Richmond, CA Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Solar Ban
- Civil Code 714 prohibits HOA solar bans
- Efficiency Threshold
- Restrictions void if 10%+ efficiency loss
- Approval Timeline
- HOAs must decide in 45 days (approval if not)
- Attorney Fees
- $1,000 civil penalty + attorney's fees
- Reasonable aesthetic rules
- Reasonable aesthetic rules allowed
Summary
California Civil Code 714 (the Solar Rights Act) voids HOA restrictions that significantly increase solar system costs or reduce efficiency by more than 10 percent, and applies fully to all Richmond HOAs.
(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.
(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.
Full Breakdown
California Civil Code Section 714, the Solar Rights Act, broadly protects homeowners' rights to install solar energy systems regardless of HOA covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). The law applies to every HOA in Richmond, including condo associations in Marina Bay, Hilltop, Point Richmond, and other planned developments. HOAs cannot prohibit solar installations outright. Any restriction that significantly increases system cost (currently defined as more than $1,000 for solar PV or reduces efficiency by more than 10%) is void and unenforceable. , paint conduit to match roof, require flush-mount where feasible) so long as those restrictions do not cross the cost/efficiency thresholds.
HOAs must approve or deny applications within 45 days; failure to respond constitutes approval. 1 specifically covers common-area installations. Civil Code 4600 requires approval procedures be spelled out in governing documents. Violations can expose HOAs to civil penalties of $1,000 and attorney's fees. AB 2188 extends similar streamlining to local governments. Condominium associations have additional rules under CC&Rs for common roofs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Richmond HOA ban solar?
What if my HOA won't approve my solar application?
Does this apply to condo buildings with shared roofs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richmond
California rules heatmap·Compare Richmond to another location·View the California solar energy overview
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HOA Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle hoa restrictions.