San Francisco, CA HOA Rules: Architectural Review (2026)
Key Facts
- Response Deadline
- 60 days or auto-approved
- Solar Rights
- Civil Code 714 protections
- EV Charging
- Civil Code 4745 protections
- Fine Cap (2025)
- $100/violation under AB 130
- Standards
- Must be written and consistent
Summary
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.
4765. (a) This section applies if the governing documents require association approval before a member may make a physical change to the member's separate interest or to the common area. In reviewing and approving or disapproving a proposed change, the association shall satisfy the following: (1) The association shall provide a fair, reasonable, and expeditious procedure for making its decision... (2) A decision on a proposed change shall be made in good faith and may not be unreasonable, arbitrary, or capricious. (4) A decision on a proposed change shall be in writing. If a proposed change is disapproved, the written decision shall include both an explanation and a description of the procedure for reconsideration.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the HOA doesn't respond to my architectural request?
Can my San Francisco HOA block solar panel installation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
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