Are Deed Restrictions Prohibiting Or Restricting Outdoor Lighting A Surprise To Solar Light Buyers
- Many deed restrictions require approval for any exterior lighting modifications. Although solar lights do not require wiring, they are still an exterior modification that requires approval.
- Solutions:
- 1. Before installing solar lights, apply for written approval from the community management
- 2. Submit lighting plan indicating installation location and type
- 3. Wait for approval before proceeding with installation.
- 4. Save the approval document for subsequent reference.
- Covenant restrictions on light pollution can prohibit the omnidirectional illumination of solar path lights. Lighting that seemed harmless to the installer produced light pollution that violated restrictions.
- Solutions:
- 1. Choose lamps with omnidirectional downward lighting to reduce light pollution.
- 2. Use hoods or lighting equipment with anti-glare designs
- 3. Adjust the installation angle of the lamp to ensure that the light shines downward
- 4. Choose lighting products that meet dark sky standards.
- Aesthetic standards in behavioral restrictions often explicitly prohibit certain types of outdoor lighting. Solar lights with exposed panels and plastic stakes often violate these standards.
- Solutions:
- 1. Choose lighting products with beautiful designs and in line with community aesthetics
- 2. Avoid choosing solar lights with exposed panels and plastic stakes
- 3. Choose lighting equipment that coordinates with the architectural style
- 4. Confirm that the product meets the aesthetic standards of the community before installation.
- Installing solar lights without checking deed restrictions may result in violation notices, fines and forced removal. Regardless of a product's marketing claims, it is the buyer's responsibility to comply.
- Solutions:
- 1. Carefully read and comply with community deed restrictions before installing solar lights
- 2. If you have any questions, consult the community management
- 3. Ensure that the installation complies with all regulations and avoid violations
- 4. If regulations are violated, correct or dismantle them promptly.
- Deed restrictions permitting "low voltage landscape lighting" may not extend to solar lights. The legal language specifically refers to wired systems, and solar does not qualify.
- Solutions:
- 1. Consult the community management to clarify the definition of deed restrictions before installation
- 2. Understand whether “low voltage landscape lighting” includes solar lights
- 3. If there is any ambiguity, request a written explanation
- 4. Decide whether to install solar lights based on the explanation.
- Inconsistent enforcement of deed restrictions on solar lights. Some neighbors will complain, some won't. However, this restriction is always enforceable regardless of the status of the complaint.
- Solutions:
- 1. Do not rely on the assumption that covenant restrictions will not be enforced
- 2. Strictly comply with all regulations and avoid the risk of violations
- 3. Even if there are no complaints from neighbors, make sure the installation complies with regulations
- 4. If in doubt, consult professionals or community managers.
- Properties in deed-restricted communities should be equipped with professional low-voltage lighting that meets community standards. There are risks with solar lights as they may not meet requirements.
- Solutions:
- 1. Install professional low-voltage lighting systems that comply with community standards
- 2. Choose lighting products with beautiful designs and aesthetics
- 3. Ensure lighting complies with deed restrictions and HOA regulations
- 4. Hire professionals for installation to ensure quality and compliance.
- The cost of removing non-compliant solar lights and installing compliant wired lighting can be high. This cost should be factored into the purchasing decision.
- Solutions:
- 1. Before purchasing solar lights, calculate the potential costs of removing and installing compliant lighting
- 2. Consider long-term maintenance costs and choose compliant lighting solutions
- 3. Assess the compliance risks of solar lights to avoid future rectification costs
- 4. Develop a budget to ensure sufficient funds for compliance improvements.
- Please review deed restrictions carefully before installing any outdoor lighting. Seemingly simple improvements can turn into costly compliance issues.
- Solutions:
- 1. Check deed restrictions and HOA regulations carefully before installing outdoor lighting
- 2. Understand lighting types, installation locations and appearance requirements
- 3. Apply for written approval if necessary
- 4. Ensure that the installation complies with all regulations to avoid the risk of non-compliance.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.