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DouglasJ (Maine)
Posts: 8
Posted:
We are a 40 unit condo in the State of Maine. 8 Buildings, 1/2 are 4 unit buildings, the other half are 6 unit buildings. All units have an exterior deck which is a limited common element. Our documets do not allow for outside clothes lines. However the condo law in the state has just ben amended so that a condo association cannot prohibit outside clothes lines. But the law does not prohibit guidelines for their use. We are trying to put together some reasonable guildelines.
We would not like to have screw eyes put in vinyal siding, nor have heavy boards put against the siding. Maybe in the 4 wood sided buildinsg it might be ok, but the long range plan is to have all our buildings with vinyl siding. Also it would seem the allowing a pole to be put into the ground off the deck would cause endless problems with grass cutting. I see not problem with a rotating clothes drying unit having the upright thru the deck. Easily removable and easily set up when needed. course an old fashiined dryer that opens up would not have any problems.
Has anyone had this problem and are there reasonable guildlines
ChrisP5 (Missouri)
Posts: 165
Posted:
Having not read the law and the specifics would it be possible to establish a common clothes line or 2 on the property for all unit owners to use?
SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964
Posted:
In our community, we limit their use to within a patio fence and the clothing must be taken down at night.

I agree with your concern about screwing things in vinyl siding and the rotating clothes drying unit might be the best solution for you.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius
RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164
Posted:
Douglas,
I have read some of the stuff coming out about clothes lines, windpower, solar panels, etc. Not offering anything but a recollection of what I read, there seems to be, at least strong consideration that the condo association should try and provide area for clothes drying on outside lines. Of course everyone is going to want one in there immediate vacinity, which will be impossible. But as far as the rule goes, that is all it i, one way or the other and subject to being changed by the board or however. The association (Board) has absolute control over limited common and common property under your documents. Damaging the common structure or limited common property will not be proper.The board is the one to provide this amenity and maintain it, just like any other amenity. I doubt very much if the Board can rule that any of these clothes line are for exclsive use, which may infringe on someone else's idea of what is private and what is not.

Have you considered hanging the lines from sky hooks? Old U. S. Navy recommendation.
JohnB31 (Florida)
Posts: 10
Posted:
According to the new energy law clothes lines can NOT be prohibited. Check with your local senator
DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671
Posted:

John,

The law that you refer to is a Florida law. It is the Renewable Energy Technologies Act. Not all States have such laws.

My Fl. HOA set time restrictions and clothes lines had to be totally in the rear of any property with no clothes staying out overnight. The State law still allows the HOA some ability to restrict placement of the lines.

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