Redmond, WA HOA Rules: Architectural Review (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing Law
- RCW 64.90 / 64.38
- Solar Protected
- RCW 64.38.055
- US Flag
- Protected state and federal
- Satellite Under 1m
- FCC protected
- Typical Response
- 30-45 days
Summary
Redmond HOA architectural review follows the declaration under RCW 64.90 or 64.38. Committees must act in good faith and cannot block solar panels, US flags, or satellite dishes under 1 meter.
(1) The governing documents may not prohibit the installation of a solar energy panel by an owner or resident on the owner's or resident's property as long as the solar energy panel:
(a) Meets applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by state and local permitting authorities;
(b) If used to heat water, is certified by the solar rating certification corporation or another nationally recognized certification agency. Certification must be for the solar energy panel and for installation; and
(c) If used to produce electricity, meets all applicable safety and performance standards established by the national electric code, the institute of electrical and electronics engineers, accredited testing laboratories, such as underwriters laboratories, and, where applicable, rules of the utilities and transportation commission regarding safety and reliability.
(2) The governing documents may:
(a) Prohibit the visibility of any part of a roof-mounted solar energy panel above the roofline;
(b) Permit the attachment of a solar energy panel to the slope of a roof facing a street only if:
(i) The solar energy panel conforms to the slope of the roof; and
(ii) The top edge of the solar energy panel is parallel to the roof ridge; or
(c) Require:
(i) A solar energy panel frame, a support bracket, or any visible piping or wiring to be painted to coordinate with the roofing material;
(ii) An owner or resident to shield a ground-mounted solar energy panel if shielding the panel does not prohibit economic installation of the solar energy panel or degrade the operational performance quality of the solar energy panel by more than ten percent; or
(iii) Owners or residents who install solar energy panels to indemnify or reimburse the association or its members for loss or damage caused by the installation, maintenance, or use of a solar energy panel.
(3) The governing documents may include other reasonable rules regarding the placement and manner of a solar energy panel.
Full Breakdown
HOA architectural review in Redmond depends on the association's recorded declaration (CC&Rs), which typically establishes an Architectural Review Committee (ARC) or Design Review Committee. 38), the board and ARC must exercise their authority in good faith and consistent with the business judgment rule. Washington courts have held that ARCs cannot apply standards arbitrarily or discriminatorily. Applications to change exterior colors, install fences, build decks, alter landscaping, add solar panels, or make other exterior modifications typically require ARC review. 510 prohibit HOAs from adopting rules that effectively prevent solar panel installation, though reasonable aesthetic conditions are allowed.
915. Satellite dishes under 1 meter are protected by FCC rules. ARCs should have written standards, respond within deadlines stated in the declaration (commonly 30-45 days), and provide reasons for denials. Owners denied approval can appeal under HOA procedures or seek court relief.
Violations & Fines
ARC bad faith or unreasonable denial: civil suit by owner under RCW 64.90. Solar blocking: unenforceable under RCW 64.38.055 / 64.90.510.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Redmond HOA deny solar panels?
How long does an ARC have to respond in Redmond?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redmond
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Architectural Review in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle architectural review.