Oregon's Solar Rights Act ORS 105.880-105.895 prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar installations. ORS 94.762 (Oregon Planned Community Act) and ORS 100.405 (Condominium Act) specifically void CC&R provisions that ban solar collectors. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic conditions but cannot effectively prohibit solar.
Oregon's Solar Access laws are among the strongest in the country. ORS 105.880 to 105.895 establish solar easements and the right to install solar collectors. ORS 94.762 (governing planned communities/HOAs) and ORS 100.405 (condominiums) explicitly provide that any restrictive covenant, deed restriction, or bylaw that prohibits or unreasonably restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system is void and unenforceable as contrary to public policy. HOAs may require reasonable placement conditions (roof orientation, color-matched racks) but cannot impose restrictions that decrease system output by more than 10% or increase cost by more than 5%. The architectural review committee must act within 60 days of a complete application or the request is deemed approved. Ground-mount systems may face more HOA scrutiny than roof-mount. Portland's Residential Infill Project (2021) and HB 2001 middle-housing conversions do not change solar easement law. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) like Tesla Powerwall or Enphase are treated similarly. Homeowners whose HOA illegally blocks solar may sue for declaratory judgment and attorney fees under ORS 20.107 (prevailing party fees). Multnomah County does not layer additional solar HOA rules.
HOA imposing illegal solar restriction: homeowner may sue and recover attorney fees under ORS 20.107. Void CC&R provisions are unenforceable. HOA fines issued for compliant installations must be refunded.
Multnomah County, OR
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Multnomah County, OR
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Multnomah County, OR
Driveways in unincorporated Multnomah County that access county roads require an approach permit from Multnomah County Land Use and Transportation. Vehicles ...
Multnomah County, OR
Multnomah County does not have a specific RV parking ordinance for unincorporated areas beyond Oregon state law. Oregon state law (ORS 197.493) addresses RV ...
Multnomah County, OR
Parking on county-maintained roads in unincorporated Multnomah County is governed by Oregon state traffic laws and county road rules. Abandoned vehicles may ...
Multnomah County, OR
Multnomah County enforces abandoned vehicle rules under MCC 14.700 on county roads and unincorporated areas. Portland PCC 16.30 applies within city limits. O...
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