top of the review fee. HOA fees can change at any time, so confirm the current amount with the HOA before you submit.
Sources: DC Ranch Home & Landscape Changes · Architectural Modification Request Form (PDF)
McDowell Mountain Ranch
McDowell Mountain Ranch Community Association
- Who approves
- Design Review Committee (DRC). Six sub-associations may add stricter rules.
- Timeline
- Decision within 45 days of a complete submittal; 60 days to finish once approved. The DRC may inspect afterward.
- Glass & install
- Preferred install is inset into the stucco; flange and framing combined can't exceed 3 inches. No excessive reflection. Tinting, screens, shades and awnings need approval. No aluminum storm or screen doors.
- Frame & door color
- Tan, adobe, espresso and black frames are acceptable; white is prohibited. All windows on the same plane must match.
- What to submit
- Architectural Submittal Form with scope, dates, photos, samples and the contractor's name. Incomplete submittals are returned.
- Published fees
- No window or door review fee is published in the documents we reviewed. Ask the HOA.
Sources: MMRCA Design Guidelines
Windgate Ranch
Windgate Ranch Community Association
- Who approves
- Design Review Committee (DRC), in writing, before work begins. The homeowner must submit, not the dealer.
- Timeline
- Get any City of Scottsdale permit before you submit. Review aims to finish within 45 days; six months to complete once approved. Work hours are set by season, with no Sunday work.
- Glass & install
- No mirrored tint or reflective materials on windows or doors. Screen mesh matte black or matte brown with at least 20% light penetration.
- Frame & door color
- Screen frames match the wall, window frame or casing color; security doors simple ornamental metal in matte black, low-luster brown or a complementary color.
- What to submit
- Scope, material samples, dates, photos, the dealer's name and contact details, and a copy of any city approval.
- Published fees
- No window or door review fee is published in the documents we reviewed. Ask the HOA.
Sources: Windgate Ranch Design Guidelines (PDF) · Design Review page
Troon North
Coming soon. Troon North's architectural standards moved behind a resident login in October 2026, and we only publish rules we can read in the association's own documents. Until then, get the current standards from the HOA office or resident portal. See the Troon North page.
City permits are a separate step
HOA approval doesn't replace a permit. The City of Scottsdale lists replacing windows (other than just the glass) under a Minimum Window/Door Permit, and Paradise Valley runs permits through its Citizen Portal. See Do I need a permit to replace windows or doors? and our HOA approval guide. Planning a new front door? Read the pivot front door guide.
Participating independent dealers can help prepare the HOA submittal. Fill out the short form below to get matched.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need HOA approval to replace windows in Scottsdale?
In most master-planned Scottsdale communities, yes. Desert Mountain, McCormick Ranch, Grayhawk, Gainey Ranch, DC Ranch, McDowell Mountain Ranch and Windgate Ranch all require design review approval before exterior window or door work starts, and HOA approval does not replace the City of Scottsdale permit.
How long does HOA approval for new windows take?
It depends on the community. Published timelines range from written notice within two weeks of review (Grayhawk) to 30 days (Desert Mountain, McCormick Ranch, DC Ranch) and 45 days (McDowell Mountain Ranch, Windgate Ranch), and many committees meet only twice a month.
Can my HOA reject mirrored or reflective window glass?
Yes. Desert Mountain, Grayhawk, Gainey Ranch and Windgate Ranch all prohibit mirrored or reflective glass or window materials in their published documents, and McDowell Mountain Ranch says windows should not create excessive reflection.
What does the HOA charge to review new windows?
Published fees vary and change. Desert Mountain lists a Minor Modification review at $1,000, and DC Ranch and Gainey Ranch charge review or processing fees with penalties for work done without approval. HOA fees can change at any time, so confirm the current fee with your HOA before you submit.