San Leandro, CA Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- Civil Code 714
- Efficiency rule
- >10% reduction void
- Cost rule
- >$1,000 increase void
- HOA review
- 45 days max
- Ban
- Preempted statewide
Summary
California Civil Code 714 Solar Rights Act preempts HOA bans on solar panels. Restrictions that reduce output >10% or cost >$1,000 are void.
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.
(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.
(f) Any entity, other than a public entity, that willfully violates this section shall be liable to the applicant or other party for actual damages occasioned thereby, and shall pay a civil penalty to the applicant or other party in an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).
Full Breakdown
The California Solar Rights Act (Civil Code §714) prohibits homeowners' associations and CC&Rs from banning or unreasonably restricting residential solar installations. 'Unreasonable' is statutorily defined as any restriction that decreases the system's efficiency by more than 10% or increases cost by more than $1,000 for solar PV ($2,000 for solar thermal). HOA architectural review must be completed within 45 days. HOAs retain the right to impose reasonable aesthetic conditions that do not meet the unreasonable-restriction threshold. Civil Code §4600 also limits HOA authority over exclusive-use common area modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA ban solar panels?
What if HOA delays approval?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Leandro
California rules heatmap·Compare San Leandro to another location·View the California solar energy overview
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HOA Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle hoa restrictions.