Galt HOA architectural review follows Civil Code 4765: fair, written, appealable decisions. Solar (CC 714), EV charging (4745), and low-water landscaping (4735) are protected and cannot be banned.
Civil Code 4765 mandates HOAs adopt written architectural guidelines, provide fair review, give written decisions with reasons for denial, and allow the applicant to appeal to the board. Review committees must act within the time specified in the CC&Rs; failure to act typically equals approval. Solar installations are protected under Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act) and HOAs cannot prohibit or impose restrictions costing more than 1,000 dollars or reducing efficiency more than 10 percent. Electric vehicle charging stations are protected under Civil Code 4745. Low-water landscaping is protected under Civil Code 4735; HOAs cannot require turf during declared droughts. Satellite dishes under 1 meter are protected under FCC OTARD rule.
Improper denial: Member can sue under Civil Code 4765, recover attorney fees. Solar denial may trigger Civil Code 714 penalties up to 1,000 dollars per violation.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle architectural review.
See how Galt's architectural review rules stack up against other locations.
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