Virginia House Bill HB528

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/24
• Refer: 1/8/24

Caption

Property Owners' Assoc. Act; managed conservation landscaping, unreasonable restrictions prohibited.

Impact

One of the significant impacts of HB528 is its limitation on the power of HOAs in imposing restrictions on landscaping practices. Specifically, the bill prohibits associations from outright banning an owner's right to implement managed conservation landscaping unless such prohibitions are laid out in the recorded declaration. This change empowers property owners to adopt more sustainable and environmentally friendly landscaping methods without the fear of excessive restrictions from their associations.

Summary

House Bill 528 proposes amendments to the Code of Virginia, focusing on the management of conservation landscaping in relation to homeowner associations (HOAs). The bill defines 'managed conservation landscaping' as landscaping practices that are environmentally sensitive and designed to meet Virginia's water quality standards. Notably, it includes features like rain gardens and promotes the use of native species while discouraging invasive species. The intentions behind this legislation aim to enhance environmental quality through improved landscaping practices that align with conservation goals.

Contention

The bill may face contention as it alters the dynamics between property owners and HOAs. Critics may argue that this legislation undermines the established aesthetic guidelines that homeowner associations often enforce for the uniformity and visual appeal of residential neighborhoods. Supporters of the bill, on the other hand, will likely emphasize the importance of collaborative conservation efforts and the need for flexibility in landscaping options to better protect the environment. As various stakeholders weigh in on this proposed change, discussions will likely explore how to balance property rights with community standards.