California Civil Code §714 (Solar Rights Act) preempts HOA rules that unreasonably restrict solar energy systems. HOAs cannot impose restrictions that significantly raise cost (>$1,000 for solar water heating, >$1,000 for PV) or reduce efficiency by more than 10%.
The Solar Rights Act overrides conflicting CC&Rs and design guidelines. HOAs may require architectural review but cannot deny solar based on aesthetics alone. Approval/denial must occur within 45 days of complete application; missing the deadline counts as approval. The 2017 amendments extended these protections to common-area installations for residents. Civ. Code §4600 requires modifications to common areas to be approved by 67% of members.
Homeowners may sue HOAs for violations; treble damages plus attorneys' fees recoverable under Civ. Code §714(f).
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Santa Cruz, CA
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Santa Cruz, CA
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