California HOAs may require architectural review for exterior modifications under CC&R provisions. The Davis-Stirling Act requires written standards, consistent application, and a 60-day response deadline. Solar energy systems and electric vehicle charging stations cannot be unreasonably restricted under Civil Code 714 and 4745.
San Francisco HOAs with architectural review committees (ARCs) must follow Davis-Stirling Act requirements. Written architectural guidelines must be made available to all members. The ARC must apply standards consistently and cannot arbitrarily deny requests. Under Civil Code Section 4765, the HOA must respond to an architectural application within 60 days or the request is deemed approved. Solar energy systems are protected under Civil Code 714 (the Solar Rights Act), which prohibits unreasonable restrictions that increase cost by more than $1,000 or decrease efficiency by more than 10%. Civil Code 4745 similarly protects EV charging station installations. San Francisco's local Planning Code (Article 1.2, Section 311) may also require city planning review for exterior alterations in historic districts, creating dual review layers for some properties. Homeowners must comply with both HOA and city requirements.
Unauthorized modifications may result in fines up to $100 per violation per day under AB 130 (2025). The HOA may require removal of non-conforming work. Disputes may be submitted to internal dispute resolution (Civil Code 5900) before litigation.
San Francisco, CA
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See how San Francisco's architectural review rules stack up against other locations.
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