If Jonathan Lockwood had to spring for a new roof, he was determined to find a versatile cover that could go beyond just keeping his 1981 townhome dry. He also wanted to slash his escalating electric bill. Aware that greenlighting traditional rooftop solar panels would be a tough slog in his hyper-regulated planned community in […]
Australia: Solar in Strata – What to Consider First (WA)
As the world becomes more aware of the importance of sustainable living, many strata buildings are considering switching to solar power to power the common property of the building. Not only does solar power help to reduce carbon emissions, but it can also save you money on your energy bills in the long run. Read […]
Opinion: It’s hard for homeowners to go solar in Michigan. (And it’s not the weather.)
Michigan lawmakers recently introduced bipartisan legislation to authorize community solar in the state. “We need policymakers to unleash [solar’s] potential by passing legislation allowing more local, cost-effective community solar projects to get off the ground,” Read the article………………………..
Despite new state law, Parkville, Mo., neighborhood says homeowners association banning solar panels (MO)
A new Missouri State law, effective January of this year, prevents homeowners associations from banning solar panels. But that’s exactly what one Parkville neighborhood says is happening right now. Read the article………………………..
Colorado considers forcing HOAs to allow water-saving landscaping instead of grass
As Colorado continues to suffer through harsh drought conditions, the state legislature is considering removing barriers for some residents to save water on lawn watering. Read the article………………………..
Lakefront homeowners worry as Consumers Energy considers removing Lake Allegan dam (MI)
There is uncertainty about the destiny of an Allegan County dam, leaving homeowners with lakefront properties scrambling about what the future holds. “Look around. If this goes away it’s going to really devastate our community even further than people that live at the lake, businesses, townships,” said Carole Catherine, lakefront homeowner and Lake Allegan Association […]
How will higher water rates affect HOAs? (NV)
This week I have asked Bronson Mack, outreach manager for Las Vegas Valley Water District, to address the important topic of how higher water rates will affect our communities. Read the article………………………..
Wisconsin has a ‘solar rights’ law. But HOAs still sometimes prevent solar installations
Wisconsin has a ‘solar rights law,’ so HOAs cannot legally ban solar. But many do unintentionally. Kuntz had an intern review HOA covenants. They found that most restrictions were not written by residents but by developers. Sometimes the rules are specific to solar, but often they apply to anything that changes a home’s aesthetics. HOAs […]
Las Vegas Water Agency Seeks Power to Limit Residential Use (NV)
Nevada lawmakers are considering a remarkable shift in allowing the water agency that manages the Colorado River supply for Las Vegas to limit single-family residential use in the desert city and surrounding county. Read the article………………………..
South Africa: What are the rules for installing solar power when living in a complex?
The worsening load-shedding crisis is causing homeowners to seek alternatives to Eskom’s electricity supply. Many consumers have since opted for Solar power, an attractive option if you’re considering an entry-level solution to survive power outages or looking to get completely off the grid……Owners of standalone homes have leeway when installing solar power systems. But what […]
Are Co-op and Condo Boards Waking Up to the Upside of Retrofits? (NY)
Is it possible that New York City co-op and condo boards, after years of resistance, are finally beginning to realize that the city’s push for clean and efficient energy is not only inevitable but also a potential source of benefits? Anecdotal evidence suggests that the answer is yes. Read the article………………………..
Rules for installing solar in complexes and estates in South Africa
Unlike stand-alone homeowners, those who live in residential estates or complexes in South Africa have several rules that need to be considered when looking to install solar. Read the article………………………..
Bill Would Ease Restrictions on Rooftop Solar Installations (NY)
Money isn’t the only obstacle for co-op and condo boards that want to install solar panels on their roofs as a way reducing their buildings’ carbon emissions. Strict regulations by the Fire Department of New York often make it impractical to install solar panels, especially on smaller roofs. Read the article………………………..
Droughts, Hurricanes, Accidents, Failing Infrastructure Contribute To Growing Number Of Water Stress-Related Crises
(Not specifically a condo/HOA-related article but it impacts them) We tend not to think about plumbing matters unless there’s a problem or we’re planning a new construction or remodeling project. In recent years though, there have been quite a few headline-grabbing, sometimes catastrophic, water and plumbing system-related problems impacting communities and households across the country. Read the […]
Implementing Sustainable Living Initiatives In Your HOA
In today’s world, sustainability is becoming more and more important. HOA board members and managers have an excellent opportunity to positively impact your community by implementing sustainable living initiatives. Such strategies can help you improve the quality of life for current and future residents while reducing costs that would otherwise be incurred with traditional developments. […]
India: 92-yo Helped His Neighbors Save 200K Liters of Water And Cut Their Electricity Bills by Half
A 92-year-old Mumbai man took action to transform his housing society with renewable energy and rainwater catches, saving the residents thousands. Read the article………………………..
Couple faces lawsuit from HOA after violating their allegedly ‘illegal’ neighborhood rules: ‘There was no reason’ (IL)
Mark and Jennifer Bassler live in Belleville, Illinois, in a subdivision called The Orchards, which is governed by an HOA, the Belleville News-Democrat reports. The couple moved into their new home in March 2020 and installed solar panels that December. The Orchards Homeowners Association immediately filed a civil suit to have the panels removed, saying […]
Green Technology Coming to Co-ops and Condos of Modest Means (NY)
Energy efficiency is no longer just for co-ops and condos with deep pockets. Green building technology startup BlocPower has raised nearly $25 million in equity funding and $130 million in debt financing to retrofit tens of thousands of apartments and other dwellings with climate-friendly appliances. This is good news to co-op and condo boards that […]
Water Conservation in HOA Landscaping (CA)
As we head into summer, water conservation is top of mind for many of us. Here in California, water restrictions are always a looming concern. But did you know that your HOA community can make a big impact on water conservation? Read the article………………………..
Installation of solar panels gets Lincoln condo owner in hot water (NE)
Bill would block homeowners associations from banning installation of solar installations Read the article………………………..
How Can Your Association Conserve Water? Here Are Some Tips
Water is a necessity, so conserving it is vital. Especially in communities where there are a lot of users and uses, water wastage may happen. From landscaping to facilities use to household usage. However, with the right measures in place, the HOA can conserve a large amount of water. Read the article………………………..
Environmental Sustainability Policy Issues In 2023
Conservation, environmental sustainability, and “green” issues are important policy issues facing the community association housing model. CAI follows these clear and fundamental principles concerning environmental sustainability policy: Read the article………………………..
Residential Communities vs. Climate Change: Adjusting to the New Reality (NV)
The reality of climate change is upon us. Weather patterns have changed, and seasons have been altered. We experience more intense heat, more frequent, destructive storms, wide-ranging wildfires, and more destructive cold. Tornadoes—the spawn of conflicting hot and cold air masses—touch down in places they were once almost unheard of. What was scientific prognostication only […]
Homeowner’s Association Treatment and Enforcement of Solar Panels
Solar panels may be a source of controversy in residential neighborhoods. On one side of the debate are homeowners wishing to invest in renewable energy and take advantage of any available federal tax credits. On the other side are homeowners who purchased their homes in reliance upon the protection that a homeowner’s association (“HOA”) would […]
What Are Effective Green Community Initiatives?
The catch word phrase these days is “everything should go green.” The dictionary defines green in relation to the environment as: “tending to preserve environmental quality (as by being recyclable, biodegradable, or nonpolluting).” Read the article………………………..
Mesa increases incentives to replace grass lawns with xeriscapes to save water (AZ)
Xeriscape landscapes are a popular site in Arizona that use desert-adapted plants, many of which are native to the state. The option also saves water compared to traditional grass lawns, which is why Mesa is encouraging its residents to make a change. Read the article………………………..
Bill bans HOAs from requiring lush, green lawns (UT)
Tucked into a bill on condominiums and homeowners associations is a provision cracking down on lush, green lawns. Read the article………………………..
Bill Seeks to Push Local Law 97 Fines Back by 7 Years (NY)
Vickie Paladino, a Republican who represents northeastern Queens on the New York City Council, has introduced a bill that seeks to push next year’s fines under Local Law 97 back by seven years. Beginning in 2024, buildings that fail to reduce their carbon emissions to prescribed levels are scheduled to face stiff fines. The carbon […]
Debacle in the hills: How Fresno County officials ignored water warnings and why taxpayers are paying the price
Thirty years ago, residents told local officials that a boutique subdivision near Friant Dam didn’t have enough water. What happens when the water eventually runs out? Read the article………………………..
House Bill Filed to End Residential Solar Power Bans OK
A bill was filed prior to the start of the Oklahoma legislative session to end housing restrictions against residential solar power projects. Ardmore Rep. Tammy Townley filed House Bill 1023 which provides that an owners association, such as an HOA, may not prohibit the installation of solar energy systems. Read the article………………………..
Connecticut homeowner associations can no longer block solar installations
The provision was added to the 35-page Connecticut Clean Air Act before it was approved by lawmakers last session. Associations may still adopt rules on the size and placement of solar installations. Read the article………………………..
Arizona city cuts off a neighborhood’s water supply amid drought
The survival — or at least the basic sustenance — of hundreds in a desert community amid the horse ranches and golf courses outside Phoenix now rests on a 54-year-old man with a plastic bucket of quarters. Read the article………………………..
Top 4 tips for the Inflation Reduction Act (NY)
As co-op and condo owners and boards focus on sustainability, along with environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), and avoiding fines under Local Law 97, electrification can be a smart solution. It involves replacing carbon emissions-producing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and appliances with those that run on electricity. Read the article………………………..
HOA Regulation of Solar Panels – Common Limitations and Provisions
HOAs should consider at least two categories of limitations which protect homeowner rights to use solar power: 1. Solar Access Laws and 2. Solar Easements. Read the article………………………..
How Colorado River cities are preparing for shortages with conservation and alternate sources
The grass beneath the palm trees at the Foothills has no function other than to look lush and inviting for people driving up to the gated community’s entrance. Read the article………………………..
Indiana HOA Solar Panels: House Bill 1196 Has Been Signed
The Indiana HOA solar panel law has been signed. But, what is it exactly? And how does it affect homeowners associations? Read the article………………………..
HOA restrictions on rooftop solar are not the end of the road (NC)
As rooftop solar use is expanding across the South and nation, many interested homeowners are finding that their homeowners associations, or HOAs, can be formidable roadblocks. Read the article………………………..
Gran Paradiso property owners cry foul over water deal made before residents took charge (FL)
Gran Paradiso property owners have sued the West Villages Improvement District over the cost of irrigation water, which was set through negotiations with the developer early in the south Sarasota County subdivision’s creation. Read the article………………………..
As 3 Creek guzzles water, Jackson may increase rates for its most profligate consumers (WY)
Jackson town councilors were floored: In August the top 10 water consumers in one of the county’s largest golf club neighborhoods collectively used millions of gallons of water to feed their lawns. The dampest of 3 Creek Ranch’s irrigation users each chugged between 251,000 and 600,000 gallons of water in August. Read the article………………………..
Charge Me Up and Plug Me In….Let’s Think About Solar Panel and Electric Vehicle Legislation in Pennsylvania
Read the article………………………..
I-Team In-Depth: CVWD water fines cutting water waste as customers seek to conserve and save money (CA)
Fines for excessive outdoor watering appear to be working for the Coachella Valley Water District as the state requires water agencies up and down California to reduce water use during the drought. But in an I-Team report, Jeff Stahl finds some higher-than-expected Coachella Valley Water District monthly bills are still taking customers by surprise. Read […]
Opinion: We can have solar power — without the aesthetically questionable roof panels (UT)
But to start this story at the beginning: Both of us are residents of the Stone Cliff community within St. George. Clay Wilkes, a devoted environmentalist, wanted to install solar panels on his roof. LaDel Laub, a governing-board member of the Stone Cliff homeowner’s association, held to the HOA guidelines and ruled against it, on […]
Las Vegas community developments begin mandatory turf removal ahead of 2026 mandated law (NV)
The Desert Shores community already has an abundance of water with its beautiful lakes, however now it needs to cut back on turf usage. Nevada law requires the removal of decorative grass in the Las Vegas valley by the end of 2026. The law was signed by Governor Steve Sisolak in 2021 due to low […]
Netherlands: Homeowners’ associations ‘are stalling energy efficiency moves’
A homeowners’ lobby group is calling for a change in the law to allow them to carry out energy efficiency improvements without the green light from two-thirds of the owners in a building complex. Read the article………………………..
City Issues Proposed Rules on Complying With Local Law 97 (NY)
The city’s Department of Buildings (DOB) has come out with long-awaited draft regulations on how building owners, including co-op and condo boards, can cut their buildings’ carbon emissions to comply with Local Law 97 of the Climate Mobilization Act. Read the article………………………..
How Adding Native Plants to Your Landscape Will Improve Your Community
When you think of adding plants to your yard, the first thing that comes to mind is flowers and trees that add aesthetic appeal to your home’s exterior. Read the article………………………..
How this low-water groundcover held up during the late-summer heat (CA)
In an attempt to find a drought-tolerant ground cover for his Irvine homeowners’ association landscape, Jim Harrison introduced kurapia in selected areas this summer. Harrison wrote that it was “planted in July, filled in nicely in August, and survived well in September heat.” Read the article………………………..
Addressing Requests for Installation of Solar Panels on Shared Common Area Roofs (CA)
The rising cost of electricity, environmental considerations, clean energy and tax savings, utility company programs designed to help alleviate the demand on the grid, and the proliferation of affordable residential solar energy systems have made solar power more popular than ever. Read the article………………………..
Laguna Woods HOA votes to set limits on outdoor watering (CA)
New watering restrictions for residents put in place by the Third Mutual Board are aimed at conservation during California’s record drought. Watering of outdoor personal plants using exterior mounted hose bibs is now limited to two days a week – Wednesdays and Sundays. However, residents may use watering cans filled inside their homes to water […]
Top Three Electrifying Tips (NY)
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 has passed. It comes with significant rebates and tax incentives for electrifying homes and apartments. If taken advantage of at the fullest, the IRA will help NYC coop and condo owners and boards minimize their fines as part of Local Law 97. Read the article………………………..