Washington statutes override HOA covenants that ban solar panels, the U.S. or state flag, or political signs. WUCIOA RCW 64.90.510 protects all three for newer communities; older HOAs are covered by RCW 64.38.055 (solar), 64.38.033 (U.S. flag), and 64.38.034 (political yard signs). HOAs may set reasonable time, place, and manner rules but cannot prohibit outright.
For WUCIOA communities, RCW 64.90.510 provides that "an association may not prohibit the installation of a solar energy panel," "may not prohibit display of the flag of the United States, or the flag of Washington state," nor prohibit signs regarding candidates or ballot issues, though reasonable time/place/manner rules are allowed. For older HOAs, RCW 64.38.055 says "the governing documents may not prohibit the installation of a solar energy panel" (with placement limits; it expires January 1, 2028); RCW 64.38.033 bars prohibiting "outdoor display of the flag of the United States"; and RCW 64.38.034 bars prohibiting "outdoor display of political yard signs" before any primary or general election. These are state-law floors that supersede conflicting covenants.
An HOA rule or covenant that flatly bans solar panels, the U.S./Washington flag, or pre-election political signs is unenforceable to that extent. Owners may rely on these statutes to defend against fines or forced removal, though reasonable placement/size rules still apply.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Kent, WA
Kent decibel limits follow WAC 173-60 and KCC 8.05 using EDNA zones. Residential receiving limit is 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night. Commercial sources are cappe...
Kent, WA
Kent industrial sources are capped at 70 dBA day and 65 dBA night at another industrial property, but only 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night when received at a res...
Kent, WA
Commercial trucks over 10,000 pounds GVWR generally cannot park on Kent residential streets except for active loading. Warehouse districts and truck routes h...
Kent, WA
Kent follows Washington State Building Code EV-ready requirements for new multifamily and commercial buildings. Public chargers exist at Kent Station and sev...
Kent, WA
Kent driveway aprons require Public Works approval under KCC Title 6. New or widened driveways need a right-of-way construction permit, and vehicles must not...
Kent, WA
Kent has no city requirement to split shared fence costs with a neighbor. Washington common law controls boundary fences. Survey the property line before bui...
See how Kent's hoa vs. city rules rules stack up against other locations.
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