New Jersey's Solar Rights Act (N.J.S.A. 45:22A-48.2) prohibits HOAs in Union County condos and planned developments from banning solar panels. Reasonable aesthetic guidelines permitted but cannot effectively prohibit installation.
NJ's Solar Rights Act (N.J.S.A. 45:22A-48.2, signed 2007) preempts HOA and condominium association restrictions that effectively prohibit rooftop solar installations in Union County planned communities. HOAs and boards of trustees may not enact or enforce provisions that significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency. Reasonable aesthetic conditions (color matching, placement consistent with roof plane, screening of equipment) are permitted. Architectural review must be completed within 60 days of complete application. Ground-mounted systems face more permissible HOA restrictions. Battery storage systems are treated under the same statutory protection. CC&R provisions that contradict the Solar Rights Act are unenforceable per statute. Homeowners denied approval in violation may seek declaratory judgment plus reasonable attorney fees.
HOA blocking installation: homeowner files suit, recovers legal costs and attorney fees. Unreasonable conditions invalidated. HOA fines contrary to state law unenforceable; homeowner may seek injunctive relief in Superior Court.
Plainfield, NJ
Plainfield's animal ordinance (Ch. 5) prohibits permitting any dog or animal to annoy or injure any person or animal, or to run at large. Dogs must be on a l...
Plainfield, NJ
Plainfield prohibits construction noise on Sundays entirely and weekdays between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. within 1,000 feet of any dwelling or business. Emerg...
Plainfield, NJ
Plainfield's noise ordinance (Ch. 5, Offenses Against Public Peace and Order) prohibits unreasonable noise that disturbs the peace. NJDEP statewide limits of...
Plainfield, NJ
Plainfield's zoning code (Ch. 17) regulates vehicle storage in residential zones. Off-street parking lots may not be used as thoroughfares. Contact the Zonin...
Plainfield, NJ
Plainfield requires zoning permits for driveways under Ch. 17. Impervious coverage subject to stormwater management requirements. Stormwater shall not be dis...
Plainfield, NJ
Plainfield regulates parking under Ch. 7 (Vehicles and Traffic). City-owned downtown lots prohibit parking 2:00 a.m.–6:00 a.m. Street parking subject to post...
See how Plainfield's hoa restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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