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Do you need a permit to install an EV charger in San José?

For a Level 2 (240-volt) charger, yes. The City of San José requires an electrical permit, and a mechanical permit too if the manufacturer specifies mechanical ventilation. A Level 1 charger on a standard outlet needs no permit.1

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The short version

Level 1, 120 volts: no permit

A Level 1 charging station does not require a permit, unless installing it means adding a new outlet. A new outlet needs an electrical permit.1

Level 2, 240 volts: electrical permit

A Level 2 station requires an electrical permit. If the manufacturer specifies mechanical ventilation, a mechanical permit is also required. The City says it is easy to get the permits online.1

Level 3 and 4: not at home

DC fast chargers (Level 3) and ultra-fast chargers over 480 volts (Level 4) are not allowed on residential properties.1

How the EV charger permit works

The City's own steps, in order.1

  1. Pick the level

    Level 1 uses a standard 120-volt outlet. Level 2 uses a 240-volt outlet.

  2. Check the panel and the circuit

    Write down the panel rating of the existing service, for example 200 amps, the charger's load, and the circuit size. These go to the inspector.

  3. Apply online

    Single-family and duplex homes: go to SJPermits.org and use the Application Wizard. One application can secure more than one permit. The system shows the fee, you pay online, and you download the Permit Card.

  4. Install to code

    Wiring and any panel upgrade must follow the current California Electrical Code. Place the charger and utility panel as the manufacturer's written guidelines say.

  5. Inspect

    The permit card lists the inspections. Schedule them at SJPermits.org or call 408-535-3555. Have the charger's UL listing number ready. See our inspection scheduling guide.

Load, panel and what the inspector wants

Continuous load, 125 percent
EV charging loads are continuous. Overcurrent protection for the feeders and branch circuits must be rated at least 125 percent of the equipment's maximum load, under California Electrical Code Article 625.41.1 For example, a charger that draws 32 amps at full load needs a circuit rated for at least 40 amps.
Load calculation
If the service panel is rated 125 amps or less, you must provide a load calculation that includes 125 percent of the maximum EV charging load.1
Panel upgrade
The City page sets no minimum panel size for a charger. Any electrical panel upgrade and wiring must conform to the current California Electrical Code. If the calculation shows the panel is too tight, see electrical panel upgrades in San José.1
UL listing
At inspection, provide the charger's UL listing number, or the listing number of another approved nationally recognized testing laboratory, in compliance with UL 2202, the standard for electric vehicle charging system equipment.1
Second meter
Tell the inspector if a second electric meter will be installed for special utility rates for EV charging.1
Condos and townhomes
Apply at SJPermits.org only if the charger is in an assigned parking space. Other multifamily installs follow the City's commercial EV charging process. If a rated assembly will be penetrated, have the rated penetration details ready for the inspector.1

Adding an EV charger? We handle the permit and the work.

Tell us about the house and the charger. We check the panel, pull the electrical permit and schedule the inspection through final.

  • The city and the age of the house
  • The charger you picked, or the car
  • Where the panel and the parking spot are

Prefer to talk? Call (408) 667-4946 or send a text. Office hours: Monday to Friday, 7 am to 3 pm.

David and Tristan, the owners, stay involved from the first walkthrough to the final check. We reply the same business day, Monday to Friday.

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EV charger permits: common questions
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger in San Jose?
For a Level 2 charger, yes. The City of San José says a Level 2 station (240 volts) requires an electrical permit, and a mechanical permit too if the manufacturer specifies mechanical ventilation. A Level 1 charger on a standard 120-volt outlet needs no permit, unless you are installing a new outlet, which needs an electrical permit.
Can I install a fast charger at my house?
No. The City says Level 3 chargers (DC fast chargers) and Level 4 chargers (over 480 volts) are not allowed on residential properties.
Will I need a panel upgrade for an EV charger?
Not always. The City page sets no minimum panel size. At inspection you give the panel rating, the charging load and the circuit size. EV charging counts as a continuous load, so the breaker and wiring must be rated at least 125 percent of the charger's maximum load. If the service panel is 125 amps or less, a load calculation that includes 125 percent of the maximum charging load is required. Any panel upgrade must follow the current California Electrical Code.
What does the inspector ask for?
The UL listing number of the charger, or the listing number of another approved nationally recognized testing laboratory, in compliance with UL 2202. You also provide the panel rating, charging load and circuit size, whether a second electric meter will be installed, and the locations of the utility panel and the charger, in line with the manufacturer's written guidelines.
How do I apply, and what about a condo or townhome?
Single-family and duplex properties get the permit online at SJPermits.org with the Application Wizard. You pay the fee online and download the Permit Card. At a multifamily property you apply at SJPermits.org only if the charger goes in an assigned parking space. Any other multifamily installation follows the City's commercial EV charging process.

Sources

This page explains the City's published rules for residential EV charger permits. The City decides what applies to your property. Check the City page for current details.