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 (240V) EV charger installations in San Francisco require an electrical permit from the Department of Building Inspection (DBI). Per SF DBI Information Sheet E-02, for the installation of a single Level 1 or Level 2 charger by a licensed electrical contractor registered with DBI — where the contractor verifies that the existing panel has sufficient ampacity and space for the required overcurrent protection — a load calculation is not required and the permit may be issued the same day under the instant pathway. In all other cases, a load calculation must be provided, and a new electrical panel may need to be installed to support the additional load. Permit applications are submitted via the Electrical Permitting and Inspection Scheduling system at dbiweb02.sfgov.org/dbi_electrical/. Verify the current Information Sheet E-02 checklist (Attachment 1) and load-calculation thresholds with DBI before scheduling installation.