Civil Code section 714 voids HOA covenants and rules that prohibit or unreasonably restrict residential solar energy systems, preempting private and local restrictions.
California's Solar Rights Act, codified primarily at Civil Code section 714, declares that any covenant, restriction, or condition contained in any deed, contract, or governing document of a common interest development that effectively prohibits or restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system is void and unenforceable. HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions, defined as those that do not significantly increase cost (over $1,000 for solar water heating or $1,000 for photovoltaic, with some inflation adjustments) or significantly decrease efficiency (more than 10 percent). Civil Code section 714.1 limits associations' ability to require approval for systems on owner-exclusive use areas. AB 634 (2017) further restricts HOA control over solar on common-area roofs of multifamily buildings.
HOA enforcement of void restrictions exposes associations to attorney fee awards under Civil Code 714(f). Owners may seek injunctive relief and damages. Statewide preemption applies regardless of local ordinances.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Madera, CA
City of Madera Code §3-11.01 prohibits any unnecessary noise that is physically annoying to a person of ordinary sensitivity, or which is harsh, prolonged, u...
Madera, CA
Amplified music, DJs, and outdoor speakers in Madera are governed by §3-11.01 (unlawful noise) and Chapter 11's party-response provisions. Madera Police can ...
Madera, CA
The City of Madera has not adopted a gas leaf-blower ban. Leaf blowers must comply with §3-11.01's unnecessary-noise standard and California's statewide AB 1...
Madera, CA
Under Madera City Code §5-1.26, any dog (or other animal) that habitually or continually disturbs the peace of any neighborhood by barking, howling, or yelpi...
Madera, CA
The City of Madera does not publish a numeric construction-hours table; construction noise is enforced under the §3-11.01 unnecessary-noise standard plus Bui...
Madera, CA
Madera Title V (Traffic) restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential zones to active loading/unloading periods. Long-haul rigs, dump trucks, and comm...
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