Solar Energy in San Francisco, CA (2026)
2 verified solar energy rules for San Francisco, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Panel Permits
San Francisco's Better Roofs Ordinance (Planning Code §427) requires new construction of 10+ stories or less to devote at least 15% of roof area to solar panels, living roofs, or a combination. A building permit from DBI is required for all solar panel installations.
San Francisco Solar Panel Permit Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsHOA Restrictions
California Civil Code §714 (the Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs and CC&Rs from effectively banning solar energy systems. Any restriction that increases cost by more than $1,000 or decreases efficiency by more than 10% is void and unenforceable in San Francisco and statewide.
San Francisco Solar Panel HOA Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 714
714. (a) Any covenant, restriction, or condition contained in any deed, contract, security instrument, or other instrument affecting the transfer or sale of, or any interest in, real property, and any provision of a governing document, as defined in Section 4150 or 6552, that effectively prohibits or restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system is void and unenforceable. (b) This ...