Texas law strongly protects homeowners' right to install solar panels. HOAs in La Porte cannot prohibit solar energy devices but may impose reasonable restrictions on placement that do not significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency.
Texas Property Code Section 202.010 prevents HOAs from prohibiting the installation of solar energy devices on property owned by the homeowner. An HOA may adopt reasonable guidelines regarding solar panel placement, but these restrictions cannot increase the cost of the system by more than 10%, decrease the system's efficiency by more than 10%, or prevent installation altogether. HOAs cannot require panels to be placed in a location that receives substantially less sunlight than the owner's preferred location. The statute also prohibits HOAs from requiring prior approval if the approval process would unreasonably delay installation. If an HOA attempts to enforce a prohibition on solar panels, the homeowner may seek declaratory and injunctive relief in court, and the HOA may be liable for attorney's fees. Contact the Building Division for city permit requirements separate from HOA approval.
HOAs that violate Texas Property Code Section 202.010 by prohibiting solar panels may face legal action from homeowners. Courts may award injunctive relief and attorney's fees to homeowners whose solar installations were wrongfully blocked. The HOA violation is a civil matter between the homeowner and the association.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
La Porte, TX
La Porte Code of Ordinances Chapter 74 (Nuisances) prohibits unreasonably loud or disturbing sounds including amplified music. Sound from loudspeakers, PA sy...
La Porte, TX
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La Porte, TX
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La Porte, TX
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La Porte, TX
La Porte allows recreational fire pits in residential yards subject to La Porte Fire Department regulations and the International Fire Code as adopted by the...
La Porte, TX
La Porte requires property owners to maintain vegetation and clear dead brush, weeds, and overgrown areas under its property maintenance and nuisance ordinan...
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