South Carolina law limits homeowner association authority to prohibit solar collectors. The Solar Rights Act and Homeowners Association Act protect residential solar installations from unreasonable HOA restrictions, applying uniformly statewide.
Under SC Code Section 27-30-360, an HOA cannot effectively prohibit a homeowner from installing a solar energy collection device on their property if it complies with reasonable aesthetic guidelines. The statute, part of the Homeowners Association Act, allows HOAs to impose reasonable rules on placement, color, screening, and orientation, but restrictions cannot increase installation costs by more than a statutorily defined threshold or significantly reduce performance. Restrictive covenants recorded before the act's effective date may still apply, but new amendments adopted after must conform. The act applies statewide to all HOA-governed communities and preempts conflicting covenants. Disputes between owners and HOAs can be resolved through the SC Department of Consumer Affairs HOA Ombudsman or civil court action.
HOAs that unreasonably deny solar installations may be liable for damages, attorney's fees, and injunctive relief. Homeowners can file complaints with the SC HOA Ombudsman.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Charleston, SC
Charleston does not regulate residential lawn ornaments such as statues, garden gnomes, flamingos, religious displays, or holiday figures on private property...
Charleston, SC
Charleston's sign provisions in the Zoning Ordinance (Title 54) prohibit commercial inflatable advertising devices, balloons, and similar wind-driven attenti...
Charleston, SC
Charleston does not impose general municipal time limits on residential holiday lights, and the Zoning Ordinance sign provisions exempt non-commercial reside...
Charleston, SC
Outdoor kitchens with permanent gas lines, water/sewer connections, electrical wiring, or roofed structures require permits in Charleston. A covered or walle...
Charleston, SC
Charcoal, wood, and pellet smokers are treated as open-flame cooking devices under the 2021 IFC adopted by South Carolina. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits thei...
Charleston, SC
Charleston follows the 2021 International Fire Code as adopted by the South Carolina Building Codes Council. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking...
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