HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity of Palm Desert Residential EV Checklist 2023BUILDING AND SAFETY DIVISION
73510 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Phone (760)776-6435 ▪ Email: permitcenter@cityofpalmdesert.org
Website: www.pdpermits.com
Expedited Permitting Process for Electric Vehicle Charging
Stations for Residential EV Chargers.
Purpose: This document provides all of the needed links to forms and checklists necessary to utilize the City of Palm Desert Expedited Permitting Process for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS). This process provides an expedited and streamlined permitting process for qualifying EVCS systems. Once all of the documentation is correctly and fully completed, and submitted, a permit will be processed and approved for issuance in a timely manner (usually 1 to 3 business days for residential and 5 to 10 business days for commercial).
Step 1 Download, review, and complete the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) Checklist below. Submit all information requested on the checklist.
Step 2 Fully complete and sign a Building Permit Application form.
Step 3 Submit all of the required documentation to City of Palm Desert Permit Center at www.pdpermits.com. The Permit Center will notify you when the documents have been uploaded, applicable fees required, and when approved and the permit is ready to be issued.
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. Thesetypes of chargers typically require a longer period of time to recharge the vehicle. As long as thereceptacle outlet being used to plug-in the Level 1 Charger is existing, there is no requirement tosecure a permit from the Department of Building and Safety. On the other hand, if you will beinstalling a new 120 volt receptacle outlet for the charger, you will need to obtain a permit – but youwill not need to provide any plans or electrical load calculations as would be required for the morepowerful Level 2 type charging systems.
•Level 2 EV charging system requires a 240 volt electrical circuit and charges the vehicle battery muchfaster than a Level 1 charger. Level 2 charger installations typically require an electrical permit andinspections of the installation. In order to obtain the permit you will need to provide some basicinformation to show that your existing electrical service can handle the added load. Installing a Level 2EV Charging system often requires changes to building’s electrical wiring. Before installing the EVcharging equipment and the associated wiring, talk to your EV manufacturer about the electricalrequirements for the charger unit to be installed at your home.
•When installing your EV charger, be sure to use a licensed Electrical contractor whose statecontractor’s license and insurance are current. The contractor should follow the installation instructionsof the EV charger manufacturer and the requirements of California Electrical Code.
•Why is the Electric Utility concerned about your EV charger installation? Though an individual Level 2EV charger may have a negligible impact on the utility electric system, the combined effect of severalchargers in the same neighborhood could result in overloads on utility secondary wires andtransformers. It is important that the Electrical Utility provider be notified of any Level 2 chargerinstallations to ensure that utility electrical system components are adequately sized to maintain highlevels of service reliability.
Effective 01/18/2023Page 2 of 11
Page 2 of 11 Effective 01/18/2023
Submittal Requirements Checklist for Permitting of Electric
Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS)
This checklist is provided to guide applicants through a streamlined permitting process for Electric Vehicle
Charging Stations (EVCS).
1.Approval Requirements
-Building and Safety Division is responsible for plan review and inspections for all EVCS installations.
-Planning Division will not plan interior garage review residential EVCS installations. Exterior installationare encouraged to be adequately screened from public view.
-Fire Marshal's Office plan review and inspection approvals are not required for EVCS installations unlessthe system includes an energy storage system as defined in the CA Fire Code.
2.Submittal Information
a)All forms and checklists described herein are available on the Palm Desert Permit Center websitelocated at www.pdpermits.com
b)A Building Permit Application is required for all EVCS installations.
c)One copy of this checklist must be completed and submitted to the Palm Desert Permit Center alongwith the Building Permit application. Please provide an explanation for any checklist items notcompleted or met.
d)Provide a digital set of plans for the proposed EVCS installation. Document Properties are minimum of11”x 17” and a Landscaped Orientation. 10pt. minimum font. Plan submittals shall include, but not belimited to:
1)A Title Page.
2)A Site Plan. (Not required for Level One or Level Two EVCS equipment installed within an existing one- or two-family
residential structure (i.e. garage or carport).
3)An Electrical Floor Plan (Not required for exterior EVCS equipment installations).
4)A Single-Line Electrical Diagram. (Not required for Level 1 charging station installations)
5)EVCS Manufacturer Installation Details and Specifications.
6)Electrical Service Load Calculations.
3.General Requirements for EVCS to be Shown and Noted on Plans
Use the following checklist items for preparation and submittal of your plans. The level of detail and thespecific plan requirements will depend upon the extent, nature and complexity of the work to be done. Allapplicable checklist items must be noted or specified on the plans. Indicate the plan sheet number wherethe applicable requirement is shown or specified.
BUILDING AND SAFETY DIVISION 73510 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260Phone (760)776-6435 ▪ Email: permitcenter@cityofpalmdesert.org
Website: www.pdpermits.com
Page 3 of 11 Effective 01/18/2023
4.Type of EVCS (please check one)
Check
One
Type of Charging
Station(s) Proposed
Power Levels
(proposed circuit
rating)
Level 1 110/120 volt alternating current (VAC) at 15 or 20 Amps
Level 2 - 3.3 kilowatt (kW) (low) 208/240 VAC at 20 or 30 Amps:
Level 2 - 6.6kW (medium) 208/240 VAC at 40 Amps:
Level 2 - 9.6kW (high) 208/240 VAC at 50 Amps:
Level 2 - 19.2kW (highest) 208/240 VAC at 100 Amps:
DC Fast Charging? 440 or 480 VAC:
Other (Specify and provide details):
5.Submittal Requirements Checklist for EVCS
PERMIT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Yes No 1.The permit application is complete with the following information:
•Project address and parcel number,
•Owner name, address and phone number;
•Contractor name, address and phone number and contractor’s license number; and
•Other information requested on the permit application form?
ELECTRICAL LOAD CALCULATION WORKSHEET
Yes No 2.An electrical load calculation is included with the permit application? (CEC1 220)
Yes No 3.Based on the required load calculation2, is an electrical service panel upgrade required?
If yes, do plans show and specify the electrical service panel upgrade?
Yes No 4.The EVCS branch circuit conductor is appropriately sized for a continuous load of 125% of
the EVCS equipment plus any other non-continuous loads per CEC 210.19?
¹ CEC means the 2022 California Electrical Code
² Load Calculation: The size of the existing service MUST be equal to or larger than the minimum required size of main service breaker
as determined by the load calculations required by CEC article 220. If the existing service panel is smaller than the minimum required
size of existing electrical services, then a new upgraded electrical service panel must be installed in order to handle the added electrical load
from the proposed EVCS.
BUILDING AND SAFETY DIVISION 73510 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260Phone (760)776-6435 ▪ Email: permitcenter@cityofpalmdesert.org
Website: www.pdpermits.com
Page 6 of 11 Effective 01/18/2023
Yes No
Sheet#_____
15.The plans identify the amperage and location of the existing (or new) electrical service
panel and the service panel is sized in accordance with the electrical service load calculations?
(CEC 220)
Yes No
Sheet#_____
16.The plans indicate the size of the service entrance conductors?
Yes No
Sheet#_____
17.The plans indicate that the charging equipment shall have a Nationally Recognized
Testing Laboratory (NRTL) approved listing mark? (UL 2202/UL 2200)
Yes No
Sheet#_____
18.The single-line electrical diagram shows and specifies the required overcurrent protection
for the proposed EVCS?
Yes No
Sheet#_____
19.Conduit and conductor size and type are specified and the routes and requirements for
their installation (i.e. within framing, mounted to structures, underground, etc.) are shown?
Yes No
Sheet#_____
20.The plans specify that the electric vehicle charging system shall be installed in accordance
with manufacturer’s installation instructions and shall be suitable for the environment (indoor/
outdoor) in which they will be installed?
Yes No
Sheet#_____
21.The plans specify where the labeling of the EVCS equipment
(i.e. “FOR USE WITH ELECTRIC VEHICLES”, “VENTILATION NOT REQUIRED”,
“VENTILATION REQUIRED”, etc.) is required?(CEC 625.15)
Yes No
N/A
22.An approval letter from SCE is provided to the building department if a dedicated electrical
meter is to be installed for the electric vehicle charging system?
Yes No
N/A
Sheet#______
23.If the EV charging equipment is rated more than 60 amps or more than 150V to ground, the
plans specify that the disconnecting means shall be lockable open and shall be provided in a
readily accessible location? (CEC 625.42)
Yes No
Sheet#_____
24.The plans specify that the EVCS equipment disconnecting means shall be identified with a
durable label stating “Emergency Power Off – Electric Vehicle Charging Station”?(CEC 110.21)
Yes No
Sheet#_____
25.The plans specify that the main service conductors and the equipment for the protection of
electrical service (i.e. disconnecting means, overcurrent protection, etc.) will be installed in
accordance with CEC Article 230?
Yes No
N/A
Sheet#______
26.If trenching is required, a trenching detail is provided on the plans showing compliance with
the minimum cover requirements pursuant to CEC 300.5?
(NOTE: trenching for electrical feeders from structure to structure must comply with CEC 225.)
BUILDING AND SAFETY DIVISION 73510 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260Phone (760)776-6435 ▪ Email: permitcenter@cityofpalmdesert.org
Website: www.pdpermits.com
Page 5 of 11 Effective 01/18/2023
Yes
N/A
No An Electrical Floor Plan is included with the permit application and includes the following
information? (Not required for exterior installations)
•Plan view of the location of the proposed EVCS equipment including the use of thespace or area where the EVCS will be installed;
•All applicable electrical plan related requirements of CEC Article 625 are shown orspecified on the plan;
•Detailed and specific plan of all related proposed work. (See additional requirementsbelow.)
Yes No
N/A
9.A Single-Line Electrical Diagram is included with the permit application and includes the
following information? (Not required for Level 1 charging station installations)
•List and label all EVCS supply equipment;
•Conductor and conduit size, type and location;
•Size of the over current device (circuit breaker) supplying the EVCS;
•The size and location of the main electric panel, distribution panels (sub panels),
overcurrent protection, disconnects, additional meters, and EVCS equipment;
•The type (level), voltage and ampacity for each charging station;
•All equipment labeling requirements per CEC 625.15.
Yes No 10.A digital copy of the EVCS Manufacturer Installation Details and Specifications
are included with the permit application?
Yes
N/A
No 11.A digital set of Electrical Service Load Calculations are provided for sizing of the
electrical service panel pursuant to CA Electrical Code (CEC) Article 220?
(NOTE: Include 125% of the EV charging station load in the calculation)
Yes
N/A
No
12.If the EVCS equipment is listed for charging electric vehicles that require ventilation for
indoor charging, is a Mechanical Plan showing and specifying all of the ventilation
requirements prescribed by CEC 625.52 included with the permit application?
13.The plans indicate that the installation shall meet all requirements of the 2022 California
Electrical Code - Article 625 for Electric Vehicle Charging Systems.
BUILDING AND SAFETY DIVISION 73510 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260Phone (760)776-6435 ▪ Email: permitcenter@cityofpalmdesert.org
Website: www.pdpermits.com
No
Yes
Page 4 of 11 Effective 01/18/2023
PLANS
Yes No 1.The digital drawings are:
•to scale or fully dimensioned;
•Document Properties of no less than 17” wide by 11” high (36” x 24”
preferred);
•A landscape orientation;
•No hand drawn plans.
Yes No 2.The plans include a Title Page with property information including, but not limited to:
•address of property;
•name, address, phone number of the property owner;
•name, address, phone number and license number of the person responsible for the
EVCS system design; signed and stamp if a licensed design professional is used.
•2022 California Model Codes applicable to the project;
•occupancy and use of the facilities; and
•narrative description and scope of the proposed work?
Yes No
N/A
3.A Site Plan is included with the permit application and includes the following information?
•Location and name of structure(s) on the site;
•Property lines, streets, lot dimensions, north arrow, the distance from property lines to
structures and the proposed EVCS equipment;
•Dimensioned parking improvements, driveways, etc.;
•EVCS equipment, main electric service panel, disconnects and overcurrent protection
locations;
•Underground conduit locations and routing;
•Location of additional meter, if applicable;
•Detailed and specific site of all related proposed work. See additional requirements below.
BUILDING AND SAFETY DIVISION 73510 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260Phone (760)776-6435 ▪ Email: permitcenter@cityofpalmdesert.org
Website: www.pdpermits.com
2022 CALIFORNIA ELECTRCIAL CODE - MINIMUM PLAN REQUIREMENTS
2
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER - SERVICE LOAD CALCULATION
INSTRUCTIONS: Review the list of electrical loads in the table below and check (✓) all that exist in your
home (don’t forget to include the proposed Level 2 EV Charger). For each item checked (✓), fill-in the
corresponding “Watts used” (refer to the “Typical usage” column for wattage information). Add up all of
the numbers that are written in the “Watts Used” column and write that number in the “TOTAL WATTS
USED” box at the bottom of the table, then go to the next page to determine if your existing electric service
will accommodate the new loads.
(Loads shown are rough estimates; actual loads may vary – for a more precise analysis, use the
nameplate ratings for appliances and other loads and consult with a trained electrical
professional.)
*Use name plate rating in watts or calculate as: (Ampere rating of circuit X 240 volts = Watts)
✓Check All
Applicable
Loads
Description of Load Typical usage Watts used
GENERAL LIGHTING AND RECEPTACLE OUTLET CIRCUITS
Multiply the
Square Footage of House X 3 3 watts/sq. ft.
KITCHEN CIRCUITS
Kitchen Circuits 3,000 watts
Electric Oven 2,000 watts
Electric Stove Top 5,000 watts
Microwave 1,500 watts
Garbage Disposal under Kitchen
Sink
1,000 watts
Automatic Dish Washer 3,500 watts
Garbage Compactor 1,000 watts
Instantaneous Hot Water at Sink 1,500 watts
LAUNDRY CIRCUIT
Laundry Circuit 1,500 watts
Electric Clothes Dryer 4,500 watts
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING CIRCUITS
Central Heating (gas) and Air
Conditioning
6,000 watts
Window Mounted AC 1,000 watts
Whole-house or Attic Fan 500 watts
Central Electric Furnace 8,000 watts
Evaporative Cooler 500 watts
OTHER ELECTRICAL LOADS
Electric Water Heater (Storage
type)
4,000 watts
Electric Tankless Water Heater 15,000 watts
Swimming Pool or Spa 3,500 watts
Other: (describe) watts
Other: watts
Other: watts
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER CIRCUIT
Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charger Wattage Rating*
(Add-up all of the watts for the loads you have checked ✓)
TOTAL WATTS USED
3
INSTRUCTIONS: Using the “TOTAL WATTS USED” number from the previous page, check (✓) the
appropriate line in column 1 and follow that line across to determine the minimum required size of the
electrical service panel shown in column 3. In column 4, write-in the size of your existing service panel (main
breaker size). If your Existing service panel (column 4) is smaller than the minimum required size of the existing
service (column 3), then you will need to install a new upgraded electrical service panel to handle the added
electrical load from the proposed Level 2 EV Charger.
Table based on CEC 220.83(A), 230.42, and Annex D.
1 2 3 4
✓Check
the
appropriate
line
Total Watts Used
(from previous page)
Minimum Required Size of
Existing 240 Volt Electrical
Service Panel
(Main Service Breaker Size)
Identify the Size of
Your Existing Main
Service Breaker
(Amps)**
up to 48,000 100 amps
48,001 to 63,000 125 amps
63,001 to 78,000 150 amps
78,001 to 108,000 200 amps
108,001 to 123,000 225 amps
**Please note that the size of your Existing service (column 4) MUST be equal to or larger than the Minimum
Required Size (column 3) or a new larger electrical service panel will need to be installed in order to satisfy the
electrical load demand of the EV charger.
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
By my signature, I attest that the information provided is true and accurate.
Job Address:
(Print job address)
Signature:
(Signature of applicant) (Date)
In addition to this document, you will also need to provide a copy of the manufacturer’s installation
literature and specifications for the Level 2 charger you are installing.
Note: This is a voluntary compliance alternative and you may wish to hire a qualified individual or company to
perform a thorough evaluation of your electrical service capacity in lieu of this alternative methodology. Use of
this electrical load calculation estimate methodology is at the user’s risk and carries no implied guarantee of
accuracy. Users of this methodology and these forms are advised to seek professional assistance in
determining the electrical capacity of a service panel.
4
OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR EV CHARGER INSTALLATIONS:
The Table below illustrates the type and size of wire and conduit to be used for various Electric Vehicle
Charger circuits.
Size of
EV
Charger
Circuit Breaker
Required
minimum size of
Conductors
(THHN wire)
Conduit Type and Size***
Electrical Metallic
Tubing (EMT)
Rigid
Nonmetallic
Conduit –
Schedule 40
(RNC)
Flexible Metal
Conduit (FMC)
20 amp #12 1/2” 1/2” 1/2”
30 amp #12 1/2” 1/2” 1/2”
40 amp #10 1/2” 1/2” 1/2”
50 amp #8 3/4” 3/4” 3/4”
60 amp #6 3/4” 3/4” 3/4”
70 amp #6 3/4” 3/4” 3/4”
***Based on 4 wires in the conduit (2-current carrying conductors, 1-grounded conductor, 1-equipment
ground).
As an alternate, Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable (aka: Romex Cable or NMC) may be used if it is protected
from physical damage by placing the cable inside a wall cavity or attic space which is separated from
the occupied space by drywall or plywood.
The Table below illustrates the required supports for various types of electrical conduit or cable.
Conduit
Support
Electrical
Metallic
Tubing
(EMT)
Rigid
Nonmetallic
Conduit –
Schedule 40
(RNC)
Flexible Metal
Conduit (FMC)
Nonmetallic
Sheathed
Cable (NMC)
Conduit
Support
Intervals
10’ 3’ 4-1/2’4-1/2’
Maximum
Distance from
Box to Conduit
Support
3’ 3’ 1’ 1’
In addition to the above noted requirements, the California Electrical Code contains many other provisions that
may be applicable to the installation of a new electrical circuit. Installers are cautioned to be aware of all
applicable requirements before beginning the installation. For additional information or guidance, consult with
the Department of Building and Safety staff or a qualified and experienced Electrical Contractor.
Page 5 of 5
GENERAL INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FOR LEVEL 2 RESIDENTIAL EV CHARGERS
1.GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - All Electrical Vehicle Charging Systems shall comply with the applicable
sections of the California Electrical Code, including Article 625.
2.EQUIPMENT HEIGHT - The coupling means of the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment shall be stored at
a height of 18 – 24 inches above the finished floor. (CEC Art 625.50.
3.LISTED EQUIPMENT - All Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment shall be listed by a nationally recognized
testing laboratory.
4.PROTECTION FROM PHYSICAL DAMAGE - Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment shall be protected
against vehicle impact damage when located in the path of a vehicle. In order to avoid the installation of a
substantial pipe bollard as an equipment guard, locate the Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment on a
garage side wall, out of vehicular path. (see sample drawing below) (CEC Art. 110.27(B))
5.IF MORE THAN 60 AMPS- When EV charging equipment is rated at more than 60 amps or 150 volts, the
disconnect means shall be provided and installed in a readily accessible location and shall be capable of
being locked on the open position. (CEC Art. 625.43)
MANUFACTURER’S INSTALLATION
Page 11 of 11 Effective 01/18/2023
6.Plan Review
Permit applications must be submitted electronically to the City of Palm Desert Permit Center at
www.pdpermits.com. Permit applications eligible for the expedited permitting process will receive
a high priority and be reviewed as early as practical with a processing goal of 3 to 5 business
days following receipt of the submittal and all necessary plan review fees paid.
7.Inspections
Once all permits to construct the EVCS have been issued and the system has been installed, it
must be inspected before final approval. On-site inspections can be scheduled by emailing
inspections@cityofpalmdesert.org. Inspection requests received before midnight can usually be
scheduled for the following business day.
Permit holders must provide the inspector with the printed approved plans, the Building Permit
Inspection Record and access to the location of the work. The permittee must be prepared to
show conformance with all technical requirements in the field at the time of inspection. The
inspector will verify that the installation is in conformance with applicable code requirements and
the approved plans.
8.Departmental Contact Information
For additional information regarding this permitting process, please consult our website at:
City of Palm Desert Building and Safety or contact the Building and Safety Division at (760)
77-6420.
BUILDING AND SAFETY DIVISION 73510 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260Phone (760)776-6435 ▪ Email: permitcenter@cityofpalmdesert.org
Website: www.pdpermits.com