Virginia Code 55.1-1820.1 prohibits HOAs from banning solar panels on member property. HOAs may establish reasonable aesthetic rules (placement, screening) but cannot prohibit solar installation or impose requirements that significantly increase cost or reduce efficiency.
VA Code 55.1-1820.1 (Solar Energy Collection Devices) overrides any HOA covenant banning solar panels, enacted in 2020. HOAs retain the right to adopt reasonable restrictions regarding placement, size, and aesthetic screening, but any restriction that significantly decreases system efficiency (more than 10 percent) or increases cost (more than 5 percent) is invalid. Homeowner must provide architectural review submittals to HOA, but association cannot unreasonably delay approval. Chesapeake has many HOA-governed communities in Greenbrier, Great Bridge, Western Branch, and Hickory where this law protects owner rights.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake does not impose gas leaf blower bans or specific decibel caps. Leaf blower use is regulated by the general noise ordinance (City Code Chapter 38) ...
Chesapeake, VA
Vehicle noise in Chesapeake includes restrictions on modified exhaust, squealing tires, and loud car audio. Sound systems audible at 50 feet can be cited und...
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake treats persistent dog barking as a public nuisance under City Code Chapter 10 (Animals) and Chapter 38 (Noise). Barking that continues for 20 minu...
Chesapeake, VA
Amplified music in Chesapeake must not be plainly audible at 50 feet from the source between 10 PM and 7 AM (11 PM to 8 AM on weekends). Outdoor events with ...
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake fence height limits are typically 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in rear and side yards under the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance. Corner lots and p...
Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake requires all dogs to be under physical restraint (leash or confinement) when off the owners property under City Code Chapter 10. Leash length is n...
See how Chesapeake's hoa restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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