Electric Vehicle Charger

General Information

There are 2 basic types of EV Chargers for home use (Level 1 and Level 2). Level 1 Chargers are smaller units that plug directly into a standard 120 volt receptacle outlet. These types of Chargers typically require a longer period of time to recharge the vehicle. As long as the receptacle outlet being used to plug-in the Level 1 Charger is existing, there is no requirement to secure a permit from the Building and Safety Division. On the other hand, if you will be installing a new 120 volt receptacle outlet for the Charger, you will need to obtain an electrical permit – but plans or electrical load calculations are not required.

A Level 2 EV Charging system requires 240 volts and charges the vehicle much faster than a Level 1 Charger. Level 2 Charger installations require a permit from the City. In order to obtain the permit you will need to provide the City with electrical load calculations to show that your existing electrical service can handle the added load.

A level 3 EV Charging system, also known as DC fast chargers, offer a significantly faster charging option, operating at a higher voltage and current than Level 2. Level 3 charging can take less than 30 minutes to reach a full charge, making it ideal for public, on-the-go charging. Level 3 charging stations will be installed in public locations.

When installing your EV Charger, be sure to use a licensed Electrical Contractor whose license is current with the State Contractor’s License Board and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Business Division. The Contractor shall follow the guidelines of the manufacturer installation instructions and all necessary Code requirements. When mechanical ventilation is required for the EV Charger, an additional mechanical permit will be required.

Planning and Zoning Requirements

On-line applications can only be processed for EV chargers that are not visible to the public, including adjacent neighbors. For example, mounted on the wall in the garage EV chargers that are located in public view will require Planning’s approval of appropriate screening. Upon approval you may complete the permitting process at the Building Division counter.  

Requirements for screening

EV chargers that are located either on the front of the house or the side of the house will need to be designed so that it is not visible from adjacent neighbors and is not visible from the street, whether public or private.  One of the following methods may be used:

• All equipment painted to match the wall that the charger is mounted on.
• Equipment is screened by a fence or perimeter block wall.
• Equipment is screened by substantial landscaping such as shrubbery that is evergreen.

If you have questions about the screening requirements, please contact the Planning Counter at 310-544-5287.

Approval Requirements

The following permit is required to install an electrical vehicle charger:

Electrical Permit which can be obtained over the counter or via email at buildingsafety@rpvca.gov 

Submittal Requirements:

• EV Charger Checklist
• Site Plan      
• Permit Application

 Energy (Battery) 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 installation shave 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-FpCarson@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 R324.6 Access and Pathways. Permits will be reviewed upon demonstration of approval from the County Fire Department. Final issuance of permits will not be given until compliance is verified by Building & Safety Division.