Massachusetts has no solar-access statute protecting homeowners from HOA/condo bans. Unlike CA or FL, MA condo associations can restrict solar. Brookline and Quincy condo associations commonly regulate rooftop solar.
Massachusetts is one of a minority of states without a solar rights law overriding private HOA/condo restrictions. While MGL c. 40A §3 prohibits municipal zoning from unreasonably limiting solar, it does not extend to private CC&Rs or condominium master deeds. MA Condominium Act (MGL c. 183A) gives condo associations broad authority over common areas and exterior modifications. Single-family homeowners with deed restrictions may face enforceable limits. In Norfolk County's many condo-heavy communities — Brookline's Longwood/Washington Square buildings, Quincy's Marina Bay and downtown condos, Weymouth's SouthField development — boards routinely require approval for rooftop panels and may deny based on aesthetics. Fee simple homeowners in typical residential neighborhoods (most of Weymouth, Milton, Dedham, Randolph) have no HOA barriers.
HOA fines per CC&Rs, typically $50-$500 per violation. Condo boards may require removal. No state solar access remedy. Homeowner may negotiate or seek amendment via unit-owner vote.
Norfolk County, MA
Norfolk County does not regulate amplified music. Each municipality requires entertainment licenses or one-day amplified sound permits under MGL c. 140 §183A...
Norfolk County, MA
Norfolk County does not handle abandoned vehicles. MGL c. 90B §2 allows police to remove abandoned vehicles after 72 hours. Quincy, Brookline, and Weymouth t...
Norfolk County, MA
Norfolk County does not regulate chickens or livestock. Each town sets its own rules via zoning and board of health regulations. Suburban towns often restric...
Bellingham, MA
Bellingham follows the Massachusetts state framework for residential fire pits: cooking-only fire pits and grills are exempt from open-burning rules, but any...
Bellingham, MA
Bellingham allows residential open burning only during the Massachusetts state burn season — January 15 through May 1 — with a daily permit from the Bellingh...
Norfolk County, MA
Brookline enacted the first MA town-wide ban on new artificial turf on town property (2023 Town Meeting Art. 14). Other Norfolk County towns allow turf resid...
See how Bellingham's hoa restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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