Cleveland, OH HOA Rules: Architectural Review (2026)
Key Facts
- Requirement
- Governed by recorded declaration and Ohio Revised Code Ch. 5311/5312
- Appeal Rights
- Written approval typically required before exterior changes
- Protected Items
- Ohio law protects reasonable solar installations
- Requirement
- Association approval does not replace city permits or historic review
- Requirement
- Committees must act within declaration's response timeframe
Summary
Cleveland HOAs and condominium associations that impose architectural-review requirements operate under Ohio Revised Code Chapters 5311 and 5312 and their recorded declarations. Owners typically must obtain written approval before exterior changes, and architectural committees must follow the procedures and standards adopted in the governing documents. These private rules are in addition to city zoning and historic-district requirements.
Section 5312.16 | Solar energy collection devices. Effective: September 13, 2022 Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 61 - 134th General Assembly PDF: Download Authenticated PDF
(A) Unless specifically prohibited in the declaration, any owner may install a solar energy collection device on the owner's dwelling unit or other location within the owner's lot if either of the following conditions apply:
(1) The cost to insure, maintain, repair, and replace the unit's roof or alternative location within the lot is not a common expense of the owners association and is instead the owner's responsibility.
(2) The declaration specifically allows for and regulates the types and installation of solar energy collection devices within the planned community and establishes responsibility for the cost to insure, maintain, repair, and replace such devices.
(B) Notwithstanding division (A) of this section, an owners association may establish reasonable restrictions concerning the size, place, and manner of placement of solar energy collection devices.
(C) Prior to imposing a charge for damages or an enforcement assessment pursuant to this section, the board of directors shall give the owner a written notice, which may be in the form of electronic mail to an electronic mail address previously provided by the owner in writing that includes all of the following:
(1) A description of the property damage or violation;
(2) The amount of the proposed charge or assessment;
(3) A statement that the owner has a right to a hearing before the board of directors to contest the proposed charge or assessment;
(4) A statement setting forth the procedures to request a hearing;
(5) A reasonable date by which the unit owner must cure the violation to avoid the proposed charge or assessment.
(D) As used in this section, "solar energy collection device" has the same meaning as in section 5311.192 of the Revised Code.
Full Breakdown
Architectural review in Cleveland community associations is governed by the recorded declaration of covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) and any architectural guidelines adopted by the board under authority granted in the declaration. Ohio Revised Code Chapters 5311 (condominiums) and 5312 (planned communities) require that rule-making be consistent with the declaration, that rules be reasonable, and that boards provide due process before enforcement. Common exterior changes requiring written approval include fences, sheds, decks, paint colors, roof replacement with different materials, solar panels, window and door replacements, additions, and landscaping alterations.
Ohio law and most declarations explicitly prohibit HOAs from banning reasonable solar installations outright, although the association may regulate location and appearance. Architectural review committees must act within the timeframe specified in the governing documents (often 30 to 60 days); failure to respond is sometimes deemed approval. Approved changes must still comply with Cleveland zoning permits under CCO Part 12, the Ohio Residential Code, and any historic-district design review if the property lies within a Cleveland Landmarks Commission district. Unauthorized modifications can result in fines, lien actions, and orders to restore the property at the owner's expense. Owners can appeal committee decisions through the procedures in the governing documents and ultimately to court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA prevent me from installing solar panels?
What if the architectural committee never responds to my request?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cleveland
Compare Cleveland to another location·View the Ohio hoa rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Architectural Review in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cuyahoga County handle architectural review.