A resident of a local community in California has questioned the decision of the homeowner association's board of directors to impose a fine for residents who utilize clotheslines. The resident, who requested anonymity, said that aside from the fines, the board has also instructed the management company to confiscate the line, despite the existing law permitting the use of clothesline, a report from Los Angeles Times said.
According to the report, there's a statute that allows the residents to use a clothesline for "personal energy conservation." The bill, commonly referred to as the Assembly Bill 1448, was signed by California governor Jerry Brown. It was said that the bill became a law effective January 1 under Civil Code section 4750.10. The law states that clotheslines can be used for interest developments only but should be subjected to some restrictions that will be imposed by a certain homeowners association.
According to the provision, "clothesline" is defined as a either a cord, rope or wire from which laundered items may be hung to dry or air. Civil Code section 4750.10, in its expanded definition, also includes a "drying rack" which can be used by homeowners for the same purpose.
However, it was emphasized that before constructing a clothesline or erecting any similar structure purposely to hang laundry, homeowners should coordinate and secure a written consent from their board to avoid the imposition of fines or penalties.
"Last amended on June 16th, this bill would require HOAs to permit the use of clotheslines under specific circumstances. This bill originally identified clotheslines as a 'solar energy system' and prohibited associations from restricting or prohibiting the installation and use of clotheslines altogether. The author worked with ECHO to address safety and oversight concerns, and amended the bill to allow associations to place reasonable restrictions on the use of clotheslines and drying racks. ECHO has dropped its opposition to the bill," Educational Community for Homeowners (Echo) a non-profit organization which assists California howmeners, said.
