HOA Restrictions: Cary vs Raleigh
How do hoa restrictions rules compare between Cary, NC and Raleigh, NC?
Cary has fewer restrictions than Raleigh.
Cary, NC
Wake County
Under NC Solar Easement Act (NCGS §22B-20), HOAs in Wake County and statewide cannot prohibit solar PV collectors on single-family detached homes. HOAs may impose reasonable location and aesthetic conditions but cannot ban outright.
View full Cary rules →Raleigh, NC
Wake County
North Carolina General Statute §22B-20 protects homeowners' rights to install solar collectors and prohibits HOA covenants that entirely ban solar energy systems. HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions regarding placement, screening, or aesthetics, but cannot effectively prohibit or unreasonably increase the cost of solar installations. Raleigh homeowners in HOA communities can install solar panels subject to reasonable design guidelines.
View full Raleigh rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cary | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | NCGS §22B-20 | - |
| Covered | Single-family detached | - |
| HOA can regulate | Location, screening | - |
| HOA cannot | Ban outright | - |
| Standard | No 'unreasonable' burden | - |
| State Law | - | NC G.S. §22B-20 — Solar collector protections |
| HOA Bans | - | Cannot completely prohibit solar panels |
| Reasonable Rules | - | HOAs may set aesthetic/placement guidelines |
| Cost Impact | - | Restrictions cannot unreasonably increase installation cost |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cary FAQ
Can my HOA require panels only on the back roof?
Possibly — if the location does not 'significantly decrease' system efficiency. If south is on the street side, courts have allowed front placement.
Does this apply to townhomes?
Only to single-family detached units. Attached townhomes and condos may face more HOA restrictions on shared roof systems.
What if my HOA fines me anyway?
You can bring a civil suit citing §22B-20 for injunctive relief, removal of fine, and attorney fees if CCRs include fee-shifting.
Raleigh FAQ
Can my Raleigh HOA ban solar panels?
No. NC G.S. §22B-20 prevents HOAs from prohibiting solar collectors. However, HOAs may establish reasonable architectural guidelines regarding panel placement and appearance.
What if my HOA denies my solar panel application?
If the denial effectively prohibits solar installation or unreasonably increases cost, it may violate NC G.S. §22B-20. You may want to consult an attorney about your rights under the statute.
Compare other topics
See how Cary and Raleigh compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool