California's Solar Rights Act (Civil Code §714) protects homeowners in unincorporated San Diego County from HOA restrictions that effectively prohibit solar installations. HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions but cannot significantly increase cost or reduce efficiency.
California Civil Code Section 714 (Solar Rights Act) and Section 714.1 prohibit any CC&R provision that effectively prohibits or restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system. This applies to all HOAs in unincorporated San Diego County. HOAs can impose reasonable restrictions as long as they: do not significantly increase the cost of the system (generally less than $1,000 increase), do not significantly decrease the system's performance or efficiency (generally less than 10% reduction), and allow for an alternative system of comparable cost and efficiency. HOAs cannot require prior approval that unreasonably delays installation. Any CC&R provision violating the Solar Rights Act is void and unenforceable. AB 2188 further streamlines permitting requirements.
HOA restrictions that effectively prohibit solar are void under state law. Homeowners may recover attorney fees in actions to enforce their solar rights.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle hoa restrictions.
See how Elfin Forest's hoa restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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