The purpose of this guideline is to assist permit applicants in streamlining the permitting,
installation and inspection process for Residential EV Chargers.
Please be aware there are different types of Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers. There are 2
basic types of EV chargers for home use (Level 1 and Level 2). Level 1 Chargers are smaller units that plug
directly into a standard 120 volt receptacle outlet. These types of chargers typically require a longer period of
time to recharge the vehicle. As long as the receptacle outlet being used to plug-in the Level 1 Charger is
existing, there is no requirement to secure a permit from the Building and Safety Division. On the other hand, if you
will be installing a new 120 volt receptacle outlet for the charger, you will need to obtain a permit – but you will not
need to provide any plans or electrical load calculations as would be required for the more powerful Level 2 type
charging systems.
A Level 2 EV Charging System requires a 240 volt electrical circuit and charges the vehicle battery much faster
than a Level 1 Charger. Level 2 Charger installations typically require an electrical permit and inspections of the
installation. In order to obtain the permit you will need to provide some basic information to show that your
existing electrical service can handle the added load.
What information do I need to provide in order to obtain the permit? This Residential EV
Charger Permit Guideline has been developed to streamline the permit, installation and inspection process. In
most cases, you or your contractor simply need to fill-in the blanks on this document, attach the manufacturer’s
installation instructions and charger specifications and submit it to the Building and Safety Division for an
over-the-counter review and permit issuance. If all of the information is provided and the proposal complies with
the applicable codes, the review and approval process can usually be performed over-the-counter or within a
day or two depending upon workloads and staffing levels at the time of submittal. Once the permit is issued, the
installation may begin. When the installation is complete, an inspection of the work must be scheduled with the
Building Inspector. Inspections are typically performed on the work day following your request for inspection.
Keep in mind that someone will need to be present during the inspection so that the Building Inspector can
access the location of the electrical meter and EV charger (typically in the garage).
Installing a Level 2 EV Charging System often requires changes to building’s electrical wiring. Before
installing the EV charging equipment and the associated wiring, talk to your EV manufacturer about the
electrical requirements for the charger unit to be installed at your home.
When installing your EV Charger, be sure to use a licensed Electrical contractor whose state
contractor’s license and insurance are current. The contractor should follow the installation instructions of the EV
charger manufacturer and the requirements of California Electrical Code.
Why is the Electric Utility concerned about your EV Charger installation?
Though an individual Level 2 EV charger may have a negligible impact on the utility electric system, the
combined effect of several chargers in the same neighborhood could result in overloads on utility secondary
wires and transformers. It is important that the Electrical Utility provider be notified of any Level 2 Charger
installations to ensure that utility electrical system components are adequately sized to maintain high levels of
service reliability.
Page 1 of 6
B
UILDING & SAFETY DIVISION
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV)
CHARGER GUIDELINES
City of Murrieta-Development Services Department
1 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562
Development
Services
149
October 2019