Virginia law overrides several HOA restrictions. Section 55.1-1820.1 bars an HOA from prohibiting solar energy devices unless the recorded declaration itself does so. Section 55.1-1820 protects display of the U.S. flag, and § 55.1-1822 protects 'for sale' signs. Virginia's POA Act has no standalone political-sign protection — those are addressed only as disclosures.
Section 55.1-1820.1 provides that "no association shall prohibit an owner from installing a solar energy collection device on that owner's property unless the recorded declaration for the association establishes such a prohibition"; a restriction is unreasonable if it raises installation cost over 5% or cuts energy production over 10%. Section 55.1-1820 bars an association from prohibiting display of "the flag of the United States," allowing only reasonable restrictions "necessary to protect a substantial interest of the association," with the burden of proof on the association. Section 55.1-1822 protects an owner's right to at least one real-estate 'for sale' sign. Virginia's POA Act contains no dedicated political-sign protection statute; such restrictions appear only as required disclosures (e.g., § 55.1-2310 resale certificates).
No penalty on the homeowner. These statutes void or limit HOA restrictions: an HOA cannot ban solar devices unless the declaration itself does, cannot prohibit a compliant U.S. flag, and must permit at least one for-sale sign. For flags, the association bears the burden of proving any restriction protects a substantial interest.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and tow...
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria EV chargers need an electrical permit (and possibly a structural permit) via APEX. In the two locally-regulated historic districts or on 100-Year-...
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuis...
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