What it costs, what's permitted, and what to ask before you hire.
Last verified: 2026-05-31 · Well-sourced
Panel / electrical
May require a panel upgrade
Permit likelihood
Confirm with your building department
Permit snapshot
electrical permit
As of 2026-05-31, residential Level 2 (240 V) EV charger installations in the City of San Diego require an electrical permit from the Development Services Department (DSD). Per DSD Information Bulletin 187, EVCS in a residential private garage (single-dwelling units, duplexes, or townhouses only) do not require plan review and can apply for permits through the online portal (aca.accela.com/SANDIEGO) by selecting Simple No Plan Permit. The Simple Electrical Permit is filed online through SDEPermit for a new circuit, and is issued instantly upon payment — no plan submission, no plan review wait. The Electrical Permit can only be issued to a licensed California State Contractor authorized to perform electrical installations or to the property owner or lessee. Installations outside a residential private garage, or those requiring a panel upgrade or load-calculation review, route through a Plan-required Electrical Permit. Verify current IB 187 scope and panel-capacity guidance with DSD before scheduling installation.