Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
☀️ Solar Energy/HOA Restrictions

HOA Restrictions: Castro Valley vs San Leandro

How do hoa restrictions rules compare between Castro Valley, CA and San Leandro, CA?

Castro Valley and San Leandro have similar restriction levels.

Castro Valley, CA

Alameda County

Few Restrictions

Alameda County HOAs cannot prohibit solar under CA Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act). Only reasonable restrictions are allowed that do not significantly reduce efficiency or raise cost.

View full Castro Valley rules →

San Leandro, CA

Alameda County

Few Restrictions

California Civil Code 714 Solar Rights Act preempts HOA bans on solar panels. Restrictions that reduce output >10% or cost >$1,000 are void.

View full San Leandro rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactCastro ValleySan Leandro
Governing lawCivil Code 714 Solar Rights Act-
Efficiency threshold10 percent output / 1,000 dollars-
Review deadline45 days, silence = approval-
Common roofsProtected by AB 634-
Penalty for violationUp to 1,000 dollars civil-
State law-Civil Code 714
Efficiency rule->10% reduction void
Cost rule->$1,000 increase void
HOA review-45 days max
Ban-Preempted statewide

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Castro Valley FAQ

Can my HOA require specific panel colors?

Only if it does not reduce efficiency by more than 10 percent or add more than 1,000 dollars in cost. All-black panels are typically acceptable, but restrictive tile-matching rules often fail this test.

What if my HOA delays my solar application?

Under Civil Code 714, failure to respond within 45 days constitutes approval. Document your submittal date and proceed if no decision is issued.

San Leandro FAQ

Can my HOA ban solar panels?

No. CA Civil Code §714 preempts outright bans. HOAs can only impose reasonable aesthetic conditions.

What if HOA delays approval?

Approval is deemed granted if HOA does not respond within 45 days of a complete application.

Compare other topics

See how Castro Valley and San Leandro compare on other ordinance categories.

Want to add a third city?

Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.

Open Comparison Tool