Home chargers need a permit
A Level 2 charger runs on a 240-volt circuit. Adding that circuit is electrical work, and electrical work needs a permit in California. Your city or county building department is the authority that issues it.
What the permit and inspection check
An inspector confirms the wire size, the breaker, the grounding, and the GFCI protection where code requires it. They also confirm your panel can carry the new load. The point is a circuit that is safe to live with for years.
Why skipping it costs you later
An unpermitted install can void a homeowner insurance claim if it causes damage. It shows up as a problem at resale, where buyers and agents ask for permits. Some utility rebates also require a permitted job.
The hidden cost is safety. A 240-volt circuit done wrong runs hot behind the wall, and no one inspects it to catch the error.
Who pulls the permit
A licensed C-10 electrical contractor pulls the permit and schedules the inspection as part of the job. You should not have to chase paperwork at city hall.
Timeline and cost
Permit fees vary by city and are usually modest next to the install. Many California cities now offer streamlined or online EV permits, so the paperwork rarely slows the work down. We handle it either way.
We pull permits on every job. See our EV charger installation services or get a free EV charger quote.
