Electric vehicle charging stations: permit fees

The law limits permitting costs for apartment and condominium charging installations while allowing higher fees only when a local government documents that its actual costs justify them.

What the law does ​

• Caps fees at $500, plus $5 per kilowatt from 51 to 250 kW and $2 per kilowatt above 250 kW, for Level 2 chargers at new or existing multifamily developments.
• Requires any higher fee to be supported by substantial evidence, a written finding, and an adopted local resolution or ordinance.
• Requires the written finding to document streamlined permitting practices, calculate administrative costs, and explain how the higher fee supports quick approval.
• Applies statewide, including charter cities, beginning July 1, 2027, or January 1, 2028, for jurisdictions with fewer than 200,000 residents.
• Repeals the fee rules on January 1, 2036.

Who it affects ​

• Cities, counties, cities and counties, and charter cities that issue EV-charger permits.
• Multifamily housing developers and property owners installing Level 2 EV chargers.
• Residents of new and existing multifamily housing developments.

Context ​

Existing law already requires local governments to use expedited, streamlined permitting for EV charging stations.