Model Resolution for Right to Dry legislation

Since we generally find that the nicest people in our country come from Minnesota and they have earned that reputation, we hereby offer this model resolution as though a member of the Minnesota Democratic Farm Labor Party wanted to change the world. We crib generously from the Florida "right to dry" law or solar rights bill that passed a few decades ago.

Whereas, there are three major intersecting crises of climate change, energy security, and personal finance that effect all Minnesotans,

Whereas, dryers use at least 6% of all residential electricity in this nation,

Whereas, the myth of modernity that we will be freed from the drudgery of housework if only we buy the latest appliance, spend money to maintain and run it, and then replace it periodically has proven a detriment to the pursuit of happiness,

Whereas, this is the land of the free and there are overwhelming public policy reasons to allow clotheslines to proliferate,

Resolved, that Minnesota should join the other states which make it possible for more people to hang out their clothes in the sun,

Resolved, Minnesotans should act to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by encouraging the development and use of renewable resources in order to conserve and protect the value of land, buildings, and resources by preventing the adoption of measures which will have the ultimate effect, however unintended, of driving the costs of owning and operating commercial or residential property beyond the capacity of private owners to maintain,

Resolved, the adoption of an ordinance by a governing body which prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the installation of solar collectors, clotheslines, or other energy devices based on renewable resources is expressly prohibited,

Resolved, a deed restriction, covenant, declaration, or similar binding agreement may not prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting solar collectors, clotheslines, or other energy devices based on renewable resources from being installed on buildings erected on the lots or parcels covered by the deed restriction, covenant, declaration, or binding agreement. A property owner may not be denied permission to install solar collectors or other energy devices by any entity granted the power or right in any deed restriction, covenant, declaration, or similar binding agreement to approve, forbid, control, or direct alteration of property with respect to residential dwellings and within the boundaries of a condominium unit. Such entity may determine the specific location where solar collectors may be installed on the roof within an orientation to the south or within 45° east or west of due south if such determination does not impair the effective operation of the solar collectors.