Rancho Cucamonga, CA Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- Civil Code 714
- Cost impact
- Max 10 percent
- Efficiency impact
- Max 10 percent
- Response time
- 45 days
- Attorney fees
- Recoverable
Summary
HOAs in Rancho Cucamonga cannot unreasonably restrict solar installations under California Civil Code 714. Restrictions cannot raise system costs by more than 10 percent or reduce efficiency by more than 10 percent.
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 Section 714, often called the Solar Rights Act, preempts homeowner association (HOA) restrictions that would significantly limit rooftop solar installations within Rancho Cucamonga subdivisions and planned communities such as those managed under the Victoria, Terra Vista, and Etiwanda planned developments. Under Section 714, an HOA cannot prohibit solar energy systems, and any architectural guidelines must be objective and cannot increase the cost of the system by more than 10 percent or decrease the efficiency of the system by more than 10 percent compared to the originally proposed design.
1 clarifies that HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions related to aesthetics and panel placement, but these must not have the effect of significantly impairing performance. HOAs must approve or deny applications within 45 days; failure to respond constitutes automatic approval. Disputes can be resolved through internal HOA procedures, mediation, or small claims court. Homeowners who prevail in court may recover attorney fees under Civil Code 714(f). Homeowners should document all HOA correspondence and proposed system specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
My HOA wants me to install panels on the back roof only. Can they?
How long can my HOA take to review my solar application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rancho Cucamonga
California rules heatmap·Compare Rancho Cucamonga to another location·View the California solar energy overview
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How other cities in San Bernardino County handle hoa restrictions.