City permit guide · CA

EV charger permits in Long Beach, CA

Long Beach has a dedicated EVCS page and local ordinance for streamlined permitting. The city explicitly covers one- and two-family dwellings, multifamily dwellings, and non-residential sites, so use the EVCS path rather than a vague electrical remodel description.

Quick answer for Long Beach, CA

  • A new Level 2 home EV charger circuit generally requires an electrical permit in Long Beach, CA.
  • Permit path: Expedited and streamlined EVCS permit process under Long Beach Municipal Code Chapter 18.76.
  • Typical fee guidance: Per Long Beach Building and Safety fee schedule; verify in the online permitting workflow..
  • Timeline: Streamlined EVCS applications are designed for faster processing once the package is complete; complex sites take longer.

Official source: City of Long Beach EVCS permitting page

Permit required Yes — new 240V circuit
Permit type Expedited and streamlined EVCS permit process under Long Beach Municipal Code Chapter 18.76
Typical fee Per Long Beach Building and Safety fee schedule; verify in the online permitting workflow.
Apply online Yes · Portal

The process

How it works in Long Beach, CA

Permit office: Long Beach Community Development - Building and Safety Bureau.

Who can pull the permit: California licensed contractors, property owners, or authorized agents may apply depending on project type; contractor-filed applications are typical for electrical work..

Plan review: The city uses expedited EVCS review when the submittal meets checklist standards. Multifamily, commercial, accessibility, structural anchoring, or service work can add review.

Typical timeline: Streamlined EVCS applications are designed for faster processing once the package is complete; complex sites take longer.

Bring these

Documents you'll need

  • Charger manufacturer spec sheet showing listing, amperage, connector, and hardwired vs plug-in configuration
  • Panel photo and breaker directory, plus proposed breaker size and charging load
  • Simple site sketch showing the electrical panel, wire route, charger location, and parking space served
  • Load calculation when the service is small, the circuit is 40A or larger, or a panel upgrade may be needed
  • Long Beach EVCS checklist/submittal materials
  • Parking, accessibility, or structural details for shared or non-residential installations

Final step

Inspection notes

The inspector will verify the approved EVCS scope against the California Electrical Code and the submitted equipment information. Keep the permit card, plans/checklist, and manufacturer instructions available.

Verified against City of Long Beach EVCS permitting page on July 4, 2026. Use the linked official source because fees, portal labels, and inspection procedures can change.

Electrical work can be dangerous and is regulated by code. This page is educational, not electrical or engineering advice. Hire a licensed electrician and follow your local permitting process.

Find licensed electricians in Long Beach, CA

Ask each bidder to include the permit and inspection in the quoted price — then compare like for like.

Finding an installer yourself: ask for the contractor's state license number, proof of insurance, and at least two recent Level 2 installs. Get the permit number in writing.

Use the free permit checklist

FAQ

Long Beach, CA permit FAQ

Do I need a permit for a Level 2 EV charger in Long Beach?

Yes. A new 240V Level 2 charger circuit is electrical work and should be permitted through Long Beach Community Development - Building and Safety Bureau. The local path is: Expedited and streamlined EVCS permit process under Long Beach Municipal Code Chapter 18.76.

Who should pull the EV charger permit in Long Beach?

California licensed contractors, property owners, or authorized agents may apply depending on project type; contractor-filed applications are typical for electrical work.

How long does the Long Beach EV charger permit take?

Streamlined EVCS applications are designed for faster processing once the package is complete; complex sites take longer.