Folsom, CA HOA Rules: Architectural Review (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- Civ Code §4765 architectural review
- Solar
- Protected by Civ Code §714
- EV Charging
- Protected by Civ Code §4745
- Low-Water Plants
- Protected by Civ Code §4735
- Artificial Turf
- Protected by Civ Code §4735.5
Summary
HOA architectural review in Folsom is governed by Civil Code §4765. HOAs must have a fair, reasonable, and expeditious process, and cannot prohibit solar panels (Civ Code §714), EV charging (Civ Code §4745), or low-water plants.
4765.
(a) This section applies if the governing documents require association approval before a member may make a physical change to the member's separate interest or to the common area. In reviewing and approving or disapproving a proposed change, the association shall satisfy the following requirements:
(1) The association shall provide a fair, reasonable, and expeditious procedure for making its decision. The procedure shall be included in the association's governing documents. The procedure shall provide for prompt deadlines. The procedure shall state the maximum time for response to an application or a request for reconsideration by the board.
(2) A decision on a proposed change shall be made in good faith and may not be unreasonable, arbitrary, or capricious.
(3) Notwithstanding a contrary provision of the governing documents, a decision on a proposed change may not violate any governing provision of law, including, but not limited to, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (Part 2.8 (commencing with Section 12900) of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), or a building code or other applicable law governing land use or public safety.
(4) A decision on a proposed change shall be in writing. If a proposed change is disapproved, the written decision shall include both an explanation of why the proposed change is disapproved and a description of the procedure for reconsideration of the decision by the board.
(5) If a proposed change is disapproved, the applicant is entitled to reconsideration by the board, at an open meeting of the board.
Full Breakdown
Civil Code §4765 requires HOAs to maintain a written architectural review procedure that is fair, reasonable, and expeditious. The HOA must provide the decision in writing with specific reasons for denial and an opportunity for reconsideration. The HOA board cannot delegate final decision to the architectural committee alone: the board retains ultimate authority. Critical state law limits on architectural review: Civ Code §714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits unreasonable restrictions on solar panels (must not reduce efficiency by more than 10% or add more than $1,000 to cost); Civ Code §4745 requires HOAs to allow EV charging stations; Civ Code §4735 prohibits restricting drought-tolerant or low-water landscaping; Civ Code §4735.5 (2022) prohibits restricting artificial turf in private yards. Master-planned Folsom HOAs (Broadstone, Empire Ranch, Russell Ranch) typically have active architectural review committees but must operate within these state law limits.
Violations & Fines
Unreasonable denial of solar: Civ Code §714 allows attorney's fees and injunctive relief to homeowner. Unlawful CC&R restrictions: void and unenforceable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Folsom HOA deny my solar panels?
Can the architectural committee alone approve my request?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Folsom
California rules heatmap·Compare Folsom to another location·View the California hoa rules overview
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Architectural Review in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle architectural review.