Otis Singleton
Electric vehicles are the future of transport, and as their popularity grows, so does the need for accessible charging stations. Installing electric vehicle charging stations at home or as part of a larger project requires an electrical permit, and the process can vary depending on your location. Some cities, like Oakland, have an Online Permit Center, where you can register and apply for permits. Other cities, like Philadelphia, require you to submit an application for an Electrical Permit, including plans and associated fees. Understanding the specific requirements of your city or county is essential, as jurisdictions have the flexibility to determine their own permitting checklist. This article will guide you through the process of filling out an electric vehicle service equipment permit application, ensuring you have the knowledge to smoothly navigate the transition to electric vehicles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application Process | Online |
| Application Requirements | Completed application form, signed contract between owner and licensed electrical contractor, billing statement, executed contract, copy of signed standard if filed under EVC permit standard, optional Accelerated Plan Review Request form, separate building permit for all interior and exterior renovations |
| Application Review Time | Up to 21 days for permits for more complex installations; shorter processing times possible if overtime review is requested |
| Application Fee | $25 for each $1000 or fraction thereof of estimated electrical construction cost |
| Payment Methods | Credit/debit cards, electronic checks, cash, checks, money orders |
| Permit Validity | 1 year |
| Permit Requirements | Varies from project to project; may include anchoring work, structural engineering design review, and submission of a Building Worksheet |
| Permit Checklist | Combined requirements and guidance into a single checklist document or separate documents |
| Permit Streamlining | Jurisdictions required to adopt streamlined permitting procedures, including a streamlining ordinance and checklist |
| Supporting Documents | All associated plans and documents, completed Request for Overtime Plan Check form for requesting overtime staff hours for expedited review |
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Permit requirements
Registration and Application Submission:
Firstly, register and activate an account on the relevant Online Permit Center. For residential projects involving 1-2 residential units, apply for a Residential Electrical Permit. For commercial or large residential projects with 3 or more residential units, apply for a Commercial/Large Residential Electrical Permit. Some jurisdictions may also require a separate building permit for interior and exterior renovations.
Plans and Documentation:
Submit detailed plans and documentation with your permit application. These may include electrical construction cost estimates, electrical wiring and equipment specifications, and any relevant worksheets or checklists. If anchoring work is required, submit a Building Worksheet with associated plans and documents. For commercial or non-residential projects, address any accessibility issues as per the Accessibility Checklist.
Fees and Payment Methods:
Permit fees are typically calculated based on the estimated electrical construction cost. For example, the fee may be $25 for each $1000 or fraction thereof of the estimated cost. Provide the required fees and surcharges through acceptable payment methods, such as credit/debit cards, checks, money orders, or cash. Make all payments payable to the relevant city or department.
Rough-in Permit:
You may be able to obtain a Rough-in Permit to install cables and related equipment before the full permit is issued. Submit a separate application for rough-in approval after your Electrical Permit application and plans have been accepted for review. Note that rough-in approval is valid for 60 days, and the work must remain visible and not concealed.
Inspections:
Request inspections at various stages of the electrical work, including before burying or concealing anything and within a specified timeframe after completing the installation or energizing. Some jurisdictions may offer online inspection requests.
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Application process
The application process for an electric vehicle service equipment permit will vary depending on your location. Here is a step-by-step guide for applying for an electrical permit for installing electric vehicle charging stations, with reference to the processes in Philadelphia, Oakland, California, and Washington:
Philadelphia
- Submit a copy of the executed contract between the owner (or the owner's agent) and the licensed electrical contractor before the billing statement is generated.
- If you are applying under the EVC permit standard, submit a copy of the signed standard.
- (Optional) Submit an Accelerated Plan Review Request form.
- If your project involves interior or exterior renovations, you will need a separate building permit.
- If your project involves emergency generators and fire pumps, you may need a permit from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.
- You can apply online using eCLIPSE or schedule a virtual appointment if you need help with the application.
Oakland, California
- Register and activate yourself at the Online Permit Center.
- For residential projects (1-2 residential units) or commercial/large residential projects (3+ residential units), apply for an Electrical Permit.
- If your project involves anchoring work that requires a structural engineering design review, submit a Building Worksheet along with all associated plans and documents.
- If you are requesting overtime staff hours for expedited review, include a completed Request for Overtime Plan Check form.
- Once your application has been processed, you will be contacted if your plans require corrections or further information. If your plans are approved, you will be contacted for permit issuance.
California
- Refer to the Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permitting Guidebook to understand the permitting process, planning, permitting, installation, and ongoing operation of charging stations and supporting equipment.
- Refer to the California Building Officials' Electric Vehicle Charging webpage for toolkits to assist with streamlining the permitting process.
Washington
- Ensure that you, as the property owner or homeowner, are doing the electrical work yourself. If you are hiring an electrical contractor, they must purchase the permit and be licensed.
- If you are making changes that require the power to be disconnected and re-connected, or connected for the first time, contact your serving utility (power company) and comply with their requirements.
- Fill out the Property Owner Electrical Work Permit Application (F500-094-000).
- If applying by mail, include a check or money order payable to the Department of Labor & Industries with your application. If paying with cash or a debit/credit card, visit your local L&I office.
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Permit fees
When applying for an electrical permit, you must submit the associated fees along with your application. The permit fee is $25 for each $1000 or fraction thereof of the estimated electrical construction cost. Surcharges and fees are applied automatically to all credit and debit card transactions. All checks and money orders must be made payable to the relevant city or department, for example, the "City of Philadelphia".
If you are a property owner or homeowner, you should only purchase an electrical permit if you are doing the work yourself on your property. If you hire an electrical contractor, they must purchase the permit for the work they do for you. Ensure that your electrical contractor is licensed. A copy of the executed contract between the owner (or the owner's agent) and the licensed electrical contractor must be submitted before the billing statement is generated.
You can also obtain a Rough-in Permit to install cables before the full permit is issued. This includes electrical cables, conduits, device boxes, recessed panels (without breakers), and service equipment. Once the Electrical Permit application and associated plans are accepted for review, you must submit a separate application for the rough-in approval.
For the City of Oakland, you can apply for electrical permits for residential (1-2 residential units) or commercial/large residential (3+ residential units). If your project has anchoring work requiring structural engineering design review, you must also submit a Building Worksheet.
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Permit types
The type of permit you need to install electric vehicle service equipment will depend on your location and the nature of your project. Here are some examples of permit types for installing electric vehicle service equipment:
Residential Permits:
If you are installing electric vehicle service equipment for residential use, the permit type will depend on the number of residential units involved. For instance, in Oakland, California, the permit type differs between installations for 1-2 residential units and those for 3 or more residential units.
Commercial/Non-Residential Permits:
Commercial or non-residential installations may require a different type of permit compared to residential installations. For example, in Oakland, there is a separate permit type for commercial or large residential projects (3 or more residential units).
EZ Permits:
In some locations, certain types of work may be eligible for EZ permits, which do not require the submission of plans. For instance, in Philadelphia, EZ permits are available for new construction, additions, or alterations to one- or two-family dwellings with specific load and voltage requirements.
Rough-in Permits:
A Rough-in Permit allows you to install cables before obtaining a full electrical permit. This type of permit is applicable for electrical cables, conduits, device boxes, recessed panels, and service equipment.
Annual Permits:
Annual permits are available for businesses that regularly employ qualified electricians or maintenance staff to perform electrical work on the business premises. This type of permit covers routine maintenance and replacement of lamps, broken switches, receptacles, and fixtures, without any additional wiring or installations.
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Permit validity
The validity of permits varies depending on the type of permit and the location. Here is some information regarding permit validity for electric vehicle service equipment applications:
Oakland, California:
The City of Oakland's Planning and Building Department issues electrical permits for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers. While they do not explicitly mention permit validity, they do provide a checklist and instructions on how to submit plans and apply for permits. The website also mentions that permit processing times may vary, with shorter processing times available upon request for overtime review.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
The City of Philadelphia offers electrical permits, including those for electrical vehicle charger stations meeting the EVC permit standard. There is also mention of an Annual Permit for routine maintenance and replacement of electrical components. The city charges a permit fee of $25 for each $1000 or fraction thereof of the estimated electrical construction cost.
Washington State:
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries offers electrical permits for property owners or homeowners doing electrical work on their own property. These permits are valid for 1 year. Electrical contractors can obtain Class B permits, which appear to be valid for a longer period, as there is a mention of labels purchased before a certain date still being valid.
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Frequently asked questions
An EVSE permit application is required when installing electric vehicle charging stations at home or as part of a larger project.
The process varies depending on your location. In Oakland, California, you must first register and activate at the Online Permit Center. For residential units (1-2 units), you will need to apply for an Electrical Permit. Commercial/Large Residential (3+ units) may require anchoring work that needs a structural engineering design review, so a Building Worksheet must also be submitted.
The information required will depend on the jurisdiction. In California, cities and counties are required to adopt a streamlined permitting process, which includes a checklist of requirements. This should be available online and may be combined with the application into one document for submission.
The cost of a permit will depend on the location and the scale of the project. In Philadelphia, the permit fee is $25 for each $1000 or fraction thereof of the estimated electrical construction cost.
The processing time will depend on the complexity of the installation and the jurisdiction. In Oakland, California, permits for more complex installations may take up to 21 days to process, but shorter processing times may be possible if overtime review is requested.
