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HOA Rules in San Diego, CA (2026)

5 verified hoa rules for San Diego, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Board Procedures

California's Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act (Civil Code Sections 4900-4955) requires HOA board meetings to be open to all members with at least 4 days advance notice. Emergency meetings require 2 days notice. Boards may enter executive session only for specific topics including litigation, personnel, and disciplinary hearings.

San Diego HOA Board Meeting Procedures (CA Civil Code / Davis-Stirling Act)

Heavy Restrictions

Cal. Civ. Code § 4920

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the association shall give notice of the time and place of a board meeting at least four days before the meeting. (b) (1) If a board meeting is an emergency meeting held pursuant to Section 4923, the association is not required to give notice of the time and place of the meeting. (2) If a nonemergency board meeting is held solely in executive session, ...

Architectural Review

California's Davis-Stirling Act governs HOA architectural review. Under Civil Code Section 4765, associations cannot prohibit solar energy systems or electric vehicle charging stations. Architectural review decisions must be made in good faith and not be arbitrary. CC&Rs set specific standards for each community.

San Diego HOA Architectural Review (Davis-Stirling Act)

Some Restrictions

Cal. Civ. Code § 4765

(a) This section applies if the governing documents require association approval before a member may make a physical change to the member's separate interest or to the common area. In reviewing and approving or disapproving a proposed change, the association shall satisfy the following requirements: (1) The association shall provide a fair, reasonable, and expeditious procedure for making its d...

Assessment & Dues

California Civil Code Sections 5600-5740 govern HOA assessments. Regular assessments cannot increase more than 20% annually without member approval. Special assessments exceeding 5% of the budgeted gross expenses require member vote. The association may record a lien for delinquent assessments after required notices.

San Diego HOA Assessment Rules (Davis-Stirling Act)

Heavy Restrictions

Cal. Civ. Code § 5605 (Davis-Stirling Act)

(a) Annual increases in regular assessments for any fiscal year shall not be imposed unless the board has complied with paragraphs (1), (2), (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8) of subdivision (b) of Section 5300 with respect to that fiscal year, or has obtained the approval of a majority of a quorum of members, pursuant to Section 4070, at a member meeting or election. (b) Notwithstanding more restrict...

Dispute Resolution

California Civil Code requires HOAs to offer Internal Dispute Resolution (IDR) under Section 5900 and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) including mediation or arbitration under Section 5925 before litigation. Either party may request IDR, and the association must participate in ADR before filing or defending a civil action.

San Diego HOA Dispute Resolution (Davis-Stirling Act IDR/ADR)

Some Restrictions

Cal. Civ. Code § 5900 (Internal Dispute Resolution)

(a) This article applies to a dispute between an association and a member involving their rights, duties, or liabilities under this act, under the Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation Law (Part 3 (commencing with Section 7110) of Division 2 of Title 1 of the Corporations Code), or under the governing documents of the common interest development or association. (b) This article supplements, and ...

CC&R Enforcement

California's Davis-Stirling Act governs CC&R enforcement procedures. The association must provide written notice of a violation and an opportunity for a hearing before imposing fines or penalties. Fines may not exceed amounts specified in the governing documents. Certain CC&R provisions are void under state law.

San Diego HOA CC&R Enforcement (Davis-Stirling Act)

Some Restrictions

Cal. Civ. Code § 5855 (Davis-Stirling Act)

(a) When the board is to meet to consider or impose discipline upon a member, or to impose a monetary charge as a means of reimbursing the association for costs incurred by the association in the repair of damage to the common area and facilities caused by a member or the member's guest or tenant, the board shall notify the member in writing, by either personal delivery or individual delivery p...

Looking for San Diego County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Diego city rules.

HOA Rules in San Diego County