City permit guide · CA

EV charger permits in Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica answers the permit question directly in its EV resources FAQ: yes, a permit is required to install an EV charging station, and the EV Charger Building Permit application/instructions are the local starting point.

Quick answer for Santa Monica, CA

A new Level 2 home EV charger circuit generally requires an electrical permit in Santa Monica, CA.
Permit path: EV Charger Building Permit application through Santa Monica Permit Services Center.
Typical fee guidance: Per Santa Monica Building and Safety fee schedule; verify in the permit application workflow..
Timeline: Timing depends on application completeness and whether the project is single-family, multifamily, or part of a larger parking/electrical scope.

Official source: City of Santa Monica EV incentives and installation resources

Permit required Yes — new 240V circuit

Permit type EV Charger Building Permit application through Santa Monica Permit Services Center

Typical fee Per Santa Monica Building and Safety fee schedule; verify in the permit application workflow.

Apply online Yes · Portal

The process

How it works in Santa Monica, CA

Permit office: Santa Monica Building and Safety / Permit Services Center.

Who can pull the permit: Licensed electrical contractors or authorized owner-builders should use the EV Charger Building Permit application and instructions linked by the city..

Plan review: Standard home chargers use the EV Charger Building Permit path. Multifamily, shared parking, accessibility, or electrical service work can add documentation.

Typical timeline: Timing depends on application completeness and whether the project is single-family, multifamily, or part of a larger parking/electrical scope.

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
EV Charger Building Permit application materials
HOA or landlord approval documents when the parking space is shared or controlled

Final step

Inspection notes

Keep the EV charger permit documents, manufacturer specifications, and panel access available. Outdoor coastal installs should be weather-rated and mounted per listing.

Verified against City of Santa Monica EV incentives and installation resources 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 Santa Monica, 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

Santa Monica, CA permit FAQ

Do I need a permit for a Level 2 EV charger in Santa Monica?

Yes. A new 240V Level 2 charger circuit is electrical work and should be permitted through Santa Monica Building and Safety / Permit Services Center. The local path is: EV Charger Building Permit application through Santa Monica Permit Services Center.

Who should pull the EV charger permit in Santa Monica?

Licensed electrical contractors or authorized owner-builders should use the EV Charger Building Permit application and instructions linked by the city.

How long does the Santa Monica EV charger permit take?

Timing depends on application completeness and whether the project is single-family, multifamily, or part of a larger parking/electrical scope.