3D: A lot depends on the history of enforcement and how specific the ARC rules are written. For example, in RSF, the Art Jury ( same as an ARC ) has language to not have ‘linear’ rows of plantings. Most tracts do not go into this level of detail and if they don’t have a written rule or history, then challenges usually tips in favor of the owner.
It is conceivable that in this case the ARC is trying to prevent same color schemes in adjacent homes.
All said, the lawyer letter is the most effective way of responding to any HOA complaints.
