Burbank, CA Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- CA Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act)
- HOA Power
- Cannot unreasonably restrict
- Efficiency
- Cannot reduce by >10%
- Aesthetic Rules
- Reasonable requirements allowed
Summary
CA Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar panel installation. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic requirements but cannot effectively prohibit solar. Any restriction reducing system efficiency by more than 10% is void.
714. (a) Any covenant, restriction, or condition contained in any deed, contract, security instrument, or other instrument affecting the transfer or sale of, or any interest in, real property, and any provision of a governing document, as defined in Section 4150 or 6552, that effectively prohibits or restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system is void and unenforceable. (b) This section does not apply to provisions that impose reasonable restrictions on solar energy systems. However, it is the policy of the state to promote and encourage the use of solar energy systems and to remove obstacles thereto.
Full Breakdown
Most states have enacted solar access or solar rights laws that limit HOA restrictions on solar panel installations. These laws typically prevent HOAs from banning rooftop solar systems outright or imposing conditions that significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency. HOAs may have reasonable aesthetic guidelines such as preferred placement, color matching, and screening from street view, but cannot effectively prohibit installation. Architectural review committees must use objective criteria. Ground-mounted systems may face more HOA restrictions than roof-mounted panels. Battery storage systems may have separate HOA guidelines. CC&R provisions that contradict state solar access laws are generally unenforceable.
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Burbank
California rules heatmap·Compare Burbank to another location·View the California solar energy overview
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HOA Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle hoa restrictions.