HOA Rules in San Francisco, CA (2026)
5 verified hoa rules for San Francisco, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Board Procedures
California HOA board meetings are governed by the Davis-Stirling Open Meeting Act (Civil Code 4900-4955). All board meetings must be open to members with at least 4 days advance notice for regular meetings and 2 days for executive sessions. Agendas must be posted and no action may be taken on items not listed.
San Francisco HOA Board Meeting Procedures (Davis-Stirling Act)
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Sec. 4920 (HOA Board Meeting Notice — 4 Days Open / 2 Days Executive Session)
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 ses...
Architectural Review
California HOAs may require architectural review for exterior modifications under CC&R provisions. The Davis-Stirling Act requires written standards, consistent application, and a 60-day response deadline. Solar energy systems and electric vehicle charging stations cannot be unreasonably restricted under Civil Code 714 and 4745.
San Francisco HOA Architectural Review Requirements
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Sec. 4765 (HOA Architectural Review — Fair Procedure, Written Decision, Reconsideration Rights)
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: (1) The association shall provide a fair, reasonable, and expeditious procedure for making its decision...
Assessment & Dues
California HOAs must follow strict assessment rules under the Davis-Stirling Act. Regular assessments require annual budget approval. Special assessments exceeding 5% of the budget need membership approval. The HOA must provide a 30-day notice before recording an assessment lien.
San Francisco HOA Assessment Rules Under Davis-Stirling
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Sec. 5605 (HOA Assessment Caps — 20% Regular / 5% Special Without Member Vote)
5605. (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 re...
Dispute Resolution
California requires HOAs to offer internal dispute resolution (IDR) and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) before litigation under the Davis-Stirling Act. Either party may request IDR under Civil Code 5900-5920, and ADR is mandatory before filing certain lawsuits (Civil Code 5925-5965).
San Francisco HOA Dispute Resolution Procedures
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Sec. 5900 (HOA Internal Dispute Resolution — Applies to Member/Association Disputes)
5900. (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...
CC&R Enforcement
California HOA CC&R enforcement is governed by the Davis-Stirling Act. AB 130 (2025) caps fines at $100 per violation. Boards must provide notice, a hearing opportunity, and follow documented procedures. Selective enforcement is prohibited, and certain restrictions on solar, EV charging, and flags are void under state law.
San Francisco HOA CC&R Enforcement Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Sec. 5855 (HOA CC&R Discipline — 10-Day Written Notice, Right to Cure)
5855. (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 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 pursuant to Se...