Maryland overrides HOA covenants on several fronts: Real Prop. § 2-119 bars unreasonable limits on solar collectors, § 14-128 protects the U.S. flag, § 11B-111.2 protects candidate/proposition signs, and § 14-130 protects clotheslines on single-family lots. Covenants conflicting with these are unenforceable.
Real Prop. § 2-119 provides a land-use restriction "may not impose... unreasonable limitations on the installation of a solar collector system" — unreasonable meaning a 5%+ cost increase or 10%+ output reduction (historic properties exempt). Real Prop. § 14-128 bars any covenant or rule from prohibiting display of "one portable, removable flag of the United States in a respectful manner." Real Prop. § 11B-111.2 bars covenants from restricting candidate or proposition signs, though the HOA may set reasonable time/place rules (e.g., 30 days before to 7 days after an election). Real Prop. § 14-130 says a "homeowner or tenant may not be prohibited from installing or using clotheslines on single-family property," subject only to reasonable dimension, placement, and safety limits.
Covenants that flatly ban solar collectors, the U.S. flag, candidate/proposition signs, or clotheslines on single-family lots are void to that extent. Reasonable, narrowly tailored time/place/manner restrictions remain valid.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore Health Code Title 9 sets a 55 dB(A) residential property-line limit, reduced 10 dB at night (10 p.m.-7 a.m. weekdays; midnight-7 a.m. weekends), wi...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Property maintenance under Article 13 requires yard upkeep but does not a...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting, and blower noise are governed by condo/HOA covenants. Hea...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA/condo covenants and...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Trade permits filed through DHCD e...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no specific smoker ordinance, but the Health Code Title 9 noise limits and air quality standards may apply. Maryland Department of the Environm...
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