💬 Join us to post & get advice from 50,000 HOA & Condo leaders.

Create Free Account →

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265
Posted:
Several of our home owners (standalone, private homes) have installed ground level, solar powered lights along walkways, driveways, etc. No one asked permission to do so but this is not the issue.

My question is would most of you allow such and how tight would you control it?

Thanks
MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836
Posted:
Solar lights fall into a safety area for me. They light up a path and also prevent break-ins. It is cheaper to run than an outdoor lights and they can be moved around. This wouldn't be something to regulate but something to monitor. Meaning maybe making sure that the lights stay ground level. Make sure they are not too bright to disturb other homes by lighting into their windows. Otherwise this is one of those areas I think control is just a bit too tight and can cross a line.

Former HOA President
DaveD3 (Michigan)
Posts: 796
Posted:
I can't imagine why a HOA wouldn't allow such unless they were bright to the point of disturbing neighbors, or shining in windows, or the like.

If you find a solar powered light that's bright enough to do that, let me know. As far as I've seen, they all seem unimpressively dim.
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
We allow them but require the following:

1) They be operational (if they fail they need to be repaired, replaced or removed)
2) Prior approval is obtained from the Association (as required by the CC&Rs)
AlexB7 (ON)
Posts: 1
Posted:
Why not? After all, if you do not interfere, then let it be. But if they overdo it, then contact the appropriate service.
TimM11
Posts: 354
Posted:
We allow them in specific areas and do not require approval to place them. We tend to give homeowners a wide berth in placing decorations, planters, birdfeeders/baths, etc so long as they do not interfere with mowing and are moved when needed to perform maintenance.
FredS7 (Arizona)
Posts: 927
Posted:
OP hasn't said whether NON solar powered lights are permitted.
JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265
Posted:
Old thread but I started it. We have banned anything that interferes with our landscaper as in having to mow/trim around such as ground solar lights, planters, edging, bird baths, etc. If they do not interfere with the landscaper, we take a head in the sand approach.

🎯 You've read this entire discussion

Join the conversation with 50,000 HOA & Condo Leaders:

  • ✓ Ask follow-up questions
  • ✓ Share your experience
  • ✓ Get expert advice
  • ✓ Access 350,000 discussions
Create Free Account →

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in here