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
California Civil Code §4000 et seq. (Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act) governs HOA operations statewide. Civil Code §714 (solar), §1947.12 (AB ...
Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz Municipal Code Ch. 6.100 prohibits natural gas infrastructure in newly constructed buildings as a climate measure tied to local sea-level-rise and...
Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz Municipal Code Ch. 6.110 (Prohibition of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers) bans gas-powered leaf blowers citywide as a climate-action measure. Adopted by ...
Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz Municipal Code Ch. 5.22 (Mobile Vendors) regulates food trucks and other mobile vending businesses. Mobile vending permits are required under §5.8...
Santa Cruz, CA
Drone operation in Santa Cruz must comply with FAA Part 107 (commercial) or Recreational Pilot rules. Local parks and beaches operate under §13 (Parks and Re...
Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz IZO §24.12.100 sets minimum building-site standards; lot coverage limits are established in each zone district under §24.10. Lots within Floodplai...
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