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.
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg Code Ch. 132, Article VI (Noise Control) sets nighttime quiet hours from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. with a 50 dBA cap; daytime limit is 70 dBA. Constr...
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg Zoning Ordinance §181.552 (Environmental Performance Standards) addresses construction noise. No statewide MA construction hours law; Fitchburg enf...
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg's general noise ordinance (Chapter 132, Article VI) covers animal-related noise. MGL c. 140, §136A defines nuisance dog including excessive barking...
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg Zoning Ordinance §181 — 'major recreational equipment' cannot be used for living or housekeeping purposes when stored on a residential lot. On-stre...
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg Zoning Ordinance §181.3264 — commercial vehicles with more than 12,500 lb manufacturer's GVW may NOT be parked on residential premises except in an...
Fitchburg, MA
MGL c. 90, §22C — abandoned vehicles on public ways tagged after 72 hours, may be towed. Fitchburg Police enforce. Snow emergencies authorize immediate towin...
See how Fitchburg's hoa vs. city rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.