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San Leandro, CA HOA Rules: Architectural Review (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Statute
Civ Code 4765
Decisions
In good faith, not arbitrary
Appeal
Right to appeal denial
Solar
Cannot ban (Civ 714)
Written Rules
Must be provided to members

Summary

HOA architectural review in San Leandro must follow Civil Code 4765. Written procedures, fair review, and timely decisions are required. Solar cannot be banned (Civ 714).

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 requirements:

(1) The association shall provide a fair, reasonable, and expeditious procedure for making its decision. The procedure shall be included in the association's governing documents. The procedure shall provide for prompt deadlines. The procedure shall state the maximum time for response to an application or a request for reconsideration by the board.

(2) A decision on a proposed change shall be made in good faith and may not be unreasonable, arbitrary, or capricious.

(3) Notwithstanding a contrary provision of the governing documents, a decision on a proposed change may not violate any governing provision of law, including, but not limited to, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (Part 2.8 (commencing with Section 12900) of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), or a building code or other applicable law governing land use or public safety.

(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 of why the proposed change is disapproved and a description of the procedure for reconsideration of the decision by the board.

(5) If a proposed change is disapproved, the applicant is entitled to reconsideration by the board, at an open meeting of the board.

(c) An association shall annually provide its members with notice of any requirements for association approval of physical changes to property. The notice shall describe the types of changes that require association approval and shall include a copy of the procedure used to review and approve or disapprove a proposed change.

Source: CA Civil Code 4765View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Civil Code 4765, HOAs must maintain fair, reasonable, and expeditious architectural review procedures provided to members in writing. Decisions must be made in good faith and not arbitrarily. Owners must receive written notice of the decision with reasons for denial and have the right to appeal to the board. Civil Code 714 prohibits HOAs from banning solar energy systems; restrictions that reduce system efficiency by more than 10 percent or increase cost by more than 1000 dollars are void.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my San Leandro HOA deny solar panels?
No. Civil Code 714 prohibits solar bans. Only reasonable aesthetic restrictions that dont significantly reduce efficiency are allowed.
How long does the HOA have to respond to my application?
Civil Code 4765 requires expeditious review. Most CC and Rs specify 30-60 days. Failure to respond can be deemed approval.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Leandro

All San Leandro rules

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