Newport Beach, CA Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)

Newport Beach has numerous planned communities and HOA-governed neighborhoods where solar installations intersect with architectural review requirements. California Civil Code Section 714 (Solar Rights Act) and Section 714.1 prohibit any covenant, restriction, or condition that effectively prevents or significantly increases the cost of installing a solar energy system. HOAs may require architectural review but must approve applications within 45 days or the installation is deemed approved. Any HOA-imposed conditions must not increase the system cost by more than $1,000 or decrease its efficiency by more than 10%. HOAs cannot require ground-mounted systems when rooftop is feasible, mandate specific panel colors that significantly increase cost, or impose setbacks from roof edges beyond code requirements. Residents should submit an architectural application to their HOA concurrent with the city building permit application. If the HOA denies or unreasonably conditions the application, homeowners may proceed under the Solar Rights Act and seek legal remedies. California AB 2188 further requires local governments not to apply conditions exceeding state standards. Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act (Civil Code 4746) reinforces solar rights in CIDs.