San Leandro, CA HOA Rules: Architectural Review (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.
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?
How long does the HOA have to respond to my application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Leandro
California rules heatmap·Compare San Leandro to another location·View the California hoa rules overview
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