Ontario, CA Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights)
- Cost cap
- Max $1,000 added cost
- Efficiency
- Max 10% output reduction
- Review
- 45 days deemed approved
Summary
California Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act) bars Ontario HOAs from banning rooftop solar, and aesthetic rules cannot add over 1,000 dollars in cost or cut output by more than 10 percent.
Civil Code - CIV. 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. Accordingly, reasonable restrictions on a solar energy system are those restrictions that do not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency or specified performance, or that allow for an alternative system of comparable cost, efficiency, and energy conservation benefits. (d) For the purposes of this section: (1) (A) For solar domestic water heating systems or solar swimming pool heating systems that comply with state and federal law, "significantly" means an amount exceeding 10 percent of the cost of the system, but in no case more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or decreasing the efficiency of the solar energy system by an amount exceeding 10 percent, as originally specified and proposed. (B) For photovoltaic systems that comply with state and federal law, "significantly" means an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) over the system cost as originally specified and proposed, or a decrease in system efficiency of an amount exceeding 10 percent as originally specified and proposed. (e) (1) Whenever approval is required for the installation or use of a solar energy system, the application for approval shall be processed and approved by the appropriate approving entity in the same manner as an application for approval of an architectural modification to the property, and shall not be willfully avoided or delayed.
Full Breakdown
California Civil Code 714 (the Solar Rights Act, amended by AB 2188) preempts homeowner association covenants and governing documents that effectively prohibit or significantly restrict residential solar energy systems. Ontario HOAs including Ontario Ranch planned communities may review placement and aesthetics, but cannot impose restrictions that increase installation cost by more than 1,000 dollars or reduce system output by more than 10 percent. HOA review must be completed within 45 days of a complete application, and silence is deemed approval under AB 2188. Civil Code 4600 also requires HOAs to allow exclusive-use common-area installations (such as townhome roofs) with reasonable conditions. HOAs may require insurance, indemnification, and licensed installers. Disputes may be filed with the California Department of Real Estate or pursued in Superior Court; prevailing homeowners are entitled to attorneys fees under Civil Code 714(f). Ontario City staff do not mediate HOA disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA require panels on the back of the roof?
What if my HOA ignores my application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ontario
California rules heatmap·Compare Ontario to another location·View the California solar energy overview
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HOA Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle hoa restrictions.