California's Solar Rights Act (Civil Code §714) severely limits HOA restrictions on solar energy systems. HOAs in Bakersfield cannot prohibit solar installations and may only impose reasonable restrictions that do not significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency. Any restriction that reduces system output by more than 10% is presumed unreasonable.
Under Civil Code §714, HOAs cannot prohibit solar energy systems. Restrictions that increase installation cost by more than $1,000 or reduce efficiency by more than 10% are void and unenforceable. HOAs may require approval of placement but cannot unreasonably delay the process. CC&Rs enacted after January 1, 2014 that effectively prohibit solar are void. The Solar Rights Act also prevents cities from enacting ordinances that unreasonably restrict solar. AB 2188 further limits HOA interference with residential rooftop solar permitting.
HOAs that violate the Solar Rights Act may be liable for actual damages and reasonable attorney fees. Homeowners can challenge unreasonable solar restrictions in court. HOA fines for compliant solar installations are unenforceable under state law.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield Municipal Code 6.04.230 prohibits keeping any animal, bird, or fowl that by sound or cry unreasonably disturbs the peace or interferes with the c...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 9.22 prohibits any loud, unnecessary noise that disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood, or that causes discomfort...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not generally ban overnight street parking, but BMC 10.40.010 makes it unlawful for any vehicle (operable or not) to remain parked on a publ...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not restrict year-round lawn ornaments (statues, gnomes, flamingos, religious figures, sports themes) on residential property. There is no p...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not regulate residential inflatable holiday displays by size, lighting, or motor noise. They qualify as seasonal decorations exempt under BM...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield's outdoor lighting standards exempt seasonal decorations as long as they are not in use for more than 60 consecutive days. Residential lots zoned...
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