Spokane, WA HOA Rules: Architectural Review (2026)
Key Facts
- Governed By
- CC and Rs plus RCW 64.38
- Solar
- Cannot ban (RCW 64.38.055)
- Flag
- Cannot ban US flag
- EV Charging
- Protected
- Decision
- In writing
Summary
Spokane HOA architectural review committees (ARCs) operate under CC and Rs and must follow reasonable procedures per RCW 64.38. WUCIOA associations (RCW 64.90) have enhanced due-process requirements. Owners have the right to written decisions and appeal. State law preempts bans on solar panels and clotheslines.
(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
Architectural review in Spokane HOAs is governed by the community's CC and Rs and bylaws, subject to state law standards. Under RCW 64.38 and RCW 64.90, ARC decisions must be made in good faith, follow the procedures in the governing documents, and apply standards consistently. Owners submitting modification requests are entitled to a written decision within the timeframe set in the CC and Rs (commonly 30 to 60 days). Several state laws preempt HOA aesthetic restrictions: RCW 64.38.055 and RCW 64.90.560 prohibit HOA bans on solar energy panels (with reasonable placement conditions allowed). RCW 64.38.045 voids restrictions on displaying the US flag. Clothesline bans are limited by RCW 64.38 for energy efficiency. Electric vehicle charging stations are protected under RCW 64.38.065.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Spokane HOA deny solar panels?
Can the ARC take forever to decide?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane
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