TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 27-30-135 SO AS TO RENDER A DEED RESTRICTION, COVENANT, OR A HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION DOCUMENT INTENDED TO PROHIBIT THE INSTALLATION OF A SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM VOID AND UNENFORCEABLE.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Article 1, Chapter 30, Title 27 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

    "Section 27-30-135.    (A)    A restrictive covenant, declaration, rule, contractual provision, or other provision concerning the installation and utilization of a solar energy system found in a deed, contract, lease, rental agreement, or the governing documents of a homeowners association that would prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting the installation and utilization of a solar energy system is void and unenforceable.

    (B)    Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit a homeowners association from requiring reasonable design accommodations to ensure that a solar energy system is installed in a manner that is consistent with the aesthetic requirements applicable to all homeowners association members."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.