Bill prohibits HOAs from restricting energy efficiency measures

Unfortunately, most homeowners associations are more concerned with how homes look than how homes work. On Monday, the House voted to allow homeowners in HOAs to install energy efficiency items like solar panels, storm windows and clotheslines.

House Bill 1270, sponsored by State Representative Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood), would prohibit HOAs from restricting energy efficiency measures. In so doing, the bill would encourage homeowners to invest in technologies to go green, help lower their utility bills and encourage small businesses that produce renewable and efficiency technologies.

"This bill helps middle-class Coloradans produce their own energy in their homes and save money," said Rep. Kerr. "As Thomas Friedman says in the 'The Earth is Flat,' green is the new red, white & blue. This bill is right in line with that concept and Colorado's new energy economy and will empower citizens to maintain more energy efficient homes."

The bill extends an existing law that bars HOAs from limiting the use of solar devices. The bill includes other energy efficiency measures, including wind-electric generators, shade structures such as awnings, shutters, attic fans and swamp coolers, and retractable clotheslines.

"I've talked to citizen after citizen who's been blocked by their HOA at every turn. This is unacceptable" continued Kerr. "We know that even taking simple measures - like installing shutters to block the sun in the summer and storm windows to keep out the cold during winter - can pay huge dividends. This bill will help Coloradans do just that without bureaucracy getting in the way."

HB 1270 awaits final approval by the House before moving to the Senate for further debate.