Showing ordinances that apply to Wheaton, MD
Wheaton is an unincorporated community (population 52,150) in Montgomery County, Maryland. Because Wheaton is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Montgomery County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The hoa restrictions rules below are the ones that govern your area.
Maryland Real Property Article 2-119 prohibits HOAs from banning solar panels. HOAs may set aesthetic rules but cannot increase installation cost by more than $1,000.
Maryland Real Property Article 2-119 declares that any covenant, restriction, or condition in a recorded deed or HOA agreement that prohibits or unreasonably restricts solar collection systems is void and unenforceable. An HOA may adopt reasonable rules regarding placement and aesthetics, but those rules cannot effectively prevent installation or increase the total cost by more than $1,000. Montgomery County DPS issues solar permits with an expedited residential review process. The county participates in the Maryland SunShot program and has offered bulk purchasing programs to reduce costs. Net metering is available through Pepco and BG&E under Maryland PSC regulations. Systems under 10 kW on residential rooftops are generally permitted by right in all residential zones.
HOA restrictions that effectively ban solar panels are void under Maryland law. Homeowners may file complaints with the Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection Division. Installing without a county permit may result in a stop-work order and fines.
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