HOA Restrictions: Des Plaines vs Schaumburg
How do hoa restrictions rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Schaumburg, IL?
Des Plaines and Schaumburg 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 →Schaumburg, IL
Cook County
Illinois law protects homeowners' right to install solar panels. HOAs cannot unreasonably restrict solar installations. Cook County's zoning ordinance allows roof-mounted solar on principal structures. Illinois solar access protections apply statewide.
View full Schaumburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| Outright Ban | Prohibited by state law | - |
| Aesthetic Limits | Reasonable allowed | - |
| Efficiency Loss | Max 10% | - |
| Statute | 765 ILCS 165 | - |
| Dispute Forum | IDFPR Ombudsperson | - |
| HOA Restrictions | - | Limited by state law |
| Solar Access | - | Protected in Illinois |
| Reasonable Rules | - | Aesthetics only |
| Net Metering | - | Available statewide |
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.
Schaumburg FAQ
Can my HOA prevent me from installing solar panels?
Illinois law protects solar access. HOAs cannot unreasonably prohibit solar panels but may impose reasonable aesthetic standards like placement requirements.
What incentives are available for solar in Cook County?
Illinois Adjustable Block Program, federal tax credits, and net metering are available. Check with ComEd for current interconnection and incentive programs.
Compare other topics
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