Santa Monica, CA Solar Energy: HOA Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- HOA Bans
- Prohibited by state law
- State Law
- CA Civil Code §714
- Restrictions
- Only reasonable ones allowed
- Cost Impact
- Cannot significantly increase cost
Summary
CA Civil Code §714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs from banning solar panels in Santa Monica. HOAs may only impose reasonable restrictions that do not significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency of solar installations.
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 ... 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. 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.
Full Breakdown
Most states have enacted solar access or solar rights laws that limit HOA restrictions on solar panel installations. These laws typically prevent HOAs from banning rooftop solar systems outright or imposing conditions that significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency. HOAs may have reasonable aesthetic guidelines such as preferred placement, color matching, and screening from street view, but cannot effectively prohibit installation. Architectural review committees must use objective criteria. Ground-mounted systems may face more HOA restrictions than roof-mounted panels. Battery storage systems may have separate HOA guidelines. CC&R provisions that contradict state solar access laws are generally unenforceable.
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California solar energy overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
HOA Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle hoa restrictions.