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Santa Clara, CA HOA Rules: Board Procedures (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing law
Davis-Stirling Act
Civil Code
Sections 4000-6150
Meeting notice
4 days regular, 2 exec
Minutes
Available within 30 days
Elections
Secret ballot, independent inspector

Summary

HOA boards in Santa Clara must follow the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act, California Civil Code 4000 and following, which governs meeting notice, open sessions, minutes, and executive session limits.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), the association shall give notice of the time and place of a board meeting at least four days before the meeting. (b) (1) If a board meeting is an emergency meeting held pursuant to Section 4923, the association is not required to give notice of the time and place of the meeting. (2) If a nonemergency board meeting is held solely in executive session, the association shall give notice of the time and place of the meeting at least two days prior to the meeting. ... (c) Notice of a board meeting shall be given by general delivery pursuant to Section 4045. (d) Notice of a board meeting shall contain the agenda for the meeting.

Source: California Civil Code 4000View official code

Full Breakdown

Homeowner associations in Santa Clara operate under the Davis-Stirling Act, California Civil Code sections 4000 through 6150, which establishes statewide rules for board governance. Boards must provide at least four days notice for regular member meetings and two days for executive sessions, post agendas, and conduct business in open session with limited exceptions for litigation, personnel, contracts, member discipline, and assessment hearings (Civil Code 4935). Minutes of open meetings must be available to members within 30 days, and boards cannot take action by email outside a noticed meeting except in genuine emergencies documented at the next meeting. Directors owe fiduciary duties to the association and must comply with the governing documents and state law. Annual elections must follow secret ballot procedures under Civil Code 5100 and following, with independent inspectors of elections.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much notice must the board give for meetings?
California Civil Code 4920 requires at least four days notice for regular member meetings and two days for executive sessions.
Can the board vote by email?
No. Davis-Stirling prohibits email or outside-meeting votes except in genuine emergencies that must be ratified at the next open meeting.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Santa Clara

All Santa Clara rules

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Board Procedures in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Santa Clara County handle board procedures.

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