Elk Grove HOA Rules: Architectural Review Rules (2026)

Civil Code §4765 governs architectural review in California HOAs. Associations must: (1) Publish a fair, reasonable, and written procedure for submitting and reviewing applications; (2) Make decisions in good faith, not in arbitrary or capricious manner; (3) Provide written notice of decisions including reasons for any denial; (4) Allow the applicant to request reconsideration by the board (not just ARC); (5) Annually provide members notice of architectural standards in the Annual Policy Statement per §5310. Civil Code §714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits unreasonable restrictions on solar energy systems—restrictions reducing system efficiency by more than 10% or increasing cost by more than $1,000 are void; HOAs may only require reasonable aesthetic placement. Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOA restrictions on drought-tolerant landscaping, synthetic grass (for water conservation), and low-water-use plants during declared droughts. Civil Code §4750 protects flag displays. AB 1738 (2022) and AB 2221 (2022) expanded ADU rights—HOAs cannot ban ADUs per Civil Code §4751. Elk Grove's Laguna, Sheldon, Franklin, and Stonelake subdivisions commonly require ARC approval for: paint color changes, fence changes, roofing materials, solar panels (aesthetic placement only), landscape modifications, room additions, exterior lighting, and driveway changes. Members should submit detailed plans, photos, and material specs.