Mountain View vs San Jose
How do architectural review rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View and San Jose have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
HOA architectural review committees in Mountain View must follow Davis-Stirling rules requiring fair, written standards and procedures, and cannot prohibit solar, EV charging, or low-water landscaping.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
HOAs in San Jose must follow written architectural review procedures under the Davis-Stirling Act. Associations must provide prompt deadlines for reviewing applications and issue decisions in writing. Solar energy systems, EV charging stations, satellite dishes, and drought-tolerant landscaping cannot be unreasonably restricted. San Jose's Green Building Ordinance may affect HOA review of energy-efficient modifications.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Law | Civil Code 4765 | Davis-Stirling Act |
| Written standards | Required | - |
| Solar protections | Civil Code 714 | - |
| EV charging | Civil Code 4745 | - |
| Low-water landscaping | Civil Code 4735 | - |
| Solar Protected | - | Civ. Code §714 |
| EV Charging | - | Civ. Code §4745 |
| Decisions | - | Must be in writing |
| Local Policy | - | Climate Smart San Jose |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can my HOA deny solar panels in Mountain View?
No. Civil Code 714 protects solar installations. The HOA can impose reasonable, cost-neutral restrictions but cannot effectively prohibit.
Can the HOA force me to keep a green lawn?
No. Civil Code 4735 protects drought-tolerant and low-water landscaping.
San Jose FAQ
Can my HOA in San Jose deny solar panels?
No, not unreasonably. Civil Code §714 protects solar energy systems. HOAs can only impose restrictions that do not significantly increase cost or reduce efficiency. San Jose's Climate Smart plan further supports solar adoption.
Can my San Jose HOA block EV charger installation?
No. Civil Code §4745 protects your right to install EV charging in your assigned parking space. The HOA may require reasonable review but cannot prohibit installation.
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