Electric Vehicle Chargers

A permit is required to install a Level 1 or Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charger, which must be obtained prior to the start of work. Approval is limited to health and safety review under local, State, and federal laws.

• Submit one (1) set of 11" x 17" plans digitally-signed by the designer/architect, contractor, or homeowner responsible for preparing the plans (see requirements). All plans must be legible.

Permit Required

A building permit and electrical permit are required. 

Cost

Permit fees (includes inspections): $250.

Timeline

Typical Time to Receive Permit: 7 business days

Process

1. Submit for your building permit online.
2. After your submission (during prescreen), City staff will contact you with the fee amount owed, based on your project scope, and instructions for online fee payment.
3. City staff will review your permit for completeness and compliance weeks within 3 business days. If any information is incomplete or incorrect, City staff will provide you comments and ask you to resubmit.
4. You will need to reply to the city's comments with revised information or missing materials as part of your resubmittal online.
5.  City Staff will review your resubmittal in 3 business days to confirm you have addressed all of the City comments. If additional reviews and resubmittals are required, each additional cycle of review is 3 business days for the City to give you comments. 
6. Once you have a complete and compliant permit, the City will issue you a building permit. This allows you to start construction of your project. 
7. During installation, your contractor can schedule City inspections online.
8. On-site inspections are completed by a City Building Inspector. The building permit is finaled upon completion of the installation and a final inspection by the City Building Inspector.

Requirements

Plans

• Show compliance with the current California Electrical Code (CEC).
• Provide a site plan with a complete and clear written scope of work, showing the location of:
  
  • Existing or proposed structure(s) for which the EV charger shall be affixed.
  • Parcel dimensions and outline.
  • Label street frontage(s) and access.
  • Location and size (amps) of main service panel.
  • Location and size (amps) of electrical subpanel - existing and/or proposed.
  • Location of EV charger.
  • Pathway for electrical connection to EV charger.
• Provide manufacturers cut sheets and listing information for all UL listed equipment and components.

Electrical Plan

Provide a single electrical line diagram showing the following items:

• Existing or proposed main service panel size (amps) and panel schedule.
• Dedicated circuit for EV charger.
• Wiring method and sizing.
• Grounding and disconnect.
• All exterior electrical enclosures to be minimum 3R or similar.

Load Calculations

Provide the load calculation breakdown showing compliance with:

• CEC Article 625 and NEC 220 for your project design.
• Overcurrent protection for feeders and branch circuits supplying equipment, which must be sized for continuous duty and shall have a rating of no less than 125% of the maximum load equipment.
• For equipment rated more than 60 amperes or more than 150 volts to ground, the disconnecting means must be provided and installed in a readily accessible location. The disconnecting means must be lockable open in accordance with 110.25.

Electrical Service/Service Disconnect

Per City Code Sections 8.51(C) and (D), if you require an electrical panel upgrade to accommodate improvements at your property (such as an EV Charger), then your new electrical panel must be a minimum of 200 amps for a single-family home or 125 amps for a duplex or accessory dwelling unit.

EXCEPTION: If you have a load management system and can demonstrate adequate electrical supply, the City may grant its use as an alternative means to the minimum electrical panel service.

Discuss Your Project

Ensure your permit application is complete on your first submission. Discuss your project with a member of our Staff to get your questions answered.