U

Electric Vehicle Charging Permits

What is an Electric Vehicle Charging Permit?

A permit is required to install an electric vehicle (EV) charger, also known as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). This permit ensures your charging equipment is installed safely and follows building codes. For business or public locations, you may also need a building permit to meet accessibility requirements. Permits are required whether you’re installing a charger at home, at work, or in a public space.

 

Who issues Electric Vehicle Charging Permits?

LA County Public Works Building and Safety issues permits for EV charger installations (EVSE). The types of electrical and/or building permits needed depend on the details of your project.

Building and Safety Offices

We are here to help you get the permits you need for your building projects. LA County Public Works offers building services to:

  • 10 District Offices for unincorporated communities.
  • 9 City Offices for incorporated cities.
Find Your Nearest Office

Contact

Do you have questions?  Need help with your project?

Contact Us

Apply for Permit and/or Plan Check Online Using EPIC-LA

What is EPIC-LA?

EPIC-LA is Los Angeles County’s online system for managing permits and inspections. It helps residents, businesses, and developers oversee their building projects from start to finish. Whether you’re constructing a home, upgrading your property, or planning a large project, EPIC-LA provides a centralized platform to handle all permitting needs. Take a look at the major features of EPIC-LA below.

Application

Use EPIC-LA to submit the application for your permit and inspection online

Application

Apply online for all your permitting and inspection needs

Document Upload

Submit electronic copies of all your plans and supporting documentation

Fee Payment

Pay all permit and inspection fees electronically

Status

Use EPIC-LA to track and manage the progress of your application

Status Updates

Receive comments and notifications electronically

Contacts

Gives others access to real-time feedback, comments and notifications.

Collaboration

Allow collaboration between the Department, applicants, and design teams

Get a Permit for an Electric Car Charging Station

Step 1: Plan Your Charger Setup

  1. Choose a Location:
    • Decide where you want to install the charger. Popular spots include a garage, driveway, or parking lot.
    • Ensure the location is accessible for your car and won’t block walkways or other vehicles.
    • For commercial properties, choose a spot convenient for employees, customers, or visitors.
  2. Check Property Rules:
    • If you don’t own the property, get written permission from the owner.
    • If you live in an HOA, review their rules, but remember EV chargers are often protected by state law.
  3. Select the Right Charger:
    • Think about how fast you want to charge. Level 1 chargers use a standard outlet, but Level 2 chargers are faster and require a special connection.
    • Decide how many cars you need to charge and the best type of equipment (wall-mounted, pole-mounted, etc.).
  4. Power Supply Check:
    • Confirm that your home or building’s electrical system can handle the charger’s power needs. You may need to upgrade your electrical panel.

Step 2: Find the Right Office

  1. Go to the Service Locator.
  2. Enter your street address or parcel number (numbers only, no dashes).
  3. Click Find Services to see which office gives permits for your area.
  • If LA County handles it, you’ll get the contact info for your local Building and Safety office.
  • If another office handles it, their contact info will show up.

Step 3: Check If You Need a Permit and/or Plan Check

    1. Call your local office and ask if you need a permit and/or plan check for your project. A plan check is when experts review your project plans to make sure they meet safety, building, and environmental standards. Larger projects need plans that show what you’re building.
    2. If required, make a plan check required for your permit.
Contact Us

 

Step 4: Apply for Your Permit

  1. Go to EPIC-LA.
  2. Click on Apply and search for the type of permit you need.
  3. Complete the Application:
    • Fill in details like your name, address, and the project’s location.
    • Add information about the type of charger you plan to install.
  4. Prepare and Upload Documents:
  • A simple drawing or map showing where the charger will go.
  • Details about the charger’s power usage (your contractor can help with this).
  • Proof of property ownership or permission from the owner.

Step 5: If Required, Submit Your Plan Checks and Pay Fees

  1. Upload your plans to EPIC-LA.
  2. Pay the plan review fees.
  3. The County will check to make sure you’ve included everything.

Step 6: County Reviews Plans

  1. If Approved: You’ll get an email asking you to upload any documentation needed for final approval.
  2. If Not Approved: You’ll get an email listing needed corrections to make before resubmitting.

 

Step 7: Get Your Permit

  1. Once approved, the County will issue your permit.
  2. You can now start your project!

Step 8: Schedule Inspections

  1. Inspections are needed to make sure the work matches the permit.
  2. Use EPIC-LA to request inspections.

Need Help?

Contact Us