A new state law concerning heat pumps took effect last month. Community associations in Washington state may not effectively prohibit or unreasonably restrict owners from installing heat pumps in compliance with the new law's requirements. However, those associations may impose reasonable restrictions on heat pump installations and require owners to submit applications for approval of such installations. The term "reasonable restriction" means a restriction that does not significantly increase the cost of a heat pump or signifiantly decrease its efficiency or specified performance. If community associations require owners to submit heat pump applications, then they must approve each proposed installation if it is reasonably possible and the owner agrees in writing to (a) comply with the association's reasonable architectural standards applicable to the installation, b) engage an HVAC contractor familiar with the standards for the installation of heat pumps to assess the existing infastructure necessary to support the proposed heat pump, identify additional infastructure needs, and install the heat pump, and c) comply with the requirements of the new law.
Community associations must process and approve heat pump applications in the same manner as architectural modification applications. If heat pump applications are not denied in writing within sixty days from the date of receipt, then they are deemed approved unless that delay is the result of a reasonable request for additional information. Associations may not charge fees relating to heat pump installations except for reasonable application processing fees that apply to architectural modification applications.
