Rialto, CA Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)

California Civil Code section 714 (the Solar Rights Act) and Civil Code 4600 make unenforceable any HOA provision that effectively prohibits or unreasonably restricts installation of solar energy systems. This applies to all master-planned HOAs in San Bernardino County including Chino Hills, Etiwanda, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, and Victorville communities. HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions only if they do not significantly increase cost (defined as more than $1,000 over system cost) or significantly decrease efficiency (more than 10 percent reduction in output). Architectural review must be completed within 45 days or approval is automatic under Civil Code 714(e)(2)(B). HOAs cannot require screening, relocation to less efficient areas, or use of specific aesthetic shingles that reduce output. Civil Code 4746 extends these protections to common area rooftops in multifamily condominiums, giving individual owners the right to install solar on their exclusive-use common area roof with reasonable allocation of roof area. HOAs may set reasonable aesthetic standards like color-matched conduit, ground-mount setbacks, and screening of ground-mount equipment from street view if such measures do not significantly impair system performance or increase cost. Violations may result in civil penalties up to $1,000 per Civil Code 714(f).