Maryland law (Real Property § 2-119) prohibits HOA covenants from effectively banning solar energy systems, though HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic guidelines that do not significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency.
Under Maryland Real Property Code § 2-119, homeowners associations and condominium associations cannot prohibit the installation of solar energy systems. HOAs may adopt reasonable rules regarding placement and appearance, but restrictions cannot increase the cost of the system by more than $1,000 or decrease its efficiency by more than 10%. Baltimore has relatively few HOA-governed communities compared to suburban areas, but condominium associations and some neighborhood associations may have covenants. The Maryland Solar Easements Act also protects access to sunlight for existing solar installations.
HOA restrictions that effectively prohibit solar installations are unenforceable under Maryland law. Homeowners may pursue legal remedies if an HOA unreasonably denies or delays solar panel installation.
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore Health Code Title 9 sets a 55 dB(A) residential property-line limit, reduced 10 dB at night (10 p.m.-7 a.m. weekdays; midnight-7 a.m. weekends), wi...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Property maintenance under Article 13 requires yard upkeep but does not a...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, lighting, and blower noise are governed by condo/HOA covenants. Hea...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA/condo covenants and...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Trade permits filed through DHCD e...
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore has no specific smoker ordinance, but the Health Code Title 9 noise limits and air quality standards may apply. Maryland Department of the Environm...
See how Baltimore's hoa restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.