King County, WA Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- HOA Protection
- RCW 64.38.055
- WUCIOA Protection
- RCW 64.90.510
- Allowed Rules
- Reasonable placement
- Efficiency Limit
- No significant reduction
Summary
Washington law (RCW 64.38.055 and RCW 64.90.510) prohibits King County HOAs from banning solar panels. Associations may impose reasonable aesthetic rules that do not significantly reduce efficiency.
RCW 64.38.055 Governing documents — Solar panels. (Effective until January 1, 2028.)
(1) The governing documents may not prohibit the installation of a solar energy panel by an owner or resident on the owner's or resident's property as long as the solar energy panel:
(a) Meets applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by state and local permitting authorities;
(b) If used to heat water, is certified by the solar rating certification corporation or another nationally recognized certification agency. Certification must be for the solar energy panel and for installation; and
(c) If used to produce electricity, meets all applicable safety and performance standards established by the national electric code, the institute of electrical and electronics engineers, accredited testing laboratories, such as underwriters laboratories, and, where applicable, rules of the utilities and transportation commission regarding safety and reliability.
(2) The governing documents may:
(a) Prohibit the visibility of any part of a roof-mounted solar energy panel above the roofline;
(b) Permit the attachment of a solar energy panel to the slope of a roof facing a street only if:
(i) The solar energy panel conforms to the slope of the roof; and
(ii) The top edge of the solar energy panel is parallel to the roof ridge; or
(c) Require:
(i) A solar energy panel frame, a support bracket, or any visible piping or wiring to be painted to coordinate with the roofing material;
(ii) An owner or resident to shield a ground-mounted solar energy panel if shielding the panel does not prohibit economic installation of the solar energy panel or degrade the operational performance quality of the solar energy panel by more than ten percent; or
(iii) Owners or residents who install solar energy panels to indemnify or reimburse the association or its members for loss or damage caused by the installation, maintenance, or use of a solar energy panel.
(3) The governing documents may include other reasonable rules regarding the placement and manner of a solar energy panel.
Full Breakdown
Washington State has strong solar access protections that limit HOA restrictions on solar energy systems in King County communities. 055 applies to homeowner associations governed by the Washington Homeowners Association Act. 510 applies to common interest communities under the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (WUCIOA, post-2018). Both statutes prohibit covenants, conditions, and restrictions that effectively prohibit the installation of solar energy panels on residential property. The law defines solar energy panels to include photovoltaic (PV) panels for electricity generation and solar thermal panels for water or air heating.
HOAs may not require approval processes that effectively delay or prevent installation. Associations retain some authority to adopt reasonable rules regarding placement and aesthetics, such as requiring panels on the rear or side of the roof where feasible, matching color for mounting hardware, and screening of ground-mounted systems. However, such restrictions cannot significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency (typically interpreted as more than 10 percent efficiency loss). 90). Homeowners should provide the HOA with written notice of proposed installation, including system specifications, drawings showing placement, and evidence that chosen location is optimal for production.
If the HOA imposes unreasonable restrictions or denies approval, homeowners can pursue civil action in King County Superior Court. Courts have consistently voided overly restrictive covenants. 140), neighbors and developers can be required not to shade protected solar installations through negotiated easements.
Violations & Fines
HOA violations of solar rights statutes can result in civil damages, attorney fees, and injunctive orders requiring approval of the installation. Washington courts have consistently enforced these statutes. Associations that refuse to approve solar installations expose themselves to liability for the homeowner's legal costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my King County HOA prohibit solar panels?
What if my HOA denies my solar installation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in King County
Compare King County to another location·View the Washington solar energy overview
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