Homeowners associations (HOAs) can often hinder sustainable landscaping and solar energy efforts, but some states are starting to set limits on their authority. In Maryland, for example, lawmakers passed a law in 2021 that prohibits HOAs from requiring turfgrass or restricting pollinator gardens and xeriscaping.
Barriers to Sustainability
Researchers found that many HOAs impose rules that impede sustainable choices, such as requiring lawn maintenance and impervious driveways, limiting household energy production, and prohibiting clotheslines. However, some HOAs are starting to adopt pro-environment requirements, such as native plant requirements and restrictions on turfgrass lawns.
A study in Wisconsin found that yards with native plant requirements had significantly more native plant cover and less turfgrass than those without such requirements. States are also starting to pass laws that prevent HOAs from prohibiting the installation of solar panels or restricting drought-resistant landscaping.
A Better Path Forward
HOAs can be leaders in residential sustainability by adopting reasonable covenants that require native plants, limit turfgrass, and encourage renewable energy. States can help by establishing guardrails that allow renewable energy, wildlife conservation, and water-saving landscaping. By working together, developers, city planners, and conservation organizations can create model covenants, codes, and restrictions (CCRs) that prioritize environmental sustainability.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
