New North Carolina House proposal would block HOA restrictions on solar panels and gardens

Rep. Monika Johnson-Hostler has introduced a bill in the North Carolina House that would broaden property owners’ authority to install solar panels and create gardens, the North Carolina State House confirms.

The measure, known as HB 1212 and filed April 30 during the 2025 regular session, carries the short title: ‘HOA Accessory Limitation Ban.’

Below is our summary based on the actual bill language, with clarifying interpretation as needed.

The primary aim of this proposal is to prevent condominium and homeowners associations from curbing property owners’ ability to install, use and maintain solar panels for power. HB 1212 would also stop HOAs from banning edible or pollinator gardens located within the boundaries of a property and from prohibiting accessory dwelling units that observe relevant building, environmental and zoning standards. The legislation allocates $100,000 in nonrecurring General Fund resources for the Department of Justice in the 2026-27 fiscal year for educational efforts and will take effect once enacted.

Of the two primary sponsors, Johnson-Hostler has put forward the highest number of bills—35—during the 2025 session.

Bills in North Carolina go through a detailed legislative process before becoming law. After a member files a bill, it proceeds to committee review, then must be read three times in each chamber. If either chamber amends the legislation, both must consent to the final text. Approval from both chambers advances the bill to the governor, who then has 10 days—or 30 if the legislature is out of session—to sign, veto or allow it to become law without a signature.

Further information on bills and legislative activity can be found here.

Johnson-Hostler holds a BS from Fayetteville State University.

Johnson-Hostler, a Democrat elected in 2025, succeeded Rosa Gill as representative for North Carolina’s 33rd House district.