Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

For residential properties
For other properties, see Start Your Project
Updated: 03/18/2026

A Level 1 charging station does not require a permit. A Level 2 station requires an electrical permit; depending on the manufacturer, it may also require a mechanical permit. It is easy to get the permit/s online.

DEFINITIONS

EV charging stations are classified as follows:

Level 1 - Uses a standard 120-volt outlet.
Level 2 - Uses a 240-volt outlet.
Level 3 - Also called DC fast chargers, these use a 480-plug to provide direct current (DC) electricity to the battery. These are not allowed on residential properties.
Level 4 - Over 480-volt - These ultra-fast chargers are for specialized vehicles or heavy-duty fleets. Not allowed on residential properties.

Level 1 Charging Station Installation - No permit is required unless it entails installing a new outlet, in which case, an electrical permit is required — see Electrical Projects.

Level 2 Charging Station Installation - Requires an electrical permit. If the manufacturer specifies use of mechanical ventilation, a mechanical permit is also required. Follow the Level 2 Inspection Requirements below.

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.

How to Apply

Single-family/duplex properties - Obtain an online permit as instructed below.

Multifamily properties - Apply at SJPermits.org only if installing a charging station in an assigned parking space. For any other installation, see Commercial Properties-EV Charging Stations.

Online Permit at SJPermits.org

Go to SJPermits.org.
Use the Application Wizard to be guided to the correct process and permit.
You may secure multiple permits, if needed, with one application.
SJPermits presents the fee and enables online payment; for more info, see Building Fees.
After payment, you will be able to download the Permit Card.
For help, first see Help for SJPermits. If you still need assistance, use Submit a Help Ticket.

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.

All projects - 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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