Fremont HOA architectural committees must follow Civil Code 4765 fair procedures and cannot prohibit solar panels (CC 714) or low-water landscaping (CC 4735).
HOA architectural review procedures in Fremont are governed by California Civil Code 4765 which requires written procedures available to members, notice to owners of decisions, and a fair right to be heard. Decisions must be made in good faith, not arbitrarily, and consistent with the CC&Rs and design guidelines. Under Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act), an HOA cannot unreasonably restrict solar energy systems on a home; restrictions that significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency are void. Civil Code 4735 prohibits HOAs from restricting low-water-using plants and synthetic turf where permitted. AB 1764 protects installation of EV charging stations under CC 4745. Architectural committees must rule on complete applications within a reasonable time, typically 30-60 days depending on the CC&Rs.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle architectural review.
See how Fremont's architectural review rules stack up against other locations.
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