Washington RCW 64.38 and RCW 64.90 limit HOA authority to ban solar devices. Redmond HOAs can set reasonable aesthetic rules but cannot flatly prohibit residential solar installations.
Homeowner association restrictions on solar energy in Washington are limited by state law. RCW 64.38.055 and parallel provisions in the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (RCW 64.90) provide that covenants, conditions, and restrictions adopted after the effective date cannot unreasonably prohibit solar collection devices on residential property. HOAs in Redmond communities like Education Hill, Trilogy at Redmond Ridge, Bear Creek, and Union Hill may adopt reasonable aesthetic rules about panel location, finish, and wiring concealment, but they cannot effectively ban solar through rules that add unreasonable cost or reduce system performance. Older CC&Rs with flat solar bans recorded before the statute are generally unenforceable. Disputes are handled through the HOA's internal process, small claims court, or civil court. Redmond itself does not restrict solar on aesthetic grounds in most residential zones, and historic design overlays are rare.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Redmond, WA
Redmond does not ban gas leaf blowers, but restricts their use to daytime hours under RMC 6.32. Residential yard equipment is permitted between 7 AM and 10 P...
Redmond, WA
Industrial-source noise received in Redmond residential areas may not exceed 60 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime under RMC 6.32 and WAC 173-60. Overlake and ...
Redmond, WA
Redmond generally allows overnight residential street parking within the 72-hour continuous-parking limit. Downtown time zones, snow events, and posted no-pa...
Redmond, WA
Redmond restricts on-street RV and boat parking to 72 hours and regulates driveway storage under RMC Title 21. Many zones limit the number of recreational ve...
Redmond, WA
Redmond regulates driveway width, surfacing, and apron construction under RMC Title 21 and Public Works standards. Residential driveways are typically 10-24 ...
Redmond, WA
Standard residential fences up to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front yards do not require a building permit in Redmond. Permits are needed for...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle hoa restrictions.
See how Redmond's hoa restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.