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

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.

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.