Hayward's Relaxed Approach to Solar Energy: What's Allowed

Every city handles solar energy a little differently. In Hayward, California, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Panel Permits

Hayward requires electrical and building permits for solar PV installations but uses the state SolarAPP+ instant online permit system. Title 24 mandates solar on new homes since 2020.

Key details: SolarAPP+: Instant permits available. Size limit online: 38.4 kW residential. Title 24: Solar required new homes. Civil Code 714: HOA restrictions void. Battery storage: Separate plan review.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Hayward is more permissive than most cities when it comes to panel permits. That said, there are still limits.

HOA Restrictions

California Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act) voids HOA restrictions that significantly limit solar installation. Hayward HOAs cannot deny panels or impose conditions reducing performance by more than 10%.

Key details: Civil Code 714: Solar Rights Act. Performance limit: 10% reduction max. Cost limit: $1,000 max addition. Decision deadline: 45 days or approved. Attorney fees: Available to homeowner.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

Hayward is more permissive than most cities when it comes to hoa restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Hayward 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.

These rules come from Hayward's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.