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Do You Need a Permit for EV Charger Installation in Santa Clara County?

Installations & Repairs
As the amount of electric vehicles in the streets continues to grow, more and more homeowners and businesses in Santa Clara County are choosing to install their own EV chargers. However, installing an EV charger is not as simple as plugging it in. Depending on the type of charger and your exact location, you may need a permit. That is why it is incredibly important to understand local regulations and codes. In this article we will explain if you need a permit for EV charger installation in Santa Clara, the types of permits that exist, and the steps you need to take to make your installation up to code.

Why Permits Are Necessary for EV Charger Installations

Electric vehicle chargers require significant electrical capacity, especially Level 2 chargers, which are the most commonly installed home chargers. Because of this, improper installation can pose safety risks, including electrical fires and power overloads. That is precisely why we have local building and electrical codes. Every installation has to be safe not just for the owner but also for the people surrounding them. So, permits provide a way for the county to verify that the work is performed by a qualified professional and was following regulations.

Understanding the Different Types of EV Chargers

Before getting to the process of getting the permit, it’s important to understand the types of EV chargers out there:
1. Level 1 Chargers: These are the most basic chargers. They plug into a standard 120-volt outlet and deliver slow charging—it takes up to 20 hours to get the car fully charged. No additional wiring or electrical capacity is needed for these chargers, so a permit is generally not required.
2. Level 2 Chargers: These chargers operate on a 240-volt circuit and significantly reduce charging times. With this type your car would take from 4 to 8 hours for a full charge. Installing a Level 2 charger usually involves running new wiring and potentially upgrading your electrical panel, so as you can guess, the permit is absolutely needed.
3. DC Fast Chargers: These are the chargers that are primarily used in public charging stations. They operate on a 480-volt system and charge a vehicle in just under an hour. Installing a DC fast charger at home is uncommon and requires substantial electrical upgrades, for which multiple permits are required.

Do You Need a Permit for EV Charger Installation in Santa Clara County?

In Santa Clara County, permits are generally required for the installation of Level 2 and DC fast chargers. During the process you have to take into consideration the California Electrical Code, the California Building Code, and other local specifics that are unique to every town.

Permit Requirements by Charger Type

1. Level 1 Charger: These ones use a standard outlet, so they typically do not require a permit unless additional electrical work is needed. This could be anything such as installing a dedicated circuit.
2. Level 2 Charger: A permit is almost always required for a Level 2 charger. Because this type of installation usually involves:
• Adding a 240-volt circuit;
• Upgrading your electrical panel (if needed);
• Installing additional wiring.
3. DC Fast Charger: For this kind of charger, you don;t need just one permit. Since they use high voltage, a person or organization willing to install it needs multiple inspections and approvals from both building and utility authorities will be necessary.

The Permit Process in Santa Clara County

Okay, you have established whether or not you need a permit. Now you have to understand the process. Here’s a general overview of the steps you need to take:
1. Consultation and planning: Start by consulting with a licensed electrician familiar with local codes and EV charger installations. They can evaluate your home’s electrical system, determine whether upgrades are needed, and advise on the most appropriate charger type for your needs.
2. Application submission: Once the planning is complete, you or your electrician will need to submit a permit application to your local building department. If you live in an incorporated city within Santa Clara County, like San Jose, Cupertino, or Palo Alto, you’ll apply to that city’s building department. Unincorporated areas fall under the jurisdiction of the Santa Clara County Department of Planning and Development.
3. Plan review: The building department will review your plans to ensure they comply with electrical and safety codes. They may require detailed information, including load calculations, site plans, and wiring diagrams.
4. Permit issuance: Once your plans are approved, a permit will be issued. The permit fee varies depending on the scope of the installation and the specific requirements of your city or county.
5. Installation: With the permit in hand, the installation can proceed. It’s essential that a licensed electrician performs the work to ensure safety and compliance.
6. Inspection: After installation, an inspection is required to verify that the work meets all safety and code requirements. The inspector will check the wiring, the placement of the charger, and ensure the installation aligns with the approved plans.
7. Final approval: Once the inspection is complete and any required corrections are made, the permit is finalized. Your installation is now legally compliant and ready for use.

Specific Requirements in Santa Clara County Cities

Each city within Santa Clara County may have slightly different permit requirements, fees, and processes. Below are a few examples:
• San Jose: San Jose typically requires a building permit and an electrical permit for Level 2 charger installations. The city’s online portal makes it easier to submit applications and track progress.
• Sunnyvale: In Sunnyvale, the permit application process includes submitting electrical load calculations to ensure your home’s capacity can handle the added demand. They also require a site plan showing the charger’s location relative to your home’s electrical panel.
• Palo Alto: Palo Alto requires both a building permit and compliance with their Green Building Ordinance for EV charger installations. This ordinance ensures that energy efficiency measures are in place.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to obtain the necessary permits can lead to several issues:
• Fines and Penalties: Unpermitted work can result in fines or orders to remove the installation.
• Safety Risks: Improper installations increase the risk of electrical hazards, endangering your home and family.
• Resale Complications: Unpermitted installations can complicate future home sales, as buyers may require that the installation be inspected and brought up to code before closing the sale.

Conclusion

In Santa Clara County, installing an EV charger—especially a Level 2 or DC fast charger—typically requires a permit. This process ensures that your installation is safe, meets electrical code requirements, and is legally compliant. The key steps involve consulting with a qualified electrician, submitting the necessary applications, and undergoing inspections to verify the quality of the work. While the process may seem complex, following these guidelines can save you from potential fines, safety risks, and costly future upgrades. And if you don't want to bother with all that paperwork, we can do that for you—contact us for more details!