HOA Restrictions: Des Plaines vs Evanston
How do hoa restrictions rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Evanston, IL?
Des Plaines and Evanston have similar restriction levels.
Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Illinois's Homeowners' Solar Rights Act (765 ILCS 165) and Solar Energy System Act prohibit Des Plaines homeowner associations and condo associations from outright banning residential solar energy systems. Associations may impose reasonable aesthetic restrictions but may not effectively prohibit solar installations.
View full Des Plaines rules →Evanston, IL
Cook County
Illinois law significantly limits HOA authority over solar panel installations. The Illinois Condominium Property Act and Common Interest Community Association Act prevent associations from unreasonably restricting solar energy systems. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic requirements but cannot effectively prohibit solar installations.
View full Evanston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Evanston |
|---|---|---|
| Outright Ban | Prohibited by state law | - |
| Aesthetic Limits | Reasonable allowed | - |
| Efficiency Loss | Max 10% | - |
| Statute | 765 ILCS 165 | - |
| Dispute Forum | IDFPR Ombudsperson | - |
| State Protection | - | IL Condo & CIC Acts |
| Solar Access Act | - | 765 ILCS 165 |
| HOA Authority | - | Reasonable aesthetic rules only |
| Cannot Prohibit | - | Effective bans are void |
| Dispute Resolution | - | Internal process or civil court |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Des Plaines FAQ
Can my Des Plaines HOA ban solar panels?
No. Illinois's Solar Rights Act prohibits outright bans on residential solar systems. HOAs may impose only reasonable aesthetic restrictions that do not significantly impair performance.
What if my HOA insists on a less efficient location?
Restrictions that reduce system efficiency by more than 10 percent or significantly increase cost are not enforceable under the state law.
How do I resolve a dispute with my HOA?
The Illinois Condominium and Common Interest Community Ombudsperson program offers dispute resolution. Civil litigation is also an option to enforce your rights under 765 ILCS 165.
Evanston FAQ
Can my HOA block solar panels in Evanston?
No. Illinois law prevents HOAs from effectively prohibiting solar installations. Associations may impose reasonable aesthetic requirements for placement but cannot make solar economically unfeasible or ban it outright.
Do I still need HOA architectural approval for solar panels?
You should follow your HOA's architectural review process to document compliance. However, the HOA cannot deny your application if it would effectively prevent solar installation. They can only impose reasonable aesthetic conditions.
What can I do if my HOA unreasonably restricts solar panels?
You can cite the Illinois Condominium Property Act, Common Interest Community Association Act, and Solar Collector Privilege Act. If the HOA persists, you may file a complaint with the Illinois Attorney General or pursue civil remedies in court.
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