Fontana, CA HOA Rules: Architectural Review (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing statute
- Civil Code 4765
- Appeal rights
- Required
- Solar preemption
- Civil Code 714
- EV charging
- Civil Code 4745
- Native plants
- Civil Code 4735
Summary
Fontana HOAs must follow Davis-Stirling architectural review rules (Civil Code 4765) requiring written procedures, fair decisions, appeal rights, and respect for state law exemptions like solar.
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.
(c) An association shall annually provide its members with notice of any requirements for association approval of physical changes to property. The notice shall describe the types of changes that require association approval and shall include a copy of the procedure used to review and approve or disapprove a proposed change.
Full Breakdown
Under California Civil Code 4765, homeowners associations with architectural approval authority must adopt and distribute procedures that ensure fair and consistent application of guidelines. Procedures must include a process for member applications, written decisions within a reasonable time, written explanation of denials, and an appeal mechanism. Boards cannot unreasonably withhold approval. State law preempts HOA authority in several areas: solar energy systems (Civil Code 714 and 714.1), electric vehicle charging stations (Civil Code 4745), ADUs and junior ADUs (Civil Code 4751), water-efficient landscaping during drought emergencies (Civil Code 4735), artificial turf (Civil Code 4735), and personal agriculture (Civil Code 4750). Even protected modifications may be subject to reasonable aesthetic guidelines that do not significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency. Fontana HOAs must keep written decisions on file and report annual architectural decisions to members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Fontana HOA reject solar panels?
Can I appeal an HOA denial?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fontana
California rules heatmap·Compare Fontana to another location·View the California hoa rules overview
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How other cities in San Bernardino County handle architectural review.