OLR Bill Analysis
AN ACT CONCERNING THE FREEDOM TO DRY.
This bill generally prohibits municipalities and other entities from imposing ordinances, regulations, or other restrictions prohibiting drying clothes outdoors on clotheslines, drying racks, or other apparatus in residential settings. The other entities are the state's political subdivisions, fire or sewer districts, villages, beach or improvement associations, other districts or associations, and any condominium or cooperative association.
The bill also prohibits binding agreements running with the land that prohibit, or have the effect of prohibiting, drying clothes outdoors so long as it does not affect public safety, including hampering access to public buildings or impeding rapid emergency egress. The prohibited agreements include deed restrictions, covenants, landlord-tenant agreements, and private contracts. The bill does not state whether it applies to existing contracts or other agreements.
However, the municipality or entity can prohibit outdoor clothes drying if:
1. nonpermanent alternatives such as folding racks would provide the same service as permanent clotheslines and supporting structures;
2. functionally equivalent alternate drying facilities that do not use electricity or fossil fuels specifically for drying, such as indoor drying rooms, are available; or
3. the prohibitions incorporate aesthetic considerations that do not substantially interfere with access to direct solar energy for drying purposes.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2009
COMMITTEE ACTION
Energy and Technology Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea |
16 |
Nay |
4 |
(02/26/2009) |