Homeowners' Association Thwarts Efforts At Energy Conservation

An Arizona home owner's association fines a resident for installing a solar-powered heater arguing that the appearance of the device violates the subdivision's deed restrictions.

1 minute read

March 29, 2007, 12:22 PM PDT

By C. Scott Smith

Matt Burdick's $5,000 solar-powered heater is in violation of his neighborhood's HOA regulations. While Arizona state law exempts solar devices from some restrictions, a legal loophole allows HOA's to regulate color and placement.

"What Burdick said he didn't know last year was that the current law allows HOAs to regulate appearance and placement of solar devices. In his case that includes architectural approval and a requirement that the black solar heater must match his light brown roof - a color change that would render the device ineffective."

FULL STORY: Resident in hot water for heater

Thursday, March 29, 2007 in The Arizona Republic

Energy Government / Politics Technology Arizona

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