Palm Springs, CA Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Solar Ban
- Civil Code 714 overrides HOA solar bans
- 45-day approval deadline
- 45-day approval deadline or deemed approved
- Cost Threshold
- Cost impact limit: $1,000
- Efficiency Threshold
- Efficiency impact limit: 10%
- Common Area
- AB 634 covers condo common-area roofs
Summary
California Civil Code Section 714 prohibits HOAs from banning solar installations or imposing restrictions that significantly increase cost (over $1,000) or decrease efficiency (over 10%). HOAs may require reasonable aesthetic conditions but cannot effectively prohibit solar. This applies to all Palm Springs HOAs including condo and mid-century tract communities.
(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.
(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.
(2) For an approving entity that is an association, as defined in Section 4080 or 6528, and that is not a public entity, both of the following shall apply:
(A) The approval or denial of an application shall be in writing.
(B) If an application is not denied in writing within 45 days from the date of receipt of the application, the application shall be deemed approved, unless that delay is the result of a reasonable request for additional information.
(f) Any entity, other than a public entity, that willfully violates this section shall be liable to the applicant or other party for actual damages occasioned thereby, and shall pay a civil penalty to the applicant or other party in an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).
Full Breakdown
Palm Springs has hundreds of HOA-governed condominium, townhome, and single-family communities including Canyon Country Club, Deepwell Estates, Twin Palms, and many mid-century modern neighborhoods. California Civil Code Section 714 renders void and unenforceable any HOA covenant, condition, or restriction that effectively prohibits or restricts the installation of a solar energy system. HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions that do not significantly increase cost (defined as over $1,000 added above the system price) or significantly decrease efficiency (over 10% reduction in output). HOAs must approve or deny applications within 45 days or the application is deemed approved.
Reasonable conditions may include panel location, wiring routing, color matching, and review fees not exceeding actual costs. HOAs cannot require relocation to a less efficient roof plane if the shift reduces output more than 10%. For common area roofs (typical in condos), AB 634 (Civil Code 4746) requires HOAs to allow owners to install solar serving their own unit. Disputes go to the Department of Consumer Affairs or civil court. Owners in historic HOAs must still clear both HOA and city Historic Site Preservation Board review.
Frequently Asked Questions
My HOA denied my solar application. What can I do?
Can Palm Springs HOAs block solar panels?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Springs
California rules heatmap·Compare Palm Springs to another location·View the California solar energy overview
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HOA Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle hoa restrictions.