California’s CALGreen code requires EV charging infrastructure for new multifamily buildings and for certain permitted alterations, and the details differ by code cycle, building type and city. For a building with five or more units, the requirement is expressed as a share of parking spaces that must be EV-capable, EV-ready or have installed charging equipment. Always confirm the current percentages and what triggers them with your building department, then budget from a written site estimate. Funding programs exist, but their rules change and are never guaranteed.
The Core Mandates: EV-Capable vs. EV-Ready vs. EVSE
| Tier | What it means |
|---|---|
| EV-capable | Conduit and panel space reserved; no wiring or outlet |
| EV-ready | Circuit and 208/240V outlet at the parking space |
| EVSE installed | A complete Level 2 charging station |
The percentages of spaces required in each tier depend on the code edition in effect for your permit. See the current text on the California Building Standards Commission site.
What Triggers the Requirements?
- New multifamily construction
- Alterations that need a building permit and meet the code’s scope thresholds
- Parking lot work such as added spaces or electrical service changes
Ask your building department in writing which provisions apply to your permit. Our HOA parking lot guide walks through how to present this to a board.
One Licensed Contractor for the Electrical Scope
Kilowire Electric holds CSLB license #1110475 (B, C-10), so electrical design, permit, installation and inspection can be handled by one licensed contractor. We pull and manage the permit for you; depending on your city we file with the right agency — LADBS in the City of Los Angeles, LA County Public Works in unincorporated areas. Utility service work is separate from the permit and is coordinated with SCE, LADWP or your local utility. Work carries our 1-year workmanship warranty.
Funding Programs to Ask About
State and utility programs have supported multifamily charging, but amounts, eligibility and availability change and often depend on the property’s location and income criteria. Start with the California Energy Commission and ask your utility about make-ready programs. Treat funding as a possible offset, not as part of the base budget.
Plan the Electrical Capacity
Charging many vehicles at once can exceed a building’s service. Managed charging and load sharing can reduce the upgrade needed; see EV energy management systems and panel upgrade costs. For commercial and multifamily scopes, see our commercial EV CALGreen compliance page.
Get a Site Assessment
Call (626) 600-0818 or request an estimate. We review the parking layout, panel and service capacity, and the permit path, then give you a written scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does CALGreen apply to my existing apartment building?
A1: Only when permitted work meets the code’s alteration thresholds. Ask your building department which requirements your permit triggers.
Q2: What is the difference between EV-capable and EVSE?
A2: EV-capable is conduit and reserved capacity for future charging. EVSE means the charging station itself is installed.
Q3: Can grants cover the cost?
A3: Sometimes, depending on the program and your property. Confirm current eligibility on official program sites before relying on a grant.
Q4: Who handles the permit?
A4: We pull and manage the permit for you and file with the agency that serves your city.
Prices are for general reference. The price of each project is individual and depends on the building and the scope of work, and is confirmed after an estimate. Permit rules, fees, codes and utility requirements vary by city and change over time. Please confirm the details on the official website of your city's building department and your utility before starting work.
Written by the KiloWire Team. Kilowire Electric is a d/b/a of SKILL SEE SERVICES INC, CSLB License #1110475 (B, C-10), 6018 Washington Ave, Whittier, CA 90601.