November 17, 2022

How to Get a Permit for a Commercial EV Charging Station Installation

4 Min. Read

There is an increasing need for charging stations on rental properties and businesses as the electric vehicle (EV) industry continues to grow. Adding an EV charging station for residents, employees, or customers is a great way to distinguish your business as an industry leader and provide an added revenue source for your company. While adding an EV charging station to your property is practical and profitable, it is important to file the necessary paperwork and receive the correct permits before any electrification projects begin.

Any Level 2 or Level 3 EV chargers will require an electrical installation permit, and it’s important to ensure the correct permits are applied for and received. Making a mistake on a permit can be expensive and lead to later issues with building inspections, costing you money and time to correct. These permits confirm that a property’s electrical system can handle the load of a charging station. Permits also later verify that work was completed per the local code requirements. This article will cover getting the correct license to install and operate a charging station on your property.

Local regulations for EV charging stations

Throughout the United States, governments incentivize EV charging station installation and other technologies. Many protection laws are in place to prevent tenants from being denied the ability to add these technologies to their property.

Along with the special incentives offered, most states are developing regulations. These incentives help to ensure property owners have safe installations. One such measure requires that a property owner must submit project plans to their local jurisdiction before the installation can begin.

The application process for local building permits will vary depending on the county. The best course of action is always to contact local offices for installation requirements. As the general public can use a commercial EV charger, more strict oversight is required to ensure public safety.

The state installation requirements typically follow the guidelines set by the National Electrical Code in Article 625. These guidelines set the standards for what electrical equipment shall be used for a vehicle charging station.

The process of a commercial or multifamily EV charger installation

The processes of installing an EV charger on residential or commercial property are similar. In most cases, the local sustainability or urban planning office will handle the EV charging station process.

While picking a location for an EV charger, you must use a location that anyone can easily access. A curbside EV charger typically will follow the local parking privileges and regulations.

If you want to learn how to get a permit for an EV charging station, you must follow these five steps:

1. Fill Out Permit Application: An electrical permit application will require you to fill out essential information such as the building location, overview of the electrical system, and type of building. This is also something your electrical contractor can complete on your behalf.
2. Submit Plans for Installation: A property owner must include an electrical diagram and load calculation while submitting the building plans. These documents confirm that the electrical system can safely operate an EV charger.
3. Hire an Electrician for Installation: Working with a certified electrician is important in ensuring a safe and proper installation. You can find a qualified electrician in a trusted EV installer network.
4. Schedule Inspection: Your local jurisdiction will send an inspector to ensure your EV charging station meets building codes. If there are any issues, you will need to schedule another inspection after fixing them.
5. Contact Your Utility Company if needed: If any changes to the electrical infrastructure are made, you will need to contact the local utility company. You can call your utility department to schedule a service for your EV charger.

After following these steps, you will have an EV charger you can use to generate additional revenue. You can also apply for government rebates to help recover the costs of your charging station installation.

Operating an EV charging station

After installation, an EV charging station owner will still need to operate the system according to their type of permit and any additional permit specifications. It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain the conditions of the EV charger. Maintaining the charging station will create a safe user environment and extend the lifespan.

Owners should schedule routine maintenance to ensure the charging components are in working condition. A fast replacement is required to restore safety if extended usage damages a component, like the charging cable.

In some local areas, features like a retractable charging cable help reduce the instances of tripping hazards. The safety of users is the most important part of a commercial EV charger, starting from the installation to the ongoing operation.

Let Qmerit help with your EV charging station installation

Qmerit takes the stress out of hiring installers to start growing your property’s infrastructure. With our network of certified electricians, we have a team that spans the United States and Canada. The primary goal we have is to make electrification accessible for everyone. We’re proud to partner with many trusted brands, allowing us to deliver the best results on your project.

We can help you manage a smooth EV transition for your business. If you are wondering how to get a license for an EV charging station, our team will also discuss ways to offset costs through various utility incentives and financing. Contact us today for your multifamily or commercial property to learn more.