Citrus Heights, CA Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Law
- Civil Code §714
- Cost Trigger
- $1,000+ increase = void
- Efficiency Trigger
- 10%+ reduction = void
- HOA Deadline
- 45 days to act
- Remedy
- Civil action + attorney fees
Summary
California Civil Code §714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs in Citrus Heights from banning solar panels. Restrictions that increase cost by $1,000+ or reduce efficiency by 10%+ are void. HOAs may require reasonable aesthetic conditions that don't significantly impair function.
(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. Accordingly, reasonable restrictions on a solar energy system are those restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency or specified performance, or that allow for an alternative system of comparable cost, efficiency, and energy conservation benefits. [...] (f) Any entity, other than a public entity, that willfully violates this section shall be liable to the applicant or other party for actual damages occasioned thereby, and shall pay a civil penalty to the applicant or other party in an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).
Full Breakdown
The Solar Rights Act (Civil Code §714 and §714.1) protects homeowners from HOA and CC&R restrictions that would prohibit or significantly restrict solar energy systems. The law applies statewide including all Citrus Heights HOAs. Restrictions are 'unreasonable' (and therefore void) if they (1) significantly increase system cost, over $1,000 for solar PV or $1,000 for solar thermal, or (2) significantly decrease system efficiency, more than 10% reduction in performance. AB 2104 (2014) strengthened protections: HOAs cannot require approval be unreasonably withheld and must act on applications within 45 days. HOA architectural committees can impose reasonable, non-function-impairing conditions like color matching of mounting hardware, but they cannot relocate panels to sub-optimal roof faces if doing so meaningfully reduces output. Civil Code §4745 similarly protects EV charging stations. Enforcement is via civil action; prevailing homeowners can recover attorney's fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA force me to put panels on the back of my house?
What if the HOA ignores my application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Citrus Heights
California rules heatmap·Compare Citrus Heights to another location·View the California solar energy overview
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HOA Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle hoa restrictions.