Why Permits Are Required
Permits exist to ensure electrical work meets the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local amendments. For EV charging, permits verify: your panel can safely handle the added load, the circuit is properly sized for your charger, wiring methods meet code (conduit type, wire gauge, grounding), and the installation includes required safety features (GFCI protection, proper labeling). Unpermitted work can void your homeowner's insurance, create fire hazards, and cause problems when you sell your home. In California, unpermitted electrical work is also illegal.
- •Permits ensure NEC and local code compliance
- •Required for all 240V EV charger installations
- •Protects your home's electrical safety
- •Required for insurance coverage of EV-related incidents
- •Necessary for claiming rebates (PG&E requires permit documentation)
- •ChargeWizards pulls permits for all installations
The Permit Process: Step by Step
ChargeWizards handles the entire permit process. Step 1: Free site assessment and quote. Step 2: You approve the quote and sign the contract. Step 3: We submit permit application to your city's building department (typically online via Accela, ePlan, or similar). Step 4: City reviews application (1-2 weeks typical). Step 5: Once approved, we schedule and perform installation. Step 6: We schedule the final inspection. Step 7: City inspector visits, verifies work, and signs off. You receive a copy of the final inspection card for your records.
- •Day 1: Free site assessment
- •Day 1-3: Permit application submitted
- •Week 1-2: City review and approval
- •Week 2-3: Installation scheduled and completed
- •Week 3-4: Final inspection and sign-off
- •You receive: permit card, inspection record, rebate documentation packet
Permit Costs by City (2025)
Permit fees vary by city. Here are typical 2025 fees for residential EV charger permits in Peninsula cities: San Mateo: $150-250. Redwood City: $175-275. Palo Alto: $200-300 (separate utility review). Foster City: $150-225. Burlingame: $175-250. San Carlos: $150-225. Menlo Park: $175-275. Atherton: $200-300. Hillsborough: $175-250. These fees are included in ChargeWizards' all-in quotes — no surprises.
- •San Mateo: $150-250
- •Redwood City: $175-275
- •Palo Alto: $200-300 (Palo Alto Utilities review)
- •Foster City: $150-225
- •Burlingame: $175-250
- •San Carlos: $150-225
- •Menlo Park: $175-275
- •Atherton/Hillsborough: $200-300
City-Specific Requirements
Each Bay Area city has slight variations. San Mateo: requires load calculation form, photo of panel, site plan. Redwood City: similar to San Mateo, typically 7-10 day review. Palo Alto: separate process through Palo Alto Utilities (not PG&E territory), requires utility review in addition to building permit. Foster City: fast-track available for standard installs. Some cities require seismic bracing for panels in earthquake zones. ChargeWizards knows each city's requirements and submits complete applications the first time.
- •San Mateo: load calc, panel photo, site plan
- •Palo Alto: utility review + building permit
- •Foster City: fast-track for standard installs
- •All cities: require licensed C-10 electrical contractor
- •All cities: require final inspection before energizing
- •ChargeWizards handles all city-specific requirements
What Happens at the Inspection?
The final inspection is a 15-30 minute visit from a city building inspector. They verify: the correct breaker size matches the charger rating, wire gauge is appropriate for the circuit amperage, conduit is properly secured and protected, grounding is correct, GFCI protection is present (required for outdoor installations), and the charger is properly labeled. The inspector will turn the breaker on and off to verify operation. If everything passes (which it almost always does when installed by a licensed professional), the inspector signs the permit card. You're done.
- •Inspector verifies breaker size and wire gauge
- •Checks conduit installation and grounding
- •Tests GFCI protection (outdoor installs)
- •Verifies proper labeling
- •Turns breaker on/off to test operation
- •Signs permit card upon passing