If you live in River Run and you’re planning to build or replace a deck, you’ll need approval from two separate authorities: the River Run Homeowners Association and the City of Naperville. The HOA reviews your project first for design and aesthetic compliance, and then the city reviews it for structural and code compliance. Skipping either step can result in fines, forced removal, or construction delays.
This guide walks you through both processes so you know exactly what to expect before your project starts.
About the River Run Community
River Run is a single-family home subdivision in south Naperville, located south of 104th Street and east of Book Road in Will County. The neighborhood was built between 1994 and 2002 by Bushnell Builders and features homes ranging from roughly 2,500 to over 5,500 square feet. The community includes a private club — the River Run Club — with swimming pools, tennis and pickleball courts, a fitness center, and social events.
The River Run Homeowners Association (RRHOA) manages the neighborhood’s covenants, common areas, and architectural standards. The HOA is supported by Eagle Property Solutions, LLC, which handles day-to-day management and processes architectural review submissions on behalf of the board.
| Detail | Information |
| HOA Website | riverrunhoa.com |
| Management Company | Eagle Property Solutions, LLC |
| Management Phone | (317) 614-7200 |
| Management Email | Scott@eaglepropertysolutionsllc.com |
| Owner Portal | RiverRunHOA.appfolio.com/connect |
| Office Hours | Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Step 1: HOA Architectural Review — What River Run Requires
The River Run Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions requires homeowners to get approval from the Association before making any exterior modifications — and decks are specifically listed. The Architectural Control Committee (ACC) reviews all requests on behalf of the Board of Directors.
According to the River Run architectural control guidelines, the following rules apply to exterior projects including decks:
- No structure will be approved if it violates building setback lines or encroaches on any easement shown on the plat.
- Structures or landscaping that do not maintain the harmonious appearance of the neighborhood will not be approved.
- Lots adjoining common areas are subject to more restrictive rules. Approvals for these lots are made on an individual basis.
- A boundary survey is required for fencing and outbuilding projects. The mortgage survey you received at closing is not accepted — you need a full boundary survey from a licensed surveyor.
While the published guidelines don’t list deck-specific material or color restrictions, the ACC evaluates each request individually. Be prepared to show that your proposed deck complements your home’s existing exterior. If you’re on a lake lot or adjacent to common areas, expect additional scrutiny regarding neighbor sightlines and setback placement.
How to Submit Your Architectural Request
All architectural requests must be submitted through the owners portal at RiverRunHOA.appfolio.com/connect. You can also download the RRHOA Architectural Review Form (PDF) from the HOA website. Submit the completed form to the management company, and they’ll forward it to the ACC for review.
To give your submission the best chance of quick approval, include the following with your request:
- A completed Architectural Review Form with your name, address, and project description
- A site plan or plat showing the proposed deck location, dimensions, and distance from property lines and easements
- Material and color specifications for decking boards, railings, and any structural framing that will be visible
- Photos of your home’s rear and sides for context
- A boundary survey if your project is near a lot line, fence, or common area
If you have questions before submitting, contact Eagle Property Solutions at (317) 614-7200 or email Scott@eaglepropertysolutionsllc.com.
Step 2: City of Naperville Deck Permit
Once you have HOA approval, you still need a building permit from the City of Naperville before construction can begin. The city requires a permit for any new elevated deck structure, as well as for the replacement of structural or safety components on an existing deck — including beams, joists, stairs, and railings.
Naperville’s Development Services Center handles all residential deck permits through the Civic Access online portal. The city reviews your plans across multiple departments including building, planning, and engineering.
| Detail | Information |
| Permit Office | Development Services Center, 400 S. Eagle St, Naperville, IL 60540 |
| Phone | (630) 420-6100, Option 2 |
| buildingpermits@naperville.il.us | |
| Permit Portal | Civic Access Portal (naperville.il.us) |
| Minimum Footing Depth | 42 inches |
Your city permit application will require a plot plan showing property lines, setbacks, and easements; a floor framing plan with joist sizes and spacing; footing plans showing post locations and depths; ledger board attachment details; elevation drawings with railing height and stair dimensions; and material specifications. For a detailed walkthrough of each requirement, see our complete guide to the Naperville deck permit process.
HOA vs. City — What Each One Reviews
It helps to understand that the HOA and the city are looking at your deck project from completely different angles. Here’s how the two reviews break down:
| Review Area | River Run HOA | City of Naperville |
| Design & Appearance | Yes — must fit neighborhood aesthetic | No |
| Material & Color | Yes — case-by-case basis | Structural materials only |
| Setbacks & Easements | Yes — cannot violate plat | Yes — must meet zoning requirements |
| Structural Integrity | No | Yes — full engineering review |
| Inspections | No formal inspection | Yes — footing, framing, final |
| Common Area Proximity | Yes — stricter rules | Addressed through zoning |
Tips for a Smooth Approval Process
Having built decks across a number of HOA communities in the Naperville area, there are a few things that consistently speed up the approval process:
- Start with the HOA, not the city. If the ACC denies your design or asks for changes, you don’t want to have already paid for city plan review on a design you can’t build.
- Request your plat of survey early. River Run requires a boundary survey (not a mortgage survey) for projects near lot lines. This can take a few weeks to schedule with a licensed surveyor.
- Choose materials that match your home. The HOA evaluates whether your project fits the neighborhood. If your home has a brick-and-cedar exterior, a deck with complementary tones and clean railing lines will review more smoothly than something that clashes.
- Don’t forget lake lot restrictions. River Run has specific rules for properties on lake lots, including sight line protections for neighbors. If this applies to your lot, confirm the rules with the management company before you design.
- Submit everything at once. Incomplete applications are the most common cause of delays. Include your form, site plan, material samples or photos, and boundary survey (if applicable) in a single submission.
If you’re weighing different board options before finalizing your design, our post on sourcing hardscape and outdoor building materials in Bolingbrook covers suppliers that carry composite and natural wood decking in the area. And for a side-by-side comparison of how different materials hold up in this climate, take a look at our breakdown of heat-resistant composite decking options.
Ready to Build Your Deck in River Run?
Platinum Decking works with homeowners in River Run and across south Naperville to design and build custom decks — from initial HOA submission through final city inspection. Call us at (224) 634-4345 to get started.