HOA Restrictions: Kirkland vs Redmond
How do hoa restrictions rules compare between Kirkland, WA and Redmond, WA?
Redmond has fewer restrictions than Kirkland.
Kirkland, WA
King County
Washington's RCW 64.38.055 and RCW 64.90 limit how Kirkland homeowners associations can restrict rooftop solar, protecting reasonable installations from outright bans while allowing design guidelines.
View full Kirkland rules →Redmond, WA
King County
Washington RCW 64.38 and RCW 64.90 limit HOA authority to ban solar devices. Redmond HOAs can set reasonable aesthetic rules but cannot flatly prohibit residential solar installations.
View full Redmond rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kirkland | Redmond |
|---|---|---|
| Key Law | RCW 64.38.055 | - |
| Condo Law | RCW 64.90 | - |
| Allowed | Reasonable design rules | - |
| Prohibited | Effective bans | - |
| City Permit | Still required | - |
| State law | - | RCW 64.38 and 64.90 |
| HOA ban | - | Generally unenforceable |
| Aesthetic rules | - | Reasonable rules allowed |
| City review | - | No aesthetic block |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kirkland FAQ
Can my Kirkland HOA block my solar panels?
Under RCW 64.38.055 an HOA cannot effectively prohibit solar, but it can require panels to be behind ridgelines or color-matched hardware when those rules do not materially cut production or raise costs.
What if my HOA denies my solar application?
Request written reasons citing specific CC&R sections, propose design adjustments, and consider mediation. State law gives homeowners grounds to challenge denials that effectively prohibit solar.
Redmond FAQ
Can my Redmond HOA stop me from installing solar?
No, Washington RCW 64.38 prohibits HOAs from unreasonably prohibiting residential solar, though reasonable placement rules are allowed.
What if my CC&Rs say no roof additions?
Those provisions are generally unenforceable against solar collectors under state law; consult an attorney for disputes.
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