Get A Quote

What You’ll Need for a EV Charging Permit in California

The following is an excerpt from our Guide to California EV Charging Station Permitting Guide. Download it here. 

The State of California recently adopted two bills to help streamline the electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) permit approval process. Specifically,

  • Assembly Bill 1236: Requires all California cities and counties to develop an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS).
  • Assembly Bill 970: Adds specific binding timelines to the permit review process based on the project size. It also clarifies building parking requirements, allowing charging stations to be counted as parking spaces. 

Included with these bills is a mandate to offer an online checklist of items needed to submit a complete EVCS application. And while requirements can vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, below is a list of the items you’ll most likely to be asked for as part of application. But, be sure to check your city or county’s website before submitting your application. 

 

Application Information

  • Applicant name
  • Property owner name
  • Contractor name
  • Location address
  • Application and fees—Date of payment
  • City business license number
  • California contractor’s license number
  • Classification

 

Application Submittal Requirements

Your project plans may need to include the following:

  • Description of the size, location and number of EV chargers proposed. 
  • Project valuation
  • Description
  • Site plan and floor plans.
  • Single line electrical diagram. 
  • Manufacturer’s equipment specifications and installation instructions. 
  • Electrical service load calculations for the entire building, including EV unit(s) or energy management switch details. 
  • A separate mechanical permit application, if ventilation will be required for the station.

 

Application Technical Details

You’ll also be asked to provide technical details, including: 

  • EVSE Charging Level:
    • Level 1 (120V)
    • Level 2 (240V)
    • Level 3 (480V)
  • Maximum Rating of EV service equipment (kW)
  • Voltage for EVSE (V)
  • Manufacturer of EVSE
  • Mounting of EVSE:
    • Wall mount
    • Pole pedestal mount
    • Other
  • System Voltage: 
    • 120/240V 1ϕ, 3W
    • 120/208V, 3ϕ, 4W
    • 120/240V, 3ϕ, 4W
    • 277/480V, 3ϕ, 4W
    • Other
  • Rating of Existing Main Electrical Service Equipment (AMPs)
  • Rating of Panel Supplying EVSE (if not directly from main service) (AMPs)
  • Rating of Circuit for EVSE (AMPs/Poles)
  • AIC Rating for EVSE Circuit Breaker (if not single family, 400A) (A.I.C.)
  • EVSE Rating (AMPs x 1.25)
  • Minimum Ampacity of EVSE Conductor (AWG)

EVSE = Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment

 

For additional information on California EV Charging Station permits, download our full guide here. Or, if you want help securing EV Charging Station permit approvals, let’s schedule a time to discuss your project.

Schedule Time to Talk