Fremont's Solar Energy: The Rules That Matter

If you live in Fremont or are thinking about moving there, solar energy are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Fremont has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of solar energy, and some of them might surprise you.

HOA Restrictions

California Civil Code 714 protects homeowners from most HOA solar restrictions, limiting HOAs to aesthetic rules that do not increase cost over 10 percent.

Key details: Authority: Civil Code 714. Cost Limit: Over 1,000 dollars blocked. Efficiency Limit: Over 10 percent loss blocked. HOA Deadline: 45 days or deemed approved. Enforcement: Civil court.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

The rules around hoa restrictions in Fremont lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Panel Permits

Fremont offers streamlined solar permits under state law AB 2188 with instant online review for qualifying residential rooftop systems under 10 kW.

Key details: Streamlined: AB 2188 / SolarAPP+. Instant Review: Residential under 10 kW. New Homes: PV mandate (Title 24). Battery Storage: Plan check required. Contact: (510) 494-4460.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Fremont gives residents more flexibility on panel permits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Fremont gives residents more room on solar energy. 2 of the 2 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

Keep in mind that Fremont can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.