Costa Mesa, CA Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing Law
- CA Civil Code §§714, 714.1
- Cost Impact Limit
- Cannot exceed $1,000 increase
- Efficiency Limit
- Cannot reduce by >10%
- HOA Review Period
- 45 days max
- Non-Response
- Deemed approved after 45 days
Summary
California's Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 protect Costa Mesa homeowners from unreasonable HOA restrictions on solar panel installations. HOAs may impose only reasonable restrictions that do not increase system cost by more than $1,000 or decrease efficiency by more than 10%, and must review applications within 45 days.
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.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
1 (the Solar Rights Act) prohibit HOA CC&Rs from effectively banning solar energy systems. AB 2188 (effective January 1, 2015) strengthened these protections by defining what constitutes a significant restriction. An HOA restriction is considered unreasonable if it increases the cost of the solar energy system by more than $1,000 or decreases its efficiency by more than 10 percent. HOAs must review and approve or deny solar energy system applications within 45 days of submission (reduced from the previous 60-day window). If an HOA fails to respond within 45 days, the application is deemed approved.
HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions related to aesthetics as long as they do not significantly impact cost or efficiency. Costa Mesa has adopted an expedited solar permitting process consistent with these state protections. HOAs cannot require homeowners to use specific contractors, require additional insurance beyond what is standard, or impose unreasonable design requirements that would significantly impact system performance or cost. Violations of the Solar Rights Act by an HOA may entitle the homeowner to actual damages, attorney fees, and costs.
Violations & Fines
HOAs that impose unreasonable restrictions on solar installations may face legal action from homeowners under the Solar Rights Act. Homeowners may recover actual damages plus attorney fees. Contact the California Department of Consumer Affairs or a real estate attorney for enforcement assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Costa Mesa HOA ban solar panels?
How long does my HOA have to respond to my solar application?
What can I do if my Costa Mesa HOA unreasonably blocks my solar panels?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Costa Mesa
California rules heatmap·Compare Costa Mesa to another location·View the California solar energy overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
HOA Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle hoa restrictions.