Governor Schwarzenegger has signed a bill authored by Assemblyman Cameron Smyth that prohibits Home Owners Associations (HOAs) and Common Interest Developments (CIDs) from barring homeowners from installing solar energy and solar water heating systems.

¡°I am very pleased that I received such great bi-partisan support on this significant piece of legislation,¡±

said Smyth.  ¡°With Californians facing record heat waves, the ability to utilize solar power is a very important option for homeowners.¡±

Civil Code 714 currently prohibits CIDs/HOAs from including language in their declarations and other recorded documents that bans the installation of solar energy systems.  However, the prohibition in CC 714 does not include the governing }documents/operating rules of a CID /HOA.  This bill clarified the ambiguity to guarantee that these documents are included in the CC 714 prohibition.  

¡°The solar power option is truly a win/win for the people of California.  It will allow them to reduce their energy costs while at the same time helping the environment.¡±