Solar Submittal

EXPEDITED PERMITTING PROCESS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS (EVCS)

There are two types of Electric Vehicle chargers - Level 1 and Level 2.  An Electric Permit may be required to install an Electrical Vehicle Charging Station. Please see Level 1 and Level 2 for descriptions.

LEVEL 1

Level 1 chargers are smaller units that plug directly into a standard 120-volt receptacle outlet. These types of chargers do not require a permit from the Building Division as long as there are no changes to the electrical system to provide the 120-volt receptacle. Any changes to an electrical system require a permit prior to commencing the work.

LEVEL 2

Level 2 charging systems require a 240-volt electrical circuit. Level 2 charger installations typically require an electrical permit and inspections of the installation. In order to obtain the permit, you will need to provide some basic information demonstrating electrical service capacity for the added load.

FOR EXTERIOR EV CHARGING UNITS

Contact the Planning Division at 310-544-5287 or at planning@rpvca.gov to obtain the specific development standards applicable to your property’s zoning district. In summary, exterior EV charging units must be located outside of all required setbacks and shall not reduce the required parking dimensions of 9’ x 20’ per required parking space. On non-residential properties, converting an existing parking space to exclusive use for EV charging will constitute a loss of a parking space. 

SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Complete an application form (PDF). Only complete the items that apply to your project on the application. This includes job site address, owners name, scope of work, location of EV Charger etc. 
2. Exterior EV Chargers are required to obtain Planning Approval prior to submitting to Building & Safety Division. click here for SITE PLAN REVIEW APPLICATION 
3. Provide a site plan that is drawn to scale and with full dimensions and the following information:
   1. Location and size and use of all structures on site.
   2. Location and size of the electrical panel for the charging system.
   3. The type of charging system required for the unit.
   4. Indicate if mechanical, or non-mechanical ventilation is required and where it would be installed as part of the permit.
   5. Electrical load calculation worksheet.

PLAN CHECK AND PERMIT SUBMITTAL PROCESS

1. Submit materials via one of the following methods:
   1. Over the Counter Submittal – Please bring your completed permit application, checklist, electrical load calculations, and your site plan to City Hall. The submission shall be done by the owner or a licensed contractor and submitted to the Building and Safety Division; or
   2. Electronic Submittal – A completed application and site plan shall be submitted by email to buildingsafety@rpvca.gov for processing.
2. Plan Review – An electronic submittal will be processed within 1-3 business days of the submittal date.
3. Fees – Certain fees are adjusted periodically by the State of California with the remaining fees based on the City of Rancho Palos Verdes current adopted fee schedule. Please confer with your assigned Building Permit Technician upon submittal for fees.
4. Inspections - Once all permits have been issued and work has begun, you must call for a rough electrical inspection. Once the inspector provides an approval, you may proceed to the completion of the project and installation of the Electric Vehicle Charging Station. Once a final inspection is conducted and approved by the City inspector, the permit is deemed final and complete.

       City’s Implementation of Los Angeles County Policy: 

                           Electrical Energy Storage Systems Review 

Los Angeles County Fire Code Section 1206.1 provides: “The provisions in this section are applicable to energy storage systems designed to provide electrical power to a building or facility. These systems are used to provide standby or emergency power, an uninterruptable power supply, load shedding, load sharing or similar capabilities. Energy storage systems in Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies shall be in accordance with Sections 1206.2.1 and 1206.4. Approved signage is required for all installations.

” To see the full text of this fire code policy, visit the Los Angeles County website at: https://library.municode.com/ca/los_angeles_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT32FICO_1206.1SC

 The County Fire Department will review all Energy Storage Systems (ESS/BESS) as some installations have been found to be noncompliant with Los Angeles County Fire Code Section 1206. It should be noted that the County Code is more restrictive than the State Code in this section.

Any project with Solar and Battery Storage will require County Fire Department approval. Email all plan submittals to FIRE-FPCalabasas@fire.lacounty.gov with the following information in the subject line: Address, City, Description including company name, roof mounted solar back-up battery or ground mounted solar back-up battery. The County is specifically looking at the ESS but will comment on the solar projects if any discrepancies are noted.

 The City of Rancho Palos Verdes will continue to review traditional solar arrays/panels for compliance with the most recent County adoption of California Building Code Residential Code R324, including section R324.7 Access and Pathways. All photovoltaic system installations require an approval from the Planning Department prior to requesting a permit. For detailed information, view the City’s Photovoltaic Systems Guide: Plan Check and Inspection Requirements. Permits will be issued upon demonstration of approval from the County Fire Department. Final approval of issued permits will not be given until compliance is verified by City Building Safety staff.