Ohio Limits on HOA Power: Solar Access & Flag Display (R.C. 5312.16 & 5301.072)

Solar: R.C. 5312.16 provides that, "unless specifically prohibited" by the declaration, an owner may install a solar energy collection device on the dwelling or lot if the owner bears the related insurance/maintenance cost, or the declaration allows and regulates such devices. The association "may establish reasonable restrictions concerning the size, place and manner of placement" but may not ban solar absent a declaration prohibition. (The condominium analog is R.C. 5311.192.) Flags: R.C. 5301.072 says no covenant or governing document "shall prohibit" a flagpole displaying the United States flag, the Ohio flag, or the POW/MIA flag, of appropriate size; violating provisions are "against public policy and unenforceable." This supplements the federal Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005.

An HOA rule banning solar contrary to R.C. 5312.16 (where the declaration does not prohibit solar) is unenforceable. A covenant or rule prohibiting protected flag display is void as against public policy and unenforceable in any Ohio court (R.C. 5301.072).