Pennsylvania House Bill HB1179

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/19/23
• Refer: 5/19/23

Caption

In management of the condominium, providing for outdoor solar access for drying clothes; in management of cooperatives, providing for outdoor solar access for drying clothes; and, in management of planned community, providing for outdoor solar access for drying clothes.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1179 would standardize some aspects of regulations related to clothing drying in shared living environments across Pennsylvania. This bill could have significant implications for communal living situations by balancing the interests of individual homeowners who wish to utilize outdoor spaces for practical purposes and the collective authority of associations to maintain safety and aesthetic standards. It aims to foster a more sustainable approach by encouraging the use of solar power for drying clothes, which could additionally lead to economic savings for households by reducing energy consumption.

Summary

House Bill 1179 seeks to amend Title 68 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by explicitly providing guidelines on outdoor solar access for drying clothes in condominiums, cooperatives, and planned communities. The bill prohibits unit owners' associations from imposing unreasonable restrictions that prevent residents from utilizing outdoor spaces for drying clothes. Under this legislation, clotheslines and drying racks must be placed in association-approved areas and out of sight from public view, while still allowing associations the authority to enforce safety regulations concerning hazards and emergencies.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1179 appears to be generally positive among proponents who advocate for increased homeowner rights and sustainable practices. Supporters argue that the ability to dry clothes outside aligns with environmental sustainability and promotes energy conservation. However, there are concerns among some homeowners' associations and certain community members who worry that the bill might lead to conflicts over aesthetics and safety protocols, representing a dichotomy between individual rights and community regulations.

Contention

A notable point of contention revolves around the balance of power between individual homeowners and associations. While the bill grants more rights to residents regarding outdoor usage, it still permits associations to set forth regulations concerning safety concerns like fire hazards and emergency evacuations. Some critics argue that these exceptions could be exploited, allowing associations to impose restrictions that may end up undercutting the intent of the legislation and thus limit outdoor solar access in practice.