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.
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. Approval processes must be completed within a set timeframe, typically 30 to 60 days. 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.
HOA fines for non-compliance with aesthetic guidelines: varies by CC&Rs. Installing without HOA approval where required: typically $50 to $200 fines until resolved. HOA illegally blocking solar: homeowner may recover legal costs.
Santa Monica, CA
Backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Monica with restrictions. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas due to noise. Livestock keeping is restricted b...
Santa Monica, CA
Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas in Santa Monica. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks. The city enforces leash laws through ...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica does not impose breed-specific legislation. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Ag Code §30500+. Dangerous dog determinations are based on i...
Santa Monica, CA
Feeding wildlife in Santa Monica public parks and beaches is discouraged. The city's property maintenance code addresses nuisance conditions from wildlife at...
Santa Monica, CA
Portable fire pits on private property in Santa Monica must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. Burns are prohibited on spare-the-air days. Beach fires...
Santa Monica, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones near Santa Monica must maintain defensible space per CA PRC §4291. Santa Monica itself is largely urban/coastal with limited ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle hoa restrictions.
See how Santa Monica's hoa restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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