California Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits Santa Clara HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar installations; only modest cost/performance-based conditions allowed.
California Civil Code Section 714, the Solar Rights Act, preempts HOA covenants that effectively prohibit or significantly restrict solar energy systems, applying fully in Santa Clara. HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic and safety conditions only if they do not increase system cost by more than $1,000 or decrease system performance by more than 10 percent for photovoltaic systems (SB 1399 updates). HOAs cannot require panels be hidden from view, limited to rear roof surfaces, or painted to match roofing in ways that reduce output beyond thresholds. Civil Code 4600 governs exclusive-use common area modifications to allow rooftop solar on condominium-owned roof space. Disputes are typically resolved through internal HOA dispute resolution or small claims court.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle hoa restrictions.
See how Santa Clara's hoa restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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