HOAs in Los Angeles must follow written architectural review procedures under the Davis-Stirling Act. Associations must adopt and distribute guidelines, provide prompt deadlines for reviewing applications, and issue decisions in writing. Solar energy systems, EV charging stations, satellite dishes, and drought-tolerant landscaping cannot be unreasonably restricted under California law. Review decisions must be made in good faith and applied consistently.
Under the Davis-Stirling Act, HOAs must adopt written architectural review procedures included in their governing documents or rules. These procedures must provide prompt deadlines for review — if the association fails to respond within the stated timeframe, the application is deemed approved in most cases. Homeowners must submit detailed plans for proposed exterior modifications to the architectural committee, which evaluates proposals against established guidelines in good faith. California law provides specific protections that override HOA restrictions: Civil Code §714 protects solar energy systems (HOAs cannot prohibit or unreasonably restrict them), Civil Code §4745 protects EV charging station installation in owner parking spaces, Government Code §4500 limits restrictions on drought-tolerant landscaping, and Federal law protects satellite dishes under 1 meter. Architectural decisions must be in writing, stating reasons for any denial. Decisions must be applied consistently across all members. Homeowners may appeal denials through internal dispute resolution (IDR) per Civil Code §5900.
Improper denial of protected modifications (solar, EV, satellite): association liable for attorney fees and damages. Failure to respond within deadline: application deemed approved. Arbitrary or inconsistent decisions subject to legal challenge.
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