Civil Code section 714 voids HOA covenants and rules that prohibit or unreasonably restrict residential solar energy systems, preempting private and local restrictions.
California's Solar Rights Act, codified primarily at Civil Code section 714, declares that any covenant, restriction, or condition contained in any deed, contract, or governing document of a common interest development that effectively prohibits or restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system is void and unenforceable. HOAs may impose reasonable restrictions, defined as those that do not significantly increase cost (over $1,000 for solar water heating or $1,000 for photovoltaic, with some inflation adjustments) or significantly decrease efficiency (more than 10 percent). Civil Code section 714.1 limits associations' ability to require approval for systems on owner-exclusive use areas. AB 634 (2017) further restricts HOA control over solar on common-area roofs of multifamily buildings.
HOA enforcement of void restrictions exposes associations to attorney fee awards under Civil Code 714(f). Owners may seek injunctive relief and damages. Statewide preemption applies regardless of local ordinances.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Visalia, CA
Visalia prohibits dogs that bark excessively and disturb neighbors. Animal Control investigates complaints and may cite owners of persistently barking dogs.
Visalia, CA
Visalia regulates noise under Municipal Code Section 8.36. The city establishes exterior and interior noise level standards with stricter limits during night...
Visalia, CA
Visalia limits construction noise in residential areas to daytime hours. Construction activities are generally permitted between 7 AM and 7 PM on weekdays an...
Visalia, CA
Visalia has no blanket citywide overnight parking ban, but Visalia Municipal Code 10.16.190 authorizes the City Manager to post 'all-night parking prohibited...
Visalia, CA
Visalia Municipal Code 10.16.210 prohibits parking commercial vehicles with an unladen weight over 5,000 pounds in residential districts, except briefly for ...
Visalia, CA
Visalia requires vehicles to be parked on improved surfaces. Parking on unimproved areas like grass or dirt in residential zones is prohibited.
See how Visalia's hoa restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.