Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installation

Many people in Raleigh are buying plug-in vehicles for environmental and other reasons. If you plan to install a charging station for your electric vehicle at your home or business, you must obtain an electrical permit before beginning construction and have the project inspected by the City of Raleigh.

It is important to determine whether your electrical system can handle the new load. Typical 240-volt charging stations require 40-amp service. This load may require an upgrade to the main electrical service or the size of the breaker panel. You should consider contacting a licensed electrical contractor to evaluate your home electrical system. Any upgrades can be completed when you install a charging station.

Submittal Requirements

For Residential processing, submit the documents listed below by 4:00 p.m. to the Planning and Development Customer Service Center.

Residential and Commercial documents may be submitted to the Planning and Development Customer Service Center at One Exchange Plaza in downtown Raleigh.

RESIDENTIAL

• City of Raleigh Permit Application (located in the "Most Popular Selections" box).
• A copy of a plot plan signed and sealed by an NC professional land surveyor if the charging station is going to be outdoors
• Power riser information
• Cut sheets for the charging station

COMMERCIAL | Single Unit

• City of Raleigh Permit Application (located in the "Most Popular Selections" box).
• Site Plan showing the location of existing and proposed work
• Power riser information
• Cut sheets for the charging station

COMMERCIAL | Multi-Unit

• City of Raleigh Permit Application (located in the "Most Popular Selections" box).
• Four sets of Engineered Electrical Plans (can be submitted on 11" x 17")
• NC Building Code Summary Sheet (reproduced on each set of plans)
• Site Plan showing the location of existing and proposed work
• Power riser information
• Cut sheets for the charging station
• Electronic CD (to include plans and any supporting documents)

Required Inspections

• To keep a permit active, at least one inspection must be scheduled within six months of the issuance of the permit
• If a service change is required, an inspection is required to re-establish power
• A final inspection must be conducted after the unit is installed

How To Schedule An Inspection

Visit the Permit and Development Portal to schedule your inspection online from a computer, tablet, or phone. 

Re-Inspections

A code violation may result in an inspection status of "rejection."

After the code violation is corrected, you may schedule a re-inspection.

A re-inspection fee must be paid before scheduling the re-inspection. You may pay the fee at the Planning and Development Customer Service Center or by phone at 919-996-2500 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Please have the permit number, project address, and credit card information available when you call.

To schedule a re-inspection, call a customer service representative at 919-996-2500 or visit the Permit and Development Portal to manage your inspections online. 

Additional Information

• It is important to determine where the charging port is located on your vehicle. This will help you determine where to install your charging station. Locate the charging station close to the charging port on the vehicle to prevent a tripping hazard
• For installation inside a garage, consider installing the charging station at a height that will prevent the vehicle from hitting and damaging the charging station
• Charging stations must be located in a garage or on a parking pad within the property lines. They cannot be installed on a public right of way, which would result in a zoning violation
• If the charging station is to be installed outside, it must be protected with a bollard or curb stop to prevent a vehicle from hitting it and causing an electrical hazard. Charging stations installed outside must be watertight or waterproofed
• There must be an adequate lighting source near the charging station. Flood lights or an area light should suffice
• The system requires a hardwire installation, which may be done by the homeowner or a licensed electrician
• Read about Electric Charging Stations in Raleigh

Expected Processing Time

Please see our development review turnaround times.

Fees

The Development Fee Guide provides a detailed list of specific development fees.  

• The Customer Service Center processes payments or you may pay via the Permit Portal.
• Payment types include Cash, MasterCard, Visa, or check made payable to the City of Raleigh.

A  fee calculator may be used to obtain an estimate of some building and trade permit fees.