Washington RCW 64.38.055 limits HOA restrictions on solar panels. HOAs cannot prohibit solar but can impose reasonable aesthetic rules. Bellevue has no additional HOA overrides.
Washington State solar access law, RCW 64.38.055, prevents homeowner associations and condominium associations from prohibiting the installation of solar energy panels on residential units, though they may impose reasonable aesthetic rules that do not significantly decrease system efficiency or increase costs. The law applies to HOAs governing single-family homes, townhomes, and some condominiums. HOAs can require: panels be flush-mounted to the roof plane, conduit be painted to match the building, and ground arrays be screened. HOAs cannot: ban panels outright, require relocation to shaded areas, or require screening that reduces production by more than 10 percent or adds more than 10 percent to project cost. Bellevue does not regulate HOA covenants directly, but the city's permit process proceeds regardless of HOA status. Property owners in dispute with an HOA should review their CC&R documents and, if needed, seek mediation through the Washington State Bar Association's dispute resolution services. Disputes that cannot be resolved may require civil action in King County Superior Court.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Bellevue, WA
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Bellevue, WA
Bellevue treats habitual barking as a nuisance under BCC Title 8 and BCC 9.18. King County Regional Animal Services investigates complaints and issues warnin...
Bellevue, WA
Aircraft noise is federally preempted by the FAA. Bellevue sits in the Sea-Tac contour near Renton Municipal Airport. Complaints go to Port of Seattle Aviati...
Bellevue, WA
Bellevue enforces RCW 46.55 and BCC 11.23 against vehicles left on streets more than 72 hours or stored inoperable on private property, with impoundment and ...
Bellevue, WA
Bellevue prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fencing in residential zones; chain link is allowed but discouraged in front yards by design guid...
Bellevue, WA
RCW 16.60 governs boundary fences and cost-sharing in Washington. LUC 20.20.400 controls height and placement. Spite fences allow civil remedy. Get a survey ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle hoa restrictions.
See how Bellevue's hoa restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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