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.
Taunton, MA
Taunton adopted a comprehensive noise ordinance (Chapter 315) on November 2, 2021, prohibiting preventable and unnecessary noise. Noise that annoys or distur...
Taunton, MA
Taunton restricts construction, demolition, alteration, and repair of buildings to 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM under Chapter 315. Work outside these hours requires a ...
Taunton, MA
Taunton's noise ordinance Chapter 315 prohibits keeping any animal or bird that causes frequent or long-continued sounds plainly audible within a noise-sensi...
Taunton, MA
Taunton enforces street parking regulations under its traffic ordinances. Parking lot landscaping is required for lots of 10+ spaces under the zoning code. T...
Taunton, MA
Taunton regulates commercial vehicle parking through traffic and zoning ordinances. Commercial vehicles must comply with general parking rules and zoning dis...
Taunton, MA
Taunton's zoning ordinance Chapter 440 regulates off-street parking and driveways. Rear yard parking areas must be at least 5 feet from adjoining property li...
See how Taunton'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.