Maryland Statewide Rule

Maryland Limits on HOA Power: Solar, Flag, Signs, Clotheslines

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Maryland (2026)

Key Facts

Solar: Real Prop. § 2-119 (no unreasonable limits)
U.S. flag: Real Prop. § 14-128 (one portable flag protected)
Political signs: Real Prop. § 11B-111.2 (candidate/proposition)
Clotheslines: Real Prop. § 14-130 (single-family property)
Solar threshold: Unreasonable = +5% cost or -10% output

Last verified: August 20, 2026

Summary

Maryland overrides HOA covenants on several fronts: Real Prop. § 2-119 bars unreasonable limits on solar collectors, § 14-128 protects the U.S. flag, § 11B-111.2 protects candidate/proposition signs, and § 14-130 protects clotheslines on single-family lots. Covenants conflicting with these are unenforceable.

(a) The provisions of all laws, ordinances, and regulations concerning building codes or zoning shall have full force and effect to the extent that they apply to a development and shall be construed and applied with reference to the overall nature and use of the property without regard to whether the property is part of a development. (b) A local government may not enact any law, ordinance, or regulation which would: (1) Impose a burden or restriction on property which is part of a development because it is part of a development;

View official code

Full Breakdown

Real Prop. § 2-119 provides a land-use restriction "may not impose... unreasonable limitations on the installation of a solar collector system": unreasonable meaning a 5%+ cost increase or 10%+ output reduction (historic properties exempt). Real Prop. § 14-128 bars any covenant or rule from prohibiting display of "one portable, removable flag of the United States in a respectful manner." Real Prop. § 11B-111.2 bars covenants from restricting candidate or proposition signs, though the HOA may set reasonable time/place rules (e.g., 30 days before to 7 days after an election). Real Prop. § 14-130 says a "homeowner or tenant may not be prohibited from installing or using clotheslines on single-family property," subject only to reasonable dimension, placement, and safety limits.

Violations & Penalties

Covenants that flatly ban solar collectors, the U.S. flag, candidate/proposition signs, or clotheslines on single-family lots are void to that extent. Reasonable, narrowly tailored time/place/manner restrictions remain valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Maryland HOA stop me from installing solar panels?

Not unreasonably. Real Prop. § 2-119 bars covenants from imposing "unreasonable limitations" on a solar collector system: a restriction adding 5%+ to cost or cutting output 10%+ is unreasonable. Historic properties are exempt.

Can my HOA ban the American flag or political signs?

No. Real Prop. § 14-128 protects displaying one portable U.S. flag, and Real Prop. § 11B-111.2 prevents covenants from prohibiting candidate or ballot-question signs, though reasonable time/place rules are allowed.

Can a Maryland HOA prohibit clotheslines?

Not on single-family property. Real Prop. § 14-130 says a homeowner "may not be prohibited from installing or using clotheslines on single-family property," though reasonable dimension, placement, and safety limits are permitted.

Sources

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