It all depends on the ccrs and any other deed restrictions that homes in the covenant may be subject to. During the disclosure period you are delivered all of that documentation to review. There indeed may be restrictions about conformance of design, certainly also with respect to landscaping, that may be subject to a review by the HOA of that particular subdivision. The permit process which in and of itself is not much fun is independent of ccrs/deed restrictions placed on individual homes.
As far as looking to retire and play some golf, I envy you bigtime! There is alot to choose from and if you are in no rush you will do well to be selective.
