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.
Seattle, WA
Seattle short-term rental guests must comply with Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 25.08 (Noise Control), which sets a 55 dBA daytime limit and a 45 dBA nightt...
Seattle, WA
Seattle banned single-use plastic carryout bags in July 2012 — one of the first major US cities. Washington State then preempted with a statewide ban effecti...
Seattle, WA
Seattle Municipal Code regulates outdoor lighting through zoning standards in §23.45 (residential) and §23.47A (commercial). Fully-shielded fixtures are requ...
Seattle, WA
Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 6.600 does not impose a dedicated off-street parking requirement on short-term rentals, and SMC 23.42.060 (Land Use Code) does...
Seattle, WA
Seattle enforces the federal Tobacco 21 minimum age and Washington RCW 70.345 (effective Jan 2020), prohibiting all tobacco and vape sales to anyone under 21...
Seattle, WA
Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 6.600 limits a short-term rental operator to a maximum of two dwelling units citywide: the operator's primary residence (where...
See how Seattle'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.