The Missouri legislature passed a bill that would cut down on HOA solar restrictions, exempt some solar installations from sales taxes and more. Renew Missouri applauded the passage of SB 745 as a significant win for solar in the Show-Me State and urged Gov. Mike Parson to sign the legislation as soon as possible. Read the […]
Ohio HOA Solar Installation: Are Restrictions Now Lifted?
Homeowners in Ohio have long battled their HOAs for the ability to install solar panels on their homes. Now, with the introduction of a new bill, that may very well soon change. Learn more about the new Ohio HOA solar bill below. Read the entire article……………………………….
Is that an outlaw lawn? Las Vegas has a new approach to saving water (NV)
It was a perfectly decent patch of lawn, several hundred square feet of grass in a condominium community on this city’s western edge. But Jaime Gonzalez, a worker with a local landscaping firm, had a job to do. Wrangling a heavy gas-powered sod cutter, Gonzalez sliced the turf away from the soil underneath, like peeling […]
Southwest Missouri senator’s bill would outlaw homeowners’ associations from banning solar panels
A bill advancing through the state legislature would prevent homeowners’ associations from banning solar panels on the roofs of homes. Senate Bill 820, sponsored by Sen. Eric Burlison, a Battlefield Republican, would make it illegal for “deed restrictions, covenants or similar binding agreements” to forbid homeowners from installing panels on their roof. Read the entire […]
North Carolina Solar Installations In HOAs: Can It Be Restricted?
Homeowners associations are known to restrict certain architectural modifications in communities. But, does this authority extend to prohibiting a North Carolina solar panel installation? Read the entire article……………………………….
More water restrictions are coming to Southern California. How to conserve (CA)
With the news that Southern California officials are imposing tough water-use restrictions on about 6 million people, many of us are looking for practical ways to conserve. We’ve all been through this drill so many times, as some of the obvious water-saving steps have become almost second nature. Less lawn-watering. Shorter showers. Fewer flushes. Read the […]
New state law may allow artificial turf – finally – in Warner Ranch neighborhood, elsewhere (AZ)
A tiff over turf is about to be resolved in neighborhoods across the state, thanks in part to Warner Ranch residents, who for years have professed that, where grass is concerned, it is easy being green, even if not from nature. Read the entire article……………………………….
Artificial turf now allowed in all Arizona HOAs
A circumstance that was never really much of an issue for some Northwest Valley homeowners associations is now not an issue for any Arizona resident. Earlier this month, Gov. Doug Ducey signed House Bill 2131 into law, allowing all homeowners to install artificial turf in any place HOA restrictions on installing artificial turf where natural […]
Because these condos power themselves (ON)
The production of concrete, steel and glass—the building blocks of Toronto’s skyscrapers—emit a dizzying amount of greenhouse gases. But a slate of ingenious local companies like Alectric, Mitrex and Internat Energy Solutions are helping the city’s buildings become a bit greener. Read the entire article……………………………….
More Good News for Carbon-Cutting Co-op and Condo Boards (NY)
State regulators have given the green light to a $4 billion hydroelectric transmission project that will bring renewable energy from Canada to New York City — and help co-op and condo boards wean their buildings from fossil fuels, a key step toward compliance with the city’s Climate Mobilization Act. Read the entire article……………………………….
In a Boost to Co-ops and Condos, State Budget Backs Wind Farms (NY)
For New York City co-op and condo boards struggling to cut their buildings’ carbon emissions enough to satisfy the stringent Climate Mobilization Act, the state’s $220 billion budget for 2022-23 contains some welcome news. Most notably, Crain’s reports, the budget includes a record-breaking investment in renewable energy and in trying to protect the environment from […]
Extra! Extra! Governor Ducey Signs HB2131 (Prohibition on Ban of Artificial Turf in a Planned Community) (AZ)
It’s official! 81 days into the 2022 Arizona Legislative Session, the first major bill pertaining to planned communities was signed into law. On March 30, 2022, Governor Ducey signed into law HB2131 which adds a new section to the Planned Communities Act (A.R.S. Section 33-1819) and paves the way for planned community owners to install […]
San Lorenzo Valley Water Districts move closer to consolidation with fire-damaged systems (CA)
While Big Basin as a whole could consolidate with the district, that hinges upon a formal annexation and consolidation. The communities of Bracken Brae and Forest Springs — which accounts for approximately 150 Big Basin customers — is merging with the district through a homeowners association group. Read the entire article……………………………….
Ducey signs bill eliminating HOA restrictions on artificial grass (AZ)
Supporting the need to preserve water and protect private property rights, today Governor Doug Ducey signed into law HB2131. The bill was sponsored by Rep. John Kavanagh – Fountain Hills, after he was contacted by valley resident Sherry Lund. The need for such a law was recognized when Ms. Lund and her son Bradford Lund, […]
N.C. Supreme Court to rule on how much power HOAs have over solar
A coming decision could impact how thousands of developments regulate rooftop panels that are visible from the street. At issue is the meaning of eight words in the state’s 2007 solar access law. Read the entire article……………………………….
N.C. Supreme Court to rule on how much power HOAs have over solar
A coming decision could impact how thousands of developments regulate rooftop panels that are visible from the street. At issue is the meaning of eight words in the state’s 2007 solar access law. Read the entire article……………………………….
New Indiana Law: Solar Panels and Community Associations
According to the new law, an eligible homeowner “may petition other homeowners association members for approval to install a solar energy system on the homeowner’s dwelling unit or property.” Read the entire article……………………………….
Solar Panel Law Limits Powers of Indiana Homeowners Associations
On March 10, 2022, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed into law a bill curtailing the powers of Indiana homeowners associations to limit homeowner installation of solar energy systems, including solar panels and solar shingles. Read the entire article……………………………….
Turning Up Thermostats Would Boost Co-op and Condo Carbon Emissions (NY)
Bad news for co-op and condo boards struggling to cut their buildings’ carbon emissions enough to comply with the Climate Mobilization Act. In response to the deadly January fire in the Bronx that killed 17 people, the New York City Council is considering a bill that would require landlords and co-op and condo boards to […]
What to consider before ripping out your lawn
The grass lawn is as much a part of the lore of the American suburban dream as white picket fences and apple pies. But that page may be turning—some Americans are reconsidering why they continue to put money and time into this less-than-eco-friendly part of the home.Read the entire article……………………………….
Court confirms Carefree’s water storage reservoir (AZ)
The Arizona Supreme Court reaffirmed Carefree’s right to construct an underground water storage reservoir, denying the Boulders Homeowners Association’s motion to halt construction on March 8. “Having considered the motion and response, based upon the information provided and the interests at issue, and in the exercise of this Court’s discretion, it is ordered denying the […]
Bronx Co-op Board Gets Free Money to Fix Its Building Envelope (NY)
For Peter Morello and his six fellow board members at the Thwaites Terrace House co-op in the Bronx, it was manna from heaven at the perfect time. The five-story, 132-unit brick building near the New York Botanical Garden needed extensive work on its roof, parapets, facades and lintels — about $600,000 worth. How to pay […]
Dropping lake levels prompt dispute at Cypress Ridge Golf Course (CA)
Avocet Lake is starting to dry up, prompting a back-and-forth over who is responsible for keeping the lake full. The homeowner’s association says that it is the responsibility of the golf course owner to fill the lake. Read the entire article……………………………….
Artificial Turf: A HOT Topic in AZ
The installation of artificial grass in community associations is becoming an increasingly pressing topic. With the Arizona Department of Water Resources’ (AWDR) goal of sustainable water supplies by 2030 in mind, it would certainly make sense for artificial turf to become a popular means of reducing water usage for property owners. Read the entire article……………………………….
Is It Time to Electrify? (NY)
You’re on your coop or condo board and you keep hearing about electrifying buildings. What is the buzz about heat pumps and where do you start? For decades, NYC building owners, property managers and coop and condo boards have been recommended and incentivized to switch from oil to natural gas. The energy efficiency codes are […]
Counterpoint: Don’t require homeowner groups to allow solar panels (MN)
Like the author of “A homeowner’s right to go solar” (Opinion Exchange, March 14), I am concerned about our climate, and I support solar panels. That said, however, it is not as simple as having a law that forces homeowner associations to allow solar panels. I have asked our legislators to not be too quick […]
3 of California’s 5 biggest water users are in the Coachella Valley. Who’s consuming the most?
The small district serves predominantly large homeowner association developments adjoining gold courses that have resisted removing turf or limiting watering any time of the year, whether residents are there are not. Read the entire article……………………………….
Water conservation help available for Gold Canyon HOAs (AZ)
Arizona Water Co.’s water conservation specialist, Raluca Mihalcescu, has contacted Gold Canyon Community Inc. and offered to work with interested Gold Canyon home owners associations to conduct landscape and irrigation water audits. Read the entire article……………………………….
New law protects Hoosier property rights, makes it harder for HOAs to say no to solar (IN)
It finally happened. After six years of pushing — and repeatedly falling short — a bill that makes it harder for Homeowners Associations to prohibit residents from adding solar panels to their homes finally passed. Read the entire article……………………………….
Homeowners associations couldn’t ban solar panels under plan in Missouri Senate
The Missouri Senate gave initial approval to a plan Monday that would forbid homeowners associations from banning residential solar panels. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Eric Burlison, R-Battlefield, would allow homeowners associations to regulate solar panels. But his plan gives property owners the right to generate solar energy on their own roofs. Read the entire […]
HOA residents fight for right to install rooftop solar panels (OH)
Some Ohio homeowners have been battling for their ability to live green and use solar panels on their residences. A state bill aims to make it easier for those in homeowner associations to use the technology. Read the entire article……………………………….
Bill to help homeowners with HOAs get solar passes Senate (IN)
The Indiana Senate passed a bill that aims to help residents who have homeowner’s associations get solar panels. HB 1196 allows a homeowner to petition their association to get the panels on their roof – but the association would have a say in how the panels look. Read the entire article……………………………….
HOA ‘turf war’ shines a light on Arizona water crisis and leads to new state bill
A Paradise Valley resident’s fight against their community homeowner’s association has led to a proposed bill that prohibits HOAs from banning artificial grass Read the entire article……………………………….
Virginia’s homeowners associations are still resistant to solar power
After the Virginia Clean Economy Act was passed in 2020, many Virginians embraced residential solar power in an effort to help reach the state’s goal of zero emissions by 2050. In fact, although it’s not as widely known, the 2020 SB 504 bill also played a key role in making rooftop solar more accessible to […]
Eagan resident pushes for HOA solar panel freedom for all Minnesotans
A homeowner in Eagan is pushing to give homeowners more freedom from HOA’s when it comes to solar panels. Nancy Simmet is the original owner of her home built in 1999 and decided a couple of years ago she wants to add solar panels to her rooftop. Read the entire article……………………………….
A Paradise Valley neighborhood HOA takes resident to court over artificial grass (AZ)
It’s been dubbed turf wars as a homeowner in Paradise Valley takes on her homeowner’s association (HOA) over artificial turf she had installed. The battle has led to the state capitol and a new bill on HOAs and artificial turf – and the bill could pass this week according to its author, Rep. Jon Kavanagh. […]
The lawn goodbye: Communities turning to sustainable landscaping
Drought brought on by climate change has many community associations out West making a commitment to pulling up grass and installing more sustainable landscaping. Others are turning to smart irrigation systems to reduce water consumption and even relaxing enforcement of landscaping maintenance. Read the entire article……………………………….
Battle of the Las Vegas grass: What must go? (NV)
It’s a busy Thursday along Valle Verde in Henderson. The landscaping crew for the Green Valley Ranch HOA is removing more grass, some of the 400,000 square feet the HOA plans to remove over the next few years. Read the entire article……………………………….
Sundial Drive HOA Benefits from Replacing all its Nonfunctional Turf (NV)
When the Sundial Drive Homeowners Association (HOA) mulled the pros and cons of keeping its water-thirsty grass in 2020, the HOA board decided to survey its residents for input. The board had to decide whether to raise HOA fees to cover water and landscape maintenance costs or replace the turf with a water-efficient alternative. Read […]
‘No one else can force you to put it in’: Lawmaker proposes end to government, HOA rules requiring lawns (UT)
As a way to help promote water conservation statewide, a Utah legislator has put forth a bill that would ban government entities and homeowners associations from requiring residents to have and maintain lawns or turf. Read the entire article……………………………….
Problem Solved: Paying for Central Air in a Prewar Co-op (NY)
Projects designed to benefit everyone in a building can be challenging enough, but when a project benefits only those who decide to participate, it can get even tougher. You worked with a co-op on the Upper West Side that successfully got one off the ground. What’s the story? Read the entire article……………………………….
Clothesline Act aims to bring outdoor clothes drying for all (BC)
A resolution to allow clotheslines to be hung across the province has begun to break ground. At a Powell River Council meeting Thursday, the resolution was proposed by the Climate Change Committee. It aims to remove all bylaws, province-wide, that would prevent clotheslines from being installed in any single-family dwelling; or on the ground floor […]
Arizona lawmaker seeks to override HOA rules against turf
The Fountain Hills Republican has proposed a state law to override any rules of a homeowner association that requires lawns to be seeded with real grass. Instead, it would permit residents to tear all that out and replace it with artificial turf. Read the entire article……………………………….
Problem Solved: Finding the Best Use for a Condo’s Roof (NY)
Boards that are considering installing solar panels often find that the return on investment isn’t quite what they were hoping for. But there is a program that can make going solar worth it. Can you tell us about it? Read the entire article……………………………….
Utah bill would prevent cities, HOAs from enforcing grass rules
A Utah lawmaker is pushing a bill that would dramatically change the rules for cities, counties, and homeowners’ associations when it comes to grass. Read the entire article……………………………….
State Water Board adopts emergency water use regulations to boost drought resilience (CA)
The prohibitions will remain in place for one year unless extended, modified or removed. They help ensure that Homeowners’ Associations, cities and counties don’t unlawfully restrain homeowners from taking water conservation actions. Even without the emergency regulation, it is illegal for HOAs to prevent water conservation during a drought emergency, but the regulation allows for […]
Problem Solved: Cutting Carbon Emissions to Avoid Fines (NY)
Figuring out an upgrade path to meet the requirements of the Climate Mobilization Act, or Local Law 97, can be daunting for any co-op or condo board. But a green committee in one co-op is tackling this now. First, what kinds of improvements has this co-op made in the past? Read the entire article……………………………….
Las Vegas board approves grass ban in new developments (NV)
Grassy yards would be banned at all new housing and commercial developments in the Las Vegas metro area as officials try to expand water use limitations and the region prepares for a hotter and drier future. Read the entire article……………………………….
New York City Bans Natural Gas in New Buildings
The New York City Council has passed a bill banning natural gas hookups in new construction under seven stories tall beginning in 2023, extending to taller buildings in 2027, The New York Times reports. The vote makes New York the largest city in the country to impose such a ban, which is designed to slow […]
Community Association’s And Water – Resolve To Make Every Drop Count (AZ)
If you live in Arizona, you should be concerned about water. Decreases in precipitation and increases in temperature continue to increase the need for water but reduce the supply available. Additionally, Arizona expects an increase in water demand due to future economic development and Arizona’s anticipated population growth. Read the entire article……………………………….