Victorville, CA HOA Rules: Architectural Review (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- Civil Code 4765
- Solar panels
- Protected by Civil Code 714
- Native plants
- Protected by Civil Code 4735
- EV charging
- Protected by Civil Code 4745
- ADUs
- Protected by Gov Code 65852.2
Summary
Victorville HOA architectural review must follow Civil Code 4765 with written standards and a written appeal process. State law preempts bans on solar, drought landscaping, and native plants.
(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 California Civil Code 4765 every HOA architectural review must be conducted in good faith using written standards that are fair, reasonable, and applied consistently. The association must notify applicants in writing of decisions within the time frame in the governing documents, provide reasons for denials, and offer an appeal to the board. Davis-Stirling preempts several common HOA restrictions: Civil Code 714 protects solar energy systems from unreasonable restrictions, Civil Code 4735 prohibits HOAs from banning low-water or California-native plants in drought periods, Civil Code 4745 allows electric vehicle charging stations, Government Code 65852.2 protects accessory dwelling units, and Civil Code 4753 protects personal agriculture in backyards. HOAs cannot deny Old Glory flag displays or political signs within the owner's exclusive-use area. Complex paint and roof decisions should be submitted with full specs to minimize disputes. Contact a Davis-Stirling attorney when a denial seems arbitrary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Victorville HOA ban solar panels?
Can the HOA ban drought-tolerant landscaping?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Victorville
California rules heatmap·Compare Victorville to another location·View the California hoa rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Architectural Review in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle architectural review.