Alameda County HOAs cannot prohibit solar under CA Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act). Only reasonable restrictions are allowed that do not significantly reduce efficiency or raise cost.
The California Solar Rights Act (Civil Code 714) voids any HOA rule that effectively prohibits or restricts solar energy systems. Reasonable restrictions are allowed only if they do not significantly decrease efficiency (defined as more than 10 percent reduction in output or more than 1,000 dollars increase in cost for photovoltaic systems). AB 634 (2017) clarified that HOAs cannot require solar on common roofs to go through full architectural review that effectively blocks installations. The HOA must approve or deny applications within 45 days, and failure to respond constitutes approval. HOAs in Dublin Ranch, Ruby Hill Pleasanton, and other Alameda County planned communities have lost challenges in court when they denied solar for purely aesthetic reasons. Homeowners may recover attorney fees and actual damages plus a civil penalty of up to 1,000 dollars for willful violations.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Castro Valley, CA
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Alameda County, CA
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Alameda County, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle hoa restrictions.
See how Castro Valley's hoa restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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