Architectural Review · Pennsylvania
68 Pa.C.S. 5213
Alteration of units
Official text ↗
Checked against the official source on 2 November 2026
At a glance
- What needs approval
-
Association permission needed to change common elements' appearance
“A unit owner may not change the appearance of the common elements or any other portion of the planned community other than portions of units that are not controlled facilities without the permission of the association.”
- Limits on the association
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Association cannot block most exterior unit appearance changes
“However, a unit owner may change the exterior appearance of a unit except any portion of a unit which is a controlled facility without the permission of the association.”
- Limits on unit alterations
-
Unit changes must not harm structure or support
“A unit owner may make any improvements or alterations to the unit that do not impair the structural integrity or mechanical systems or lessen the support of any portion of the planned community.”
- Partition removal
-
Partition removal is not an alteration of boundaries
“Removal of partitions or creation of apertures under this paragraph is not an alteration of boundaries.”
Each fact is shown with the exact words of the statute it comes from. Your association's governing documents may also apply.
Official text
Copy retrieved from www.palegis.us. Always rely on the official source for the current version.
Show the full text of 68 Pa.C.S. 5213
5213. Alteration of units.
Subject to the provisions of the declaration and other provisions of law, all of the
following apply:
(1) A unit owner may make any improvements or alterations to the unit that do not impair
the structural integrity or mechanical systems or lessen the support of any portion
of the planned community.
(2) A unit owner may not change the appearance of the common elements or any other portion
of the planned community other than portions of units that are not controlled facilities
without the permission of the association. However, a unit owner may change the exterior
appearance of a unit except any portion of a unit which is a controlled facility without
the permission of the association.
(3) After acquiring an adjoining unit or an adjoining part of an adjoining unit, a unit
owner may remove or alter any intervening partition or create apertures therein, even
if the partition in whole or in part is a common element, if those acts do not impair
the structural integrity or mechanical systems or lessen the support of any portion
of the planned community. Removal of partitions or creation of apertures under this
paragraph is not an alteration of boundaries.
The same topic in other jurisdictions
Arizona · A.R.S. 33-1817 British Columbia · Strata Property Act, s. 90.1 Florida · Fla. Stat. 720.3035 Illinois · 765 Ill. Comp. Stat. 160/1-15 Ontario · Condominium Act, 1998, s. 98 Texas · Tex. Prop. Code 209.00505 Texas · Tex. Prop. Code 202.023 Washington · Wash. Rev. Code 64.90.580 Compare architectural review laws side by side →This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and Harrington Community is not a law firm. For advice about your situation, contact a licensed attorney or your state bar's lawyer referral service.