Ownership and Land Use, 15% of the examination
Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs)
Recorded private restrictions governing the use of land, often within a subdivision or common interest development.
CC&Rs are private controls, not zoning. They can regulate use, design, maintenance, and common obligations, but an unlawful discriminatory covenant is unenforceable. When public zoning and a valid private restriction differ, the owner must comply with both, which means the more restrictive rule controls the proposed use.
Test the distinction
A relevant question from Ownership and Land Use, selected because its facts or explanation use this concept.
A CC&R prohibits fences over four feet. The zoning ordinance permits six feet. Which controls?
Written to DRE's published topic list. Not a real examination question, since reproducing those is a misdemeanor under B&P Code section 123.
Primary sources
Use these authorities when a course summary, forum answer, or older flashcard conflicts with the current California rule.