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☀️ Solar Energy/HOA Restrictions

HOA Restrictions: Rancho Cordova vs Sacramento

How do hoa restrictions rules compare between Rancho Cordova, CA and Sacramento, CA?

Rancho Cordova and Sacramento have similar restriction levels.

Rancho Cordova, CA

Sacramento County

Few Restrictions

California Civil Code 714, the Solar Rights Act, prohibits HOAs in Rancho Cordova from banning solar panels.

View full Rancho Cordova rules →

Sacramento, CA

Sacramento County

Few Restrictions

Under the California Solar Rights Act (Civil Code §714 and §714.1), HOAs in Sacramento cannot prohibit or unreasonably restrict solar energy system installations. Any HOA rule that effectively prevents installation or significantly increases cost is void and unenforceable. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic requirements that do not significantly reduce system efficiency or increase cost by more than $1,000.

View full Sacramento rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactRancho CordovaSacramento
State LawCivil Code 714 Solar Rights ActCalifornia Solar Rights Act, Civil Code §714
Performance RuleUnder 10 percent loss-
Cost RuleUnder 1,000 dollars-
HOA Deadline45 days or deemed approved-
HOA Limits-Cannot prohibit or unreasonably restrict solar
Cost Cap-Aesthetic rules cannot increase cost by more than $1,000
Efficiency-Rules cannot reduce output by more than 10%
Shade Protection-Solar Shade Control Act protects from tree shading

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Rancho Cordova FAQ

My HOA says I can only put panels on the back of my house. Is that legal?

Only if it does not reduce system output by more than 10 percent. If rear-only placement loses more efficiency than that, the restriction is void under Civil Code 714.

Who enforces this in Rancho Cordova?

Rancho Cordova code enforcement at (916) 851-8800 handles most complaints.

Sacramento FAQ

Can my HOA in Sacramento prevent me from installing solar panels?

No. Under California's Solar Rights Act, HOAs cannot prohibit solar installations. They can impose reasonable aesthetic requirements, but those cannot significantly reduce efficiency or increase cost by more than $1,000.

What if my neighbor's tree shades my solar panels?

The California Solar Shade Control Act prohibits neighbors from allowing trees planted after your solar installation to shade your panels between 10 AM and 2 PM. Pre-existing trees are generally exempt.

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