Bill would bar association restrictions on gardens, solar panels, and secondary homes

Homeowners’ associations would be barred from limiting owners’ ability to install, maintain, and use the covered features. The provision covers lot owners’ solar panels used for power, qualifying gardens, and accessory dwelling units—secondary homes on a lot. Gardens must grow food or support pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, and stay within the owner’s lot. Secondary homes must meet applicable building and environmental codes and be allowed by zoning rules. These limits on association powers would take effect when the bill becomes law.

Condominium owners’ associations would be barred from limiting owners’ ability to install, maintain, and use solar panels for power. This provision covers condominium unit owners and their associations. This limit on association powers would take effect when the bill becomes law.

The state would set aside money for education about these provisions. The North Carolina Department of Justice would receive $100,000 from the General Fund. The funding would be provided once. The funding provision would take effect when the bill becomes law and applies to the 2026–2027 budget year.