Going Green in Colorado

The state of Colorado appears set to establish a new law, (HB 1270) requiring Home Owner´s Associations to allow the use of green technology. This represents a giant step forward for thousands of people who wish to help lower their carbon footprint. It will enable them to try new ideas from installing solar collectors, to old ideas like as using a retractable outdoor clothesline.

Many feel that installing these devices will lower the aesthetic appeal to their property, thereby lowering home values. Still others say it stands to reason that technology which will lower energy costs for a home will likely result in increasing the value. The question is, "Which should take priority, looks or functionality? As always, it depends on whom you ask.

A handful of sites, such as www.laundrylist.org are leading the charge in an attempt to get housing organizations to think a little greener. The Colorado law is certainly a noteworthy advancement towards changing the philosophy of these homeowner´s organizations and the population as a whole.

"Sometimes we need to stop and think about what´s right," replies Diana Hunt, while adding another shirt to her new Cord-O-Clip clothesline. "Besides, many of the things we can do to help are relatively painless. Take this new clothesline for example; it puts the clothespins on for me! What could be easier? Besides, the extra time in the sun is helping my tan."

It´s interesting to note the large increase in, "all things green" websites that have become mainstays of the internet over the past few years, such as The Clothesline Shop and a small mountain of sites offering sound solar solutions. It appears that main stream America is jumping on board the "green train." with increasing enthusiasm.

Another point concerns land-use rights as a property owner. Should it be permissible to install a dozen solar panels, thereby blocking part of the neighbors view? Most municipalities have setback rules to help alleviate such problems. For example, a property owner cannot construct a building with 8 feet of the side boundary, or 25 feet from the front property line. Another common rule pertains to height restrictions. Many municipalities do not allow construction above 34.5 feet. The rule exists for fires because the equipment many fire departments use cannot reach beyond that height. Such rules will no doubt become very important as neighborhoods begin adding these green technologies to their yards and buildings.

One, "first-world" country, where citizens have always hung out their laundry, is Australia. Many down-under are amazed at the attitude of the western world on the topic. They find it odd that so many Americans find the notion of drying laundry outside as demeaning or low budget. One need only search the web for Australian clothesline manufacturers to see the point. There are several of them compared to the US. This disparity is particularly noteworthy when considering the vast difference in population.

The Colorado bill will certainly spark interest by lawmakers in other states to help create similar legislation. Hopefully a think-tank somewhere will collect raw data on the energy savings that such a law will help save. Perhaps this information will assist the green movement in convincing lawmakers all over to re-evaluate the non-green rules put forth by homeowner´s organizations.