HOAs in LA County may require architectural approval for exterior modifications under their CC&Rs, but California law limits restrictions on solar panels, drought-tolerant landscaping, EV charging stations, and ADUs.
Under the Davis-Stirling Act, HOA boards may establish architectural review committees to approve exterior modifications per the CC&Rs. However, California law limits HOA authority in several areas. Civil Code §714 prohibits unreasonable restrictions on solar energy systems. Civil Code §4735 bars HOAs from prohibiting drought-tolerant landscaping or requiring turf in common interest developments. Government Code §65852.2 preempts HOA restrictions that effectively prohibit ADUs. Civil Code §4745 requires HOAs to allow EV charging stations. Architectural review decisions must be made within 60 days of application submission or are deemed approved. Denials must be in writing with specific reasons. The review process must be outlined in the CC&Rs or board-adopted rules distributed to all members.
Unauthorized modifications without architectural approval may result in fines per the HOA's schedule, typically $50–$200 per violation, and requirements to restore the original condition at the owner's expense.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Lancaster, CA
Lancaster prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and towe...
Lancaster, CA
Lancaster regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new co...
Lancaster, CA
Lancaster regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Lancaster, CA
Lancaster requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Lancaster, CA
Lancaster requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Lancaster, CA
Lancaster restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisa...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle architectural review.
See how Lancaster's architectural review rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.