HOA vs. City Rules: Richmond vs San Ramon

Homeowner associations in Richmond operate under the California Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act (Civil Code §§4000–6150), which governs most private community rules separately from city ordinances. HOAs may impose stricter architectural and use rules than the city, but cannot override state law protections for solar, ADUs, family day care, political signs, or clotheslines.

In San Ramon, HOA CC&Rs and City ordinances operate as parallel regulatory systems. HOAs enforce private covenants under the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act, while the City enforces zoning and municipal code. HOA rules cannot conflict with state law, but they can impose stricter standards than the City on most land-use and aesthetic issues.