New State Law Supports Solar Installations
Interested in solar power, but concerned about HOA objections? Sunlight Solar says: They can't stop you.
The Virginia Energy Plan, approved as S.B. 504 on July 1, restricts homeowners associations from prohibiting solar installations unless there's a recorded declaration that demonstrates “reasonable restrictions” concerning size, location, number and manner of placement on the property. The bill says a restriction will not be deemed reasonable if it adds to installation costs by 5% over the projected cost or decreases projected output by more than 10%.
“This is big news for people who've felt they’ve been treated unfairly when pursing a greener, more efficient, cost-effective energy source as HOAs have typically made it difficult to get approval,” said Brandon Fuller, operations director for Sunlight Solar.
https://www.usgbc.org/articles/virginia-enacts-solar-freedom-act
https://www.sunlightsolarvirginia.com/
Mark your calendar: Chesterfield's Chamber Expo is Oct. 16
The Chesterfield Chamber Back to Business Expo invites the local business community to experience a vibrant mix of cuisine, business exhibitors and so much more. Mark your calendars for Oct. 16 and get ready to experience all that Chesterfield has to offer!
Your experience will start with “Sales, Velocity & Results,” an educational workshop led by Patrick Carroll of Sandler Training. You’ll enjoy extended exhibitor hours and more than 70 vendor categories from companies from across the region, creating a diverse marketplace for business executives.
The Expo is free to attend. A fee is charged to exhibit. Join the Chamber at the Richmond Volleyball Club, 200 Karl Linn Dr., on Friday, October 16, from 10-3 p.m. for Chesterfield’s premier Expo. For details, visit www.chesterfieldchamber.com/events.
County Launches New "Know Your Rights" Web Page
Chesterfield County has launched a new citizen web page, "Know Your Rights and Resources."
The purpose of the page is to connect residents to national, state and local organizations fighting discrimination in the areas of credit, education, employment, healthcare, housing, public accommodation, voting and more. The page provides links to federal human rights laws enacted to shield federally protected classes from discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Civil Rights Act, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Fair Housing Act, and more.
The page can be found at www.KnowYourRightsRVA.com. The county's Department of Citizen Information and Resources will manage the web page.
The new web page is a joint initiative of Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover counties.
LLI Early Fall Session begins Sept. 8
The Lifelong Learning Institute kicks off its Early Fall Session on Sept. 8, with online classes running through Oct. 30.
The institute has been physically closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is offering classes online.
The Lifelong Learning Institute in Chesterfield is a member-supported organization designed to meet the educational, fitness and social enrichment needs of adults age 50 and up.
For information on membership and class offerings, check out llichesterfield.org or email info@llichesterfield.org.
Frank Harmon Lecture and Workshop at Branch Museum
Noted architect Frank Harmon will share excerpts from his book, Native Places: Drawing as a Way to See, and examples of his architectural work during a lecture at Richmond’s Branch Museum on Sept. 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Then on Sept.12, he’ll lead a sketching workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. With one purchase, you can attend the lecture and workshop plus receive a copy of his book. For details: https://branchmuseum.org/calendar/