Virginia Limits on HOA Power: Solar, Flags & Signs (Va. Code §§ 55.1-1820.1, 55.1-1820, 55.1-1822)

Section 55.1-1820.1 provides that "no association shall prohibit an owner from installing a solar energy collection device on that owner's property unless the recorded declaration for the association establishes such a prohibition"; a restriction is unreasonable if it raises installation cost over 5% or cuts energy production over 10%. Section 55.1-1820 bars an association from prohibiting display of "the flag of the United States," allowing only reasonable restrictions "necessary to protect a substantial interest of the association," with the burden of proof on the association. Section 55.1-1822 protects an owner's right to at least one real-estate 'for sale' sign. Virginia's POA Act contains no dedicated political-sign protection statute; such restrictions appear only as required disclosures (e.g., § 55.1-2310 resale certificates).

No penalty on the homeowner. These statutes void or limit HOA restrictions: an HOA cannot ban solar devices unless the declaration itself does, cannot prohibit a compliant U.S. flag, and must permit at least one for-sale sign. For flags, the association bears the burden of proving any restriction protects a substantial interest.