Utah Homeowner Protections vs. HOA: Solar, Flags & Political Signs (Utah Code §§ 57-8a-701, -219, -218)

Solar: Utah Code § 57-8a-701 provides that a governing document other than a declaration may not prohibit a detached-dwelling owner from installing a solar energy system, and no rule may restrict it; only the recorded declaration may impose limits, and a placement restriction can reduce production by no more than 5%. Reasonable health, safety, and building requirements still apply. Flag: § 57-8a-219 states an association "may not prohibit a lot owner from displaying a United States flag" on a lot if it complies with the federal Flag Code, though common-area flags may be restricted. Signs: § 57-8a-218 provides a rule "may not prohibit a lot owner from displaying a political sign or flag" or a religious/holiday display, allowing only reasonable time, place, and manner limits. Note: § 57-8a-211 is the reserve-fund statute, not a display law.

No specific statutory penalty. An HOA rule that conflicts with these protections — banning solar on a detached dwelling, prohibiting the U.S. flag, or barring a political or religious display — is unenforceable. Owners can raise the statute as a defense and seek to have the restriction declared invalid.