Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

For commercial, industrial, and multifamily properties
For other properties, see Start Your Project
Updated: 03/30/2026

Referenced Codes
California Electrical Code, Article 625
San Jose Municipal Code, Chapter 17.88

Commercial/industrial properties installing a Level 2 or higher charging station must submit plans to obtain the permit/s.

Multifamily properties installing a Level 2 charging station in an assigned parking space may obtain the electrical permit online; see instructions. If the installation is not in an assigned parking space, use the instructions below.

DEFINITIONS

EV charging stations are classified as follows:

Level 1 charging station - Uses a standard 120-volt outlet to charge an EV. No permit is required unless a new outlet is needed, which requires an electrical permit.

Level 2 charging station - Uses a standard 240-volt outlet to charge an EV. An electrical permit is required. If the manufacturer specifies use of mechanical ventilation, a mechanical permit is also required. Follow the Level 2 Inspection Requirements below.

Level 3 charging station (DC fast charger) - Uses a 480-volt plug to provide direct current (DC) electricity to the battery. These are not allowed on residential properties.

Level 4 charging station - These are ultra-fast chargers for specialized vehicles or heavy-duty fleets. These are not allowed on residential properties. These installations require complex engineering review for site development, grid interconnection, and adherence to California's strict high-voltage safety standards.

Permit Process

Design Considerations

Important: Read the common Design Considerations before you create any plans or start a project. These can affect the design, location, and permitting of the project.

Get Ready to Apply

Who can apply? We recommend that the applicant be a licensed contractor. See Who Can Apply for a Building Permit for others who may apply. Whoever signs the building permit application is responsible and potentially liable for all activity under the permit. See Owner-Builders Beware!

SJPermits can help. At SJPermits.org, you can pay fees, schedule inspections, check the status of a permit, and find permit records and property information. An SJPermits account is required only if you are applying for an online permit or for projects that require Standard Plan Review.

Prepare the Permit Application Package

Who can prepare plans? While some plans may be prepared by anyone, we recommend working with professionals. Inaccurate plans will require resubmittals and more fees. Accurate plans save time and money. See Plans That Require an Architect or Engineer.

Forms may require digital signatures. See Digital Forms & Signatures for help.

REQUIRED

> Building Permit Application - See instructions.

> As appropriate to the type of property, include:
- Multifamily Projects Submittal Checklist
- Commercial & Industrial Projects Submittal Checklist

> Create plans following the instructions of the Plan Review Submittal Package - Commercial, Industrial, Multifamily. Include:

Electrical Plan

Must comply with current California Electrical Code and Municipal Code Chapter 17.88
For electrical service panels affected by the addition of the charging stations, show: existing load, added load, and revised calculated load.
Calculated loads of chargers are considered continuous loads. The overcurrent protection for feeders and branch circuits supplying equipment shall have a rating not less than 125% of the maximum load of the equipment.
Where an automatic load management system is used, the maximum equipment load on a service and feeder shall be the maximum load permitted by the automatic load management system.

Site Plan

Grading and Drainage - Do not alter existing bioswales, retention basins, or other stormwater treatment systems unless necessary; minimize any such alterations. Show any necessary grading or drainage work.
Landscaping - Any displaced landscaping must be restored or replaced. Avoid removing trees, but if necessary, obtain a tree removal permit in all cases.
Lighting - Show any proposed new lighting, which must be “dark sky friendly.” See the City's Lighting Policy.
Accessibility - Show compliance with California Building Code Chapter 11B, specifically Chapter 11B228.3 and 11B-812 for accessibility requirements and Chapter 11B, Table 11B228.3.2.1 for minimum number of Accessible EV Charging Stations.

Alternative: If the installation of Accessible EV Charging Stations per CBC 11B-228.3 creates an unreasonable hardship or is technically infeasible, accessible stations may be installed at existing accessible parking spaces containing the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) on the site. When the number of accessible stations installed equals 100% of the existing Accessible Parking Spaces required by Chapter 11B – Table 11B-208.2, no additional accessible charging stations will be required on the existing parking facility.
Equipment Anchorage - Show required equipment support and anchorage as described in Equipment Suspended or Mounted on Roofs, Floors, or Walls.

IF APPLICABLE

> Planning clearance for properties listed on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory - For assistance, Submit a Help Ticket to Planning or speak with a City planner.

> Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Verification of Information Form - Submit if the property owner is the permit applicant.

> This project may be subject to a refundable Construction and Demolition Diversion Deposit (CDDD).

How to Apply

Use the Standard Plan Review Service. Also check if the project will require a Planning permit; if yes, you can apply for the planning permit and building permit simultaneously, but approval of the Planning permit is required prior to the issuance of the building permit.

Standard Plan Review Service

See "Prepare the Permit Application Package."

You will submit the project plans online using SJPermits and SJePlans. A City plan reviewer will review the plans and send comments to the ePlan Applicant through SJePlans. After the plans are approved and final fees are paid, then the building permit will be issued. Follow these instructions:

* Standard Plan Review Service *

How long will plan review take? See Plan Review Time Frames.

We look forward to serving you.

Additional Requirements

The following project features cannot be permitted under EV streamlining pursuant to AB 1236 and AB 970 and require additional review and permitting:

Construction of New Buildings and Structures – The construction of any new buildings or structures that are not required for critical infrastructure for the installation of EV charging stations requires the issuance of a Site Development Permit from the Planning Division pursuant to Section 20.100.610 of the Zoning Code. Building Division and Fire Department review is also required for the construction of any new buildings or structures.
Demolition of Buildings and Structures – The demolition of any existing buildings without replacement requires the issuance of a Special Use Permit from the Planning Division pursuant to Section 20.80.440 of the Zoning Code. Building Division and Fire Department review is also required for the demolition of any existing buildings.
Removal or Replacement of 5,000 square feet or more of impervious surface – The removal and/or replacement of 5,000 square feet or more of impervious surface for the installation of EV chargers and associated infrastructure requires the issuance of a Planning Permit Adjustment as well as review and approval of a Stormwater Control Plan. See Stormwater Management Measures.
Installation of Parking Canopies – The installation of parking canopies over any parking spaces requires the issuance of a Site Development Permit from the Planning Division. If solar infrastructure is included on canopies, then no Planning approval is required. Building Division and Fire Department review is still required for the installation of any canopies.
Installation of Vehicle Gates – The installation of new vehicle gates (electric or manual) requires the issuance of a Site Development Permit from the Planning Division as it will result in a change in vehicle circulation (Section 20.100.500.A.2). Building Division and Fire Department review is also required for the installation of any new vehicle gates.
Installation of New Fencing - Any new fencing that is less than seven feet in height requires the issuance of a Planning Permit Adjustment. Fencing over seven feet in height, or that restricts egress from a site, requires the issuance of a Site Development Permit from Planning and review by the Building Division and Fire Department (Section 20.200.1240). Barbed wire, razor wire, and spiked fences are expressly prohibited.
Changes to Vehicle Circulation – Any changes to vehicle circulation, including removal or addition of driveways, requires the issuance of a Site Development Permit (Section 20.100.500.A.2).
24-Hour and Late-Night Uses – Are you proposing to operate a stand-alone EV charging station that is open to the public and will operate between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 AM? If so, check the Zoning of your property to determine if additional permitting is required.
- If your project is located in a Residential Zoning District, as listed in Chapter 20.30 of the Zoning Code, 24-hour and late-night uses are expressly prohibited
- If your project is located in a Commercial Zoning District, as listed in Chapter 20.40 of the Zoning Code, a Conditional Use Permit is required for late-night uses.
- If your project is located in an Urban Village , Downtown, or Mixed-Use Zoning District, as listed in Chapter 20.55 or Chapter 20.70 of the Zoning Code, a Special Use Permit is required for late-night uses.
- If your project is located in an Industrial Zoning District, as listed in Chapter 20.50 of the Zoning Code, and is located within 150 feet of a residentially zoned property, a Conditional Use Permit is required for late-night uses.
- If your project is located in a Planned Development Zoning District, please contact a Planner at (408) 535-3555.
- To determine zoning, see Zoning Map.

For assistance
Submit a Help Ticket to Planning
Or to speak with a City planner, see Planning Division - Phone Service.
Visit Planning Applications for processes and forms.

Inspections

You will be issued a Permit Card that lists required inspections. Schedule inspections at SJPermits.org or call 408-535-3555 for assistance.

Be ready — read Inspection Success.

The Permit Card must always be on-site and available to the inspector.
Have plans and manufacturer instructions, if any, available.
Ensure there is access to all areas of the project work; provide a ladder if one is needed.

Level 2 installations - Meet the Level 2 Inspection Requirements below.

Inspections at multifamily properties - If any rated assemblies will be penetrated as part of the charging station installation, at the time of inspection, be ready to provide the rated penetration details to the City inspector.

Level 2 Inspection Requirements

For a Level 2 installation, at the time of inspection, provide the following to the City Inspector:

UL listing number or the listing number of another approved nationally recognized testing laboratory in compliance with UL2202: “Standard for Electric Vehicle Charging System Equipment.”
Panel rating, charging load, and circuit size. Specify the panel rating of the existing electrical service, for example, 200 amp service, at the residence. Indicate the EV charging system load and circuit size. Please note:

EV charging loads are considered continuous and overcurrent protection for feeders and branch circuits supplying equipment shall have a rating not less than 125% of the maximum load of the equipment (California Electrical Code Article 625.41).
Load calculations must include 125% of the maximum EV charging load and be provided when the service panel rating is 125 amperes or less (California Electrical Code Article 220).
Electrical panel upgrades and electrical wiring must conform with the current edition of the California Electrical Code.

3. Second meter. Indicate if a second electric meter will be installed due to special electric utility rates available for EV charging.

4. Location of utility panel and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). Show the location of the utility panel and EVSE. Be sure that the location is in accordance with the manufacturer’s written guidelines; see also the illustration below:

For multifamily properties, this illustration pertains only to units with assigned garages.

Graphic showing preferred locations of EVSE equipment with proximity to the Utility Panel.

Questions?

We are here to help — visit, call, or email us. See Contacts sidebar.

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