Under the California Solar Rights Act (Civil Code Β§714 and Β§714.1), HOAs in Sacramento cannot prohibit or unreasonably restrict solar energy system installations. Any HOA rule that effectively prevents installation or significantly increases cost is void and unenforceable. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic requirements that do not significantly reduce system efficiency or increase cost by more than $1,000.
The Solar Rights Act prohibits deed restrictions, CC&Rs, and HOA rules that effectively prohibit solar installations. HOAs cannot require pre-approval processes that take longer than 45 days. Any aesthetic requirements must not reduce system output by more than 10% or increase cost by more than $1,000. AB 2188 further streamlines the permitting process. The Solar Shade Control Act (Public Resources Code Β§25980-25986) provides additional protections by prohibiting neighbors from allowing trees or shrubs to shade an existing solar collector between 10 AM and 2 PM.
HOAs that unlawfully restrict solar installations can be held liable for actual damages and attorney fees under Civil Code Β§714. Homeowners may also seek injunctive relief in court to compel the HOA to allow installation.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle hoa restrictions.
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