California's Solar Rights Act (Civil Code §714) strongly protects homeowners' right to install solar energy systems. HOAs in Fresno cannot prohibit solar panel installations and may only impose reasonable restrictions that do not increase system cost by more than $1,000 or reduce efficiency by more than 10%. AB 1410 further strengthened protections by preventing HOAs from requiring pre-approval that unreasonably delays installation.
The Solar Rights Act applies to all common interest developments in California. HOAs may require notice of installation but cannot require advance approval that takes more than 45 days. Aesthetic requirements such as panel color matching or placement preferences are permitted only if they do not significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency. CC&Rs that effectively prohibit solar are void and unenforceable. The Act also protects solar water heating and small wind systems. Any HOA-imposed conditions must be in writing and specify the factual basis for the restriction.
HOAs that violate the Solar Rights Act face potential lawsuits by homeowners. Courts may award actual damages, attorney's fees, and costs. HOA members can also pursue internal dispute resolution through the Davis-Stirling Act.
Fresno, CA
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Fresno, CA
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Fresno, CA
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Fresno, CA
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Fresno, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Fresno County.
See how other cities in Fresno County handle hoa restrictions.
See how Fresno's hoa restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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