HOAs and going green

Karen Gruber poses by her clothesline in the backyard of her Boulder home. Photo by Paul Aiken.

Karen Gruber poses by her clothesline in the backyard of her Boulder home. Photo by Paul Aiken.

For 30 years, Colorado law has barred homeowners associations from saying no to solar panels. But, often, the law was ignored.

In August 2008, an updated (and stronger) version of the law went into effect, this time protecting all kinds of renewable energy generation and other energy-efficient measures, including retractable clotheslines.

Here’s a look at what the law actually says:

  • HOA’s are not allowed to prohibit the installation or use of renewable energy devices or energy efficiency measures within their communities based upon aesthetic rules and restrictions.
  • Residential and commercial property owners have the legal right to erect and use renewable energy generation devices on property they own. These include:
    • Photovoltaic (PV) solar electric panels
    • Solar thermal systems (solar water heaters)
    • Solar lighting systems
    • Wind electric generators
  • Residential property owners also have the right to install and use energy efficiency measures on property they own. These include:
    • Awnings, shutters, trellis, ramadas, or other energy reducing shade structures
    • Garage or attic fans
    • Evaporative coolers
    • Energy-efficient outdoor lighting
    • Retractable clotheslines
  • Any and all of these devices and measures must meet all building code, electrical and bona fide safety requirements.

For more details, visit the Colorado government’s Web site, or read about the law’s effects at www.DenverPost.com.