Spokane, WA Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- RCW 64.38.055
- Review Time
- 60 days
- Output Rule
- Cannot reduce over 10%
- HOA Power
- Reasonable aesthetics only
- Remedy
- Private right of action
Summary
Washington RCW 64.38.055 prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar panels. HOAs may regulate placement and appearance but cannot effectively ban rooftop solar or significantly reduce output. This protects Spokane homeowners.
(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.
Full Breakdown
Under Washington Revised Code 64.38.055 and 64.34.050, homeowners associations and condominium associations in Spokane cannot adopt or enforce rules that effectively prohibit the installation of solar panels on owner-maintained surfaces. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic standards (panel color matching, screening of conduit, no ground-mount in front yards) but cannot reduce system output by more than 10% or require relocation to significantly shaded areas. Written installation requests must be reviewed within 60 days; failure to respond is treated as approval. Disputes are handled in civil court or through mediation. New construction in Spokane is increasingly solar-ready per the Washington State Energy Code.
Violations & Fines
Unreasonable HOA restriction: homeowner private right of action, attorneys fees, and injunctive relief under RCW 64.38.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Spokane HOA ban solar panels?
What if my HOA ignores my solar request?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane
Compare Spokane to another location·View the Washington solar energy overview
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