Solar Guidelines
Definition. Solar Energy System: A heating panel or an electrical
power producing panel that uses solar energy as a power souce.
CA Civil Code 714 (excerpts)
714. (a) Any covenant, restriction, or condition contained in any
deed, contract,...or other instrument affecting the transfer or sale
of, or any interest in, real property that effectively prohibits or
restricts the installation or use of a solar energy system is void and
unenforceable.
714. (b) This section shall not apply to provisions which impose
reasonable restrictions on solar energy systems. ...it is the
policy...to promote and encourage the use of solar energy systems and
to remove obstacles thereto. Accordingly, 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, or that allow for an
alternative system of comparable cost, efficiency, and energy
conservation benefits.
714. (d) For the purposes of this section:
(1) "Significantly" means an amount exceeding 20% of the cost of
the system or decreasing the efficiency of the solaer energy system by
an amount exceeding 20%, as originally specified and proposed.
Valencia Rules and Regulations
Solar Panels
Solar Panel Approval:
Architectural Committee approval must be obtained prior to commencement
of installation of solar panels. (See Appendix A or Click here to view
a form, or click here to download a form).
Below Fence: Rear-yard
solar panels shall not extend above the fence.
Panel Visibility:
Rear-yard solar collectors shall not be visible from ground level of
adjoining lots.
Rooftop Panels: Solar
collectors may be mounted on the roof only if no other reasonable (as
determined by CA Civil Code 714(d)(1)) location can be used
Terra-Cotta Solar Collectors:
Terra-cotta colored collector panel are approved for rooftops.
Limited Street View-lines:
Rooftop solar panels shall be minimally visible from street level.
View-line Neighbor Notification:
All neighbors with view-lines of a rooftop installation must be
notified using the Neighbor Notification form.
Debris Accumulation:
Solar panels and surrounding roof areas shall be kept free of debris
and in good condition.
Examples of Solar Panels
An approved rooftop installation in Valencia
Terra-Cotta Panels Residential Example
Black Solar Panels - not approved for Valencia Rooftops
