Boulder Hill and Orchard Valley are two of the largest residential communities in the Montgomery, Oswego, and west Aurora corridor. Both have homeowners associations with rules that govern outdoor construction — and both have unique jurisdictional situations that can confuse homeowners when it’s time to build a deck or patio.
Boulder Hill — Community Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Location | Unincorporated Kendall County (Oswego Twp), south of Montgomery |
| Population | ~8,075 residents (2021); 3,015 households |
| Housing | Ranch and split-level homes, built 1958–1999 |
| Median Home Price | ~$290,000–$295,000 |
| HOA | Multiple section-based HOAs |
| School District | Oswego Community Unit School District |
| Zoning | R6 and R7 residential (Kendall County) |
Boulder Hill is unincorporated — not part of the Village of Montgomery, even though residents have a Montgomery mailing address. The Village provides water but does not provide building code enforcement or permitting.
Who Handles Deck Permits in Boulder Hill?
All building permits go through Kendall County Building & Zoning at (630) 553-4141. Do not contact the Village of Montgomery — Montgomery’s own building page directs Boulder Hill residents to Kendall County.
HOA Rules in Boulder Hill
- Check your specific HOA. Not every section has the same covenants. Contact your section’s board for a copy of your CC&Rs.
- Architectural review may be required. Many sections require submission of exterior improvement plans before construction.
- Material and design standards. Some sections restrict deck materials, colors, or height.
- HOA approval comes first, then the county permit. Complete HOA approval before filing with Kendall County.
Orchard Valley — Community Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Location | West Aurora, near Orchard Road and Indian Trail |
| HOA | Orchard Valley Homeowners Association (OVHA) — ovha.org |
| Management | AMG (Association Management Group) |
| Key Documents | Declaration of Covenants, Landscape & Exterior Manual, Architectural Improvement Form |
| Permit Authority | City of Aurora Building Department |
| School District | West Aurora School District |
The OVHA Architectural Improvement Process
- Review the OVHA Landscape & Exterior Manual. Available through ovha.org or from AMG.
- Complete the Architectural Improvement Form. Available on the OVHA website. Include detailed descriptions, materials, dimensions, and placement.
- Submit for review. Allow 2–4 weeks for a response.
- Receive written approval. Do not begin construction until you have written HOA approval.
- File your building permit with the City of Aurora.
What OVHA Typically Reviews for Decks
- Materials. Composite, wood, or other types. Some HOAs require specific material classes.
- Color and finish. Should complement the home’s exterior.
- Height and placement. Must comply with Aurora setbacks; HOA may have additional restrictions.
- Railings and accessories. Style, lighting, built-in features may be subject to review.
- Impact on neighbors. Sight lines, drainage, proximity to adjacent properties.
Key Differences Between Boulder Hill and Orchard Valley
| Factor | Boulder Hill | Orchard Valley |
| Municipality | Unincorporated Kendall County | City of Aurora (Kane County) |
| Permit Authority | Kendall County Building & Zoning | (630) 553-4141 | City of Aurora Building Dept. |
| HOA Structure | Multiple section-based HOAs | Single HOA (OVHA) with architectural review |
| Housing Stock | 1958–1999 ranch/split-level | 1990s–2000s single-family and townhome |
| Median Price | ~$290,000 | ~$275,000–$350,000 |
General Tips for HOA Deck Approval
- Start early. HOA review adds 4–6 weeks to your timeline.
- Get your CC&Rs first. Read your covenants before designing anything.
- Include detailed plans. Site plan, material specs, color samples, and dimensions speed up approval.
- Don’t assume your neighbor’s deck sets the standard. Covenants can change, and lot-specific conditions affect each project differently.
- HOA approval does not replace a building permit. You need both — HOA for aesthetics/covenants, building permit for structural code compliance.
For Aurora’s full permit process, our guide on pulling a deck permit in Aurora covers the application, fees, and inspections. For material options that hold up in Illinois weather and meet HOA appearance standards, our overview of heat-resistant composite decking options covers what performs best.
Build a Deck That Passes HOA Review and Code Inspection
Whether you’re in Boulder Hill working through Kendall County or in Orchard Valley navigating the OVHA process, Platinum Deck and Patio handles both the HOA submission and the building permit so you don’t have to manage two separate approval tracks. Call (224) 634-4345 to start planning your project.