Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

There are different types of Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers - 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 do not require a permit from the Building and Safety Division as long as there are not
     changes to the electrical system to provide the 120 volt receptacle. Any changes to an electrical
     system will require a permit prior to commencing work.

  •  Level 2  charging systems require a 240-volt electrical circuit. Level 2 charger installations typically
      require an electrical permit and inspections of the installation. You will need to provide some basic
      information demonstrating electrical service capacity for the added load in order to obtain the permit.

Over-the-Counter/Electronic Building Permit Submittal during Covid-19

Over the Counter Process

Permit application submittal should be coordinated to the City of Seal Beach Building and Safety Division in person at our office location at 211 Eighth Street, 2nd Floor, Seal Beach, CA. Alternatively, customers may submit their applications electronically using the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/iceyv7n7xtzzawb/AAA_nRUHnO_EYtFkPff7epIpa?dl=0

Electronic Building Permit Submittal during Covid-19

The City of Seal Beach is now offering the option of submitting a building permit application and plans electronically. The following link will provide detail instructions and identify the steps necessary to submit an application and subsequently submit building plans for electronic plan check review. Please note that this service is only available for building permit applications. Please contact the Building & Safety Division should you have any questions at (562) 431-2527 x1323.
Building Permit Application Process During COVID-19

Checklist for Permitting Electric Vehicles and Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE)

A checklist has been developed to streamline the permit, installation, and inspection process. As you complete the applicable checklist, you will be guided as to what documents or information is necessary.

Submittal Requirements

For a Single Family Residential application, an Electrical Permit is required to install an Electrical Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) onsite or in an attached or detached garage. Technical review will be limited to health and safety issues. Approval by an association to install an EVCS may be required for permit approval.

For Multi-Unit Residential, Commercial, and Larger Scale projects a combination Building/ Electrical Permit is required to install an Electrical Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS). Technical review will be limited to health & safety issues and accessibility as required. Below are the minimum requirements to submit for these project types:

All submittal packages, at a minimum, should include the following:

     1. A completed Building Permit Application. Please click the hyperlink to download the application.

     2. A completed Residential and Non-residential Checklist for Permitting Electric Vehicles and Electric
         Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE). Please click the hyperlink to download the application.

     3. A site plan and electrical plan with a single-line diagram. The site plan must be drawn to scale and
         include full dimensions. The submitted site plan must include the following:
              o The location, size, and use of all structures;
              o The location of electrical panel for the charging system; and
              o Description showing the type of charging system and mounting.
              o Electric load calculation worksheet
              o Any additional information based on response to questions in the checklist

Submittal Process

     1. Plan Review
         Building and Safety Division staff will review your application and submittal information within
         ten business days.

     2. Fees
Inspections Requests

Once all permits have been issued and the Electric Vehicle Charging Station is installed, it must be inspected for final approval. Inspection ensures that the work conforms to the permit, local codes, and the submitted plans. This is an additional protection for the consumer since it provides a check that the contractor is following the approved plans.

Please contact our staff for information regarding inspections and scheduling at (562) 431-2527 x1323 or email us by clicking here.

To schedule an inspection, please call the inspection request hotline and leave a message before 4:00 p.m. to be placed on the inspection schedule for the next day: (562) 431-2527 x1519

Helpful Links:

     1. Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook:
         https://opr.ca.gov/docs/ZEV_Guidebook.pdf

     2. Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permitting Guidebook:
         https://businessportal.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/GoBIZ-EVCharging-Guidebook.pdf