Mountain View vs Sunnyvale
How do architectural review rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Mountain View and Sunnyvale 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 →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Sunnyvale HOAs may enforce architectural guidelines under CCRs, but California Civil Code 4735 protects solar panels, EV charging, clotheslines, and low-water landscaping.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Law | Civil Code 4765 | - |
| Written standards | Required | - |
| Solar protections | Civil Code 714 | - |
| EV charging | Civil Code 4745 | - |
| Low-water landscaping | Civil Code 4735 | - |
| Solar Panels | - | Protected, Civil Code 714 |
| Drought Landscape | - | Protected, Civil Code 4735 |
| EV Charging | - | Protected, Civil Code 4745 |
| ARC Rules | - | Civil Code 4765 |
| City Role | - | None |
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.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Who enforces this in Sunnyvale?
Sunnyvale at (408) 730-7500 handles most complaints.
Who enforces this in Sunnyvale?
Sunnyvale at (408) 730-7500 handles most complaints.
Compare other topics
See how Mountain View and Sunnyvale compare on other ordinance categories.
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