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.

• For single-family residential and duplex properties, this work qualifies for a Same-Day permit with no plans required.

• For all other properties, one (1) set of electronic plans digitally-signed by the designer/architect, contractor, or homeowner responsible for preparing the plans (see requirements) is required. All plans must be legible.

Permit Required

A building permit and electrical permit are required. 

Cost

Permit fees (includes inspections):

• For single-family residential and duplex properties: $500
• For multifamily residential properties: $100 to $150 per unit, depending on if an electrical service panel upgrade is required.
• For nonresidential properties: $3,000 to $6,200, based on construction valuation (cost of labor and materials) of $100,000 to $280,000 respectively.

Timeline

Typical Time to Receive Permit:

• For same-day: 1 business day
• For all others: 7 business days

Process

For all multifamily residential and nonresidential properties: 

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

• Provide a clear written scope of work that notes the type of charging station to be installed (Level 1, 2, or DC Fast Charging) and the proposed power level (proposed circuit rating).
• Provide a site plan 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 with a label on whether it serves an assigned parking space, a common shared parking space, and/or a public housing facility. NOTE: Any EV charger installed to serve a shared parking location must remain available to all tenants, owners, employees, and guests of the parking facility.
  • Pathway for electrical connection to EV charger.
  • For nonresidential properties, show compliance with accessibility requirements per CBC Chapter 11B, including path of travel.
  • Any equipment subject to physical damage shall be protected by approved means per CEC Section 110.27(B).
• The plans must show compliance with the California Electrical Code (CEC) and, for new construction, compliance with the Mountain View Green Building Code.
• If any rated assemblies are proposed to be penetrated as part of the EV charger installation, include the rated penetration details on the plans. 
• If signage is required for the EV Charger, include details in the plan setof the signage.
• Provide manufacturers cut sheets and listing information for all UL listed equipment and components.
• Any plan prepared for a multifamily residential, mixed-use, or nonresidential property must be prepared by a licensed Architect/Engineer.

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 and open in accordance with CEC Section 110.25.

Electrical Service/Service Disconnect

Per City Code Section 8.44.10:

• For single-family homes, ADUs, and duplexes, the service disconnect shall have a rating of not less than 100 amps. If installing a new service panel, it must be a 3-wire accommodated on a minimum electrical service panel size of 200 amps. 
• For all other properties, the service disconnect shall have a rating of not less than 60 amps. If installing a new service panel, it must be accommodated on a minimum service panel size of 100 amps.

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.