Civil Code section 714 voids HOA covenants and rules that prohibit or unreasonably restrict residential solar energy systems, preempting private and local restrictions.
California's Solar Rights Act, codified primarily at Civil Code section 714, declares that any covenant, restriction, or condition contained in any deed, contract, or governing document of a common interest development that effectively prohibits or restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system is void and unenforceable. HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions, defined as those that do not significantly increase cost (over $1,000 for solar water heating or $1,000 for photovoltaic, with some inflation adjustments) or significantly decrease efficiency (more than 10 percent). Civil Code section 714.1 limits associations' ability to require approval for systems on owner-exclusive use areas. AB 634 (2017) further restricts HOA control over solar on common-area roofs of multifamily buildings.
HOA enforcement of void restrictions exposes associations to attorney fee awards under Civil Code 714(f). Owners may seek injunctive relief and damages. Statewide preemption applies regardless of local ordinances.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Ridgecrest, CA
Aircraft noise in Ridgecrest is regulated by the FAA and the adjacent Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake (NAWS). Local ordinances do not govern military or...
Ridgecrest, CA
Ridgecrest prohibits unnecessary noise that disturbs residents under its municipal code. Quiet hours are generally enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM in residential...
Ridgecrest, CA
Persistent barking that constitutes a nuisance is prohibited under the Ridgecrest Municipal Code. Ridgecrest Animal Control responds to barking dog complaints.
Ridgecrest, CA
Construction noise in Ridgecrest is restricted to daytime weekday and Saturday hours under the RMC. No construction is permitted on Sundays without special a...
Ridgecrest, CA
Ridgecrest regulates street parking under Chapter 15 (Traffic and Vehicles) of the RMC. Certain streets have time-restricted or prohibited parking zones.
Ridgecrest, CA
Large commercial vehicles parked in residential zones in Ridgecrest are subject to RMC zoning and traffic regulations.
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