HOA architectural review committees in Mountain View must follow Davis-Stirling rules requiring fair, written standards and procedures, and cannot prohibit solar, EV charging, or low-water landscaping.
Under California Civil Code 4765, HOA architectural review must use fair, reasonable, and written procedures and cannot unreasonably withhold approval. Decisions must be in writing with specific reasons for denial, and owners must have an appeal process. State law limits the scope of HOA control over certain improvements: Civil Code 714 protects solar installations, Civil Code 4745 protects EV charging stations, and Civil Code 4735 prohibits bans on low-water landscaping. Davis-Stirling also restricts HOA interference with clotheslines, drought-tolerant plants, and personal agriculture. Major exterior changes generally require advance approval and may be subject to design guidelines.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle architectural review.
See how Mountain View's architectural review rules stack up against other locations.
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