All electrical work must be in accordance with local codes, permitting, inspection requirements, and any American Disability Act (ADA) requirements, if applicable.

Please visit the City of Santa Clara’s Permit Center website or call (408) 615-2420 for EV charging permit requirements.

• A permit is required for a new circuit installation which would include either an outlet or hard-wired EVSE.
• An over-the-counter permit is not required for non-hardwired level 2 charging stations.
• If there is an existing circuit that is not being modified and you are only changing the outlet for a hard-wired EVSE that would not require a permit.
• If you are making an upgrade to an existing circuit, which would require a larger breaker and conductors in addition to the hard-wired EVSE, that would require a new permit.
• Please refer to the City of Santa Clara’s Building Division’s Guidelines for Commercial or MultiFamily Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations.

Silicon Valley Power Initiatives

• Electric Vehicle 101 virtual workshop 
• SVP's EV Blueprint to Increase EV Adoption

Purchasing an Electric Vehicle

• Find out if an EV is right for you with Plug in America
• U.S. Department of Energy Plug-In Electric Vehicle Handbook for Consumers
• Consumer Reports Guide to Electric Car Questions

EV Charging 

• Home Charging Advisor
• Green Car Reports Electric Vehicle Charging Station Buyers Guide