Massachusetts overrides some HOA and condo restrictions by statute. M.G.L. c. 184 § 23C voids deed covenants and condo-document provisions that forbid or unreasonably restrict solar energy systems. Because there is no comprehensive HOA act, most other owner protections still come from the declaration, c. 183A, and local zoning.
Massachusetts protects rooftop solar against HOA and condominium restrictions. M.G.L. c. 184 § 23C provides that "[a]ny provision in an instrument relative to the ownership or use of real property which purports to forbid or unreasonably restrict the installation or use of a solar energy system ... or the building of structures that facilitate the collection of solar energy shall be void." Solar energy system is defined by reference to the zoning act, c. 40A § 1A. The statute allows only reasonable restrictions, not outright bans. Beyond solar, Massachusetts has no broad statutory shield voiding flag, antenna, or political-sign covenants in the HOA context, so those disputes turn on the recorded declaration, the c. 183A by-laws, and municipal zoning rather than a state HOA owner-rights act.
An HOA or condo rule that forbids or unreasonably restricts a solar energy system is void under c. 184 § 23C and cannot be enforced; owners can challenge such restrictions. Reasonable, non-prohibitory conditions remain permissible. Other restriction disputes are resolved under the declaration and c. 183A.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Fall River, MA
Fall River prohibits all noises that menace health or interrupt sleep between 10 PM and 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM on Sundays. The city's noise regul...
Fall River, MA
Fall River addresses barking and nuisance dogs under MGL Ch. 140 §157. A dog that is a habitual barker or creates a nuisance may result in a citation with a ...
Fall River, MA
Fall River regulates construction noise under its general noise ordinance provisions. Construction activities that create excessive noise are prohibited duri...
Fall River, MA
Fall River's zoning code Ch. 86 §86-441 requires parking areas to be set back at least 10 feet from front lot lines and from abutting residential property li...
Fall River, MA
Fall River regulates the parking of trailers, semitrailers, and large vehicles on city streets under §70-320. Commercial buses designed to carry 7+ persons m...
Fall River, MA
Fall River enforces street parking regulations under Ch. 70 of the Revised Ordinances. A winter parking ban is declared when 3+ inches of snow are predicted,...
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