CBC · California Building Code
What are the CalGreen requirements for EV charging and designated parking tied to energy performance?
If you elect CalGreen Tier 1 or 2, you must provide a large share of your stalls as designated clean‑air parking (35% Tier 1, 50% Tier 2) and provide EV infrastructure sized either by the prescriptive “EV capable/EVCS” rules or by Tier power‑allocation kVA tables; the code specifies raceway size, reserved panel capacity, minimum EVSE performance, ALMS allowances, and required marking and signage.
Last reviewed: July 5, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
For nonresidential voluntary Tier compliance, CalGreen requires projects to provide a specified percentage of designated “clean‑air” parking (zero‑emitting, high‑efficiency or carpool/vanpool) and to provide EV charging infrastructure or EV‑capable spaces sized either by prescriptive counts or by kVA power‑allocation tables in Appendix A5. The designated parking percentages are 35% for Tier 1 and 50% for Tier 2 (see § A5.106.5.1). EV charging infrastructure and EV‑capable space sizing and technical requirements are specified in § A5.106.5.3 and its referenced tables and by reference to the mandatory Part 5 requirements (Section 5.106.5.3 and subsections) for EV capable spaces and EVCS.
Requirements in detail
Scope and when this ties to energy performance
- The designated parking and EV charging measures in Appendix A5 are voluntary measures required when a project elects Tier 1 or Tier 2 (energy/green performance tiers). See the Tier prerequisites that make these items mandatory for Tier compliance: § A5.601.2.4 (Tier 1) and § A5.601.3.4 (Tier 2).
Designated parking (clean‑air / high‑efficiency / carpool)
- New projects (or additions/alterations that add 10 or more parking spaces) must provide designated parking for any combination of zero‑emitting, high‑efficiency and carpool/vanpool vehicles per § A5.106.5.1. Future EV charging spaces count as designated parking. Parking stall marking and labeling requirements are prescribed.
EV charging / EV capable spaces: two basic compliance paths
- Meet the EV capable / EVCS prescriptive rules (which reference the mandatory Part 5 EV requirements at § 5.106.5.3.1 and § 5.106.5.3.2), including raceways, panel space, dedicated branch circuit capacity and minimum delivered amperage to an EVSE.
- Use the power‑allocation method and associated kVA tables in Appendix A5 (Tier‑specific tables) to size total electrical capacity and then distribute as a mix of EV capable spaces, low‑power Level 2 receptacles, Level 2 EVSE or DC fast chargers (DCFC). At least one Level 2 EVSE is required regardless of method.
Key technical decision dimensions (summary table)
| Decision dimension | Value / requirement | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 designated parking | 35% of total parking (round up to whole space) | § A5.106.5.1.1 |
| Tier 2 designated parking | 50% of total parking (round up) | § A5.106.5.1.2 |
| Future EV charging spaces count as designated parking | Yes | § A5.106.5.1.3 |
| EV capable raceway minimum trade size | Raceways ≥ 1‑inch diameter; originate at service/subpanel and terminate near the proposed EV location | § 5.106.5.3.1 (mandatory reference) |
| Reserved panel capacity for EV capable space | Panel/subpanel space and electrical load capacity for a dedicated 208/240 V, 40 A minimum branch circuit per EV capable space (deliver 30 A min to installed EVSE) | § 5.106.5.3.1 (and Appendix A5 cross‑reference) |
| Minimum Level 2 EVSE rating used in kVA tables | 6.6 kVA (Level 2 @ 6.6 kVA) | Table A5.106.5.3.x (Tier tables) § A5.106.5.3.6 / A5.106.5.3.2 |
| Power‑allocation tables (Tier 1 example values) | See table: e.g., 101–150 spaces → 250.8 kVA (Tier 1 power allocation) | Table A5.106.5.3.2 § A5.106.5.3.2 (Appendix A5 Tier 1) |
| Power‑allocation tables (Tier 2 example values) | See table: e.g., 101–150 spaces → 376.2 kVA (Tier 2 power allocation) | Table A5.106.5.3.4 § A5.106.5.3.4 (Appendix A5 Tier 2) |
| Automatic load management (ALMS) allowance | ALMS permitted; when used required EVSE must deliver 30 A to one EV and minimum 3.3 kW while simultaneously charging multiple EVs; ALMS can reduce required feeder capacity | § 5.106.5.3.3 and Appendix A5 cross‑refs |
(Use the full Tier table that applies to your project to convert required total kVA into numbers of 6.6 kVA Level‑2 equivalents; the tables are different for Tier 1 vs Tier 2 and for the nonresidential mandatory Section 5 path.)
Important prescriptive/technical rules called out in the code
- Mark raceway terminations and reserved overcurrent device spaces “EV CAPABLE” (identification requirement).
- EV receptacle configurations for 208/240 V are identified (acceptable NEMA types for 20 A, 30 A and 50 A receptacles).
- Install accessible EVCS in accordance with CBC Chapter 11B when EVSE is installed.
Exceptions & special cases
- Local enforcing authority can grant exceptions where there is no local utility power, the utility cannot supply adequate power, or additional utility infrastructure would materially and adversely impact project cost (§ A5.106.5.3 Exceptions). Parking lifts or facilities incapable of supporting EV charging are expressly excepted.
- Existing buildings undergoing qualifying alterations: if EV capable infrastructure does not already exist, the addition/alteration must include EV charging sized to the new/altered parking per § 5.106.5.4 provisions (either the prescriptive table method or power allocation method). If EV capable infrastructure already exists, those spaces must be outfitted (or additional infrastructure provided) before adding new EV capable spaces.
- Use of ALMS can reduce feeder/panel capacity requirements, but each ALMS‑controlled EVSE must meet the minimum per‑EV delivery (30 A single EV; 3.3 kW when multiple) and is subject to the ALMS rules in § 5.106.5.3.3.
Common mistakes
- Miscounting designated parking: designers forget to round up the fractional result to the next whole stall (code requires rounding up). § A5.106.5.1.1/1.2.
- Treating “EV capable” raceway only as optional; raceways must meet the minimum trade size and panel reservation requirements when following the EV capable path (§ 5.106.5.3.1).
- Not coordinating kVA allocation: using Tier 1 tables when the project elected Tier 2 (they have different kVA totals) or ignoring the office/retail limitations on % kVA allowed to be assigned to EV capable spaces in some tables. § A5.106.5.3.4 and related notes.
- Forgetting signage/marking: fail to place the required “CLEAN AIR / VANPOOL / EV” marking or follow Caltrans signage guidance when EVCS are installed. § A5.106.5.1.4 and § 5.106.5.3.5.
Worked example — applying the rule with numbers
Scenario: A commercial building elects CalGreen Tier 1 and has 120 actual parking spaces. The owner will use the Tier 1 power‑allocation method in Appendix A5.
Designated parking requirement: Tier 1 requires 35% designated parking.
- 120 × 0.35 = 42.0 → rounded up to 42 designated spaces (§ A5.106.5.1.1).
Tier 1 power allocation (Appendix A5 Table A5.106.5.3.2): for 101–150 parking spaces the table gives a minimum total kVA = 250.8 kVA (Tier 1 table example). Use that total required kVA to size service/panel capacity. § A5.106.5.3.2 and Table A5.106.5.3.2.
Convert kVA into Level‑2 equivalents (6.6 kVA per Level‑2 unit as used in the table):
- 250.8 kVA ÷ 6.6 kVA ≈ 38 Level‑2 equivalents. At least one Level‑2 EVSE must be installed; the remaining capacity can be allocated as EV capable spaces, receptacles or EVSE consistent with the power‑allocation method and any % caps in the notes. (§ A5.106.5.3.x tables and notes).
Additional rules to apply: ensure raceways, reserved panel space and labeling as “EV CAPABLE” where prescriptive EV capable spaces are used, and abide by ALMS rules if ALMS is used to reduce feeder size.
Related provisions
- § A5.106.5.1 — Designated parking for clean air vehicles (Tier 1/2 percentages and marking)
- § A5.106.5.3 — Electric vehicle (EV) charging (Appendix A5 EV charging compliance paths)
- § 5.106.5.3.1 — EV capable spaces (raceway, panel capacity, identification) — mandatory Part 5 reference used by Appendix A5
- § 5.106.5.3.2 — EVCS technical prescriptions and receptacle/connector configurations (mandatory Part 5)
- § 5.106.5.3.3 — Use of automatic load management systems (ALMS) (mandatory Part 5)
- § 5.106.5.4 — Existing buildings: when EV capable infrastructure must be added as part of alterations/additions
- § A5.601.2.4 — Tier 1 voluntary measures that tie designated parking and EV charging to Tier 1 compliance
- § A5.601.3.4 — Tier 2 voluntary measures that tie designated parking and EV charging to Tier 2 compliance
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CBC § 106.8.1.1 High relevance — show source text
A4.106.8.1.1 Identification. The service panel or subpanel circuit directory shall identify the overcurrent protective device designated for future EV charging purposes as “EV READY” in accordance with the California Electrical Code. The receptacle or blank cover shall be identified as “EV READY.”
A4.106.8.2 New multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels. New multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels shall meet the following requirements.
A4.106.8.2.1 Multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels.
Tier 1. New multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels.
- EV ready parking spaces with receptacles. a. Hotels and motels. Sixty (60) percent of the total number of parking spaces shall be equipped with low power Level 2 EV charging receptacles. b. Raceway capacity requirements. To allow for future upgrades to the electrical conductors serving low power Level 2 EV charging receptacles, the listed raceway serving such receptacles shall be sized to allow
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APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
the installation of a dedicated 208/240-volt 40-ampere branch circuit. Where no raceway is used, the conductors shall be sized to accommodate a 208/240-volt 40-ampere receptacle.
Exception: Hotels and motels may substitute Level 2 EV chargers for some or all of the required EV charging receptacles. 2. EV ready parking spaces with EV chargers. a. Hotels and motels. Forty (40) percent of the total number of parking spaces for hotels and motels shall be equipped with Level 2 EV chargers. b. Multifamily parking facilities with unassigned or common use parking. In addition to the low power Level 2 EV charging receptacle requirements of Section A4.106.8 (Tier 1, subsection 1), forty (40) percent of the total number of parking spaces shall be equipped with Level 2 EV chargers and shall be made available for use by all residents or guests.
Exception: Areas of parking facilities served by parking lifts, including but not limited to automated mechanicalaccess open parking garages as defined in the California Building Code ; or parking facilities otherwise incapable of supporting electric vehicle charging.
A4.106.8.2.2 Technical requirements. The EV spaces required by Section A4.106.8.2 shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sections 4.106.4.2, 4.106.4.2.2.1.1, 4.106.4.2.2.1.2, and 4.106.4.2.5.
SECTION A4.107 (RESERVED)
SECTION A4.108 —INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
A4.108.1 Innovative concepts and local environmental conditions. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the use of any alternate material, appliance, installation, device, arrangement, method, design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code. This code does not limit the authority of city, county, or city and county government to make necessary changes to the provisions contained in this code pursuant to Section 101.7.1.
CBC § 5.106.5 High relevance — show source text
5.106.5 Electric vehicle (EV) charging.
5.106.5.1 Reserved.
5.106.5.2 Reserved.
5.106.5.3 Electric vehicle (EV) charging. [N] [BSC-CG] Construction to provide electric vehicle infrastructure and facilitate electric vehicle charging shall comply with Section 5.106.5.3.1 EV capable spaces, Section 5.106.5.3.2 Electric vehicle charging stations and associated Table 5.106.5.3.1, or Section 5.106.5.3.6 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS)—Power allocation method and associated Table 5.106.5.3.6, and shall be provided in accordance with regulations in the California Building Code and the California Electrical Code. Exceptions:
On a case-by-case basis where the local enforcing agency has determined compliance with this section is not feasible based upon one of the following conditions: a. Where there is no local utility power supply. b. Where the local utility is unable to supply adequate power. c. Where there is evidence suitable to the local enforcement agency substantiating that additional local utility infrastructure design requirements, directly related to the implementation of Section 5.106.5.3, may adversely impact the construction cost of the project.
Areas of parking facilities served by parking lifts, including but not limited to, automated mechanical-access open parking garages as defined in the California Building Code ; or parking facilities otherwise incapable of supporting electric vehicle charging. 5.106.5.3.1 EV capable spaces. [N] EV capable spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table 5.106.5.3.1 and the following requirements:
Raceways complying with the California Electrical Code and no less than 1-inch (25 mm) diameter shall be provided and shall originate at a service panel or a subpanel(s) serving the area, and shall terminate in close proximity to the proposed location of the EV capable space and into a suitable listed cabinet, box, enclosure or equivalent. A common raceway may be used to serve multiple EV capable spaces.
A service panel or subpanel(s) shall be provided with panel space and electrical load capacity for a dedicated 208/240 volt, 40-ampere minimum branch circuit for each EV capable space, with delivery of 30-ampere minimum to an installed EVSE at each EVCS.
The electrical system and any on-site distribution transformers shall have sufficient capacity to supply full rated amperage at each EV capable space.
The service panel or subpanel circuit directory shall identify the reserved overcurrent protective device space(s) as “EV CAPABLE”. The raceway termination location shall be permanently and visibly marked as “EV CAPABLE.” Note: A parking space served by electric vehicle supply equipment or designed as a future EV charging space shall count as at least one standard automobile parking space only for the purpose of complying with any applicable minimum parking space requirements established by an enforcement agency. See Vehicle Code Section 22511.2 for further details.
CBC § 601.2.4 High relevance — show source text
A5.601.2.4 Voluntary measures for Tier 1. In addition to the provisions of Sections A5.601.2.1 and A5.601.2.3 above, compliance with the following voluntary measures from Appendix A5 is required for Tier 1:
- From Division A5.1, a. Comply with the designated parking requirements for high-efficiency vehicles for a minimum of 35 percent of parking capacity per Section A5.106.5.1. b. Electric vehicle (EV) charging [N] and Table A5.106.5.3.1 w/ footnotes. c. Comply with thermal emittance, solar reflectance or SRI values for cool roofs in Section A5.106.11.2 and Table A5.106.11.2.2. [1]
d. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division. 2. From Division A5.2 comply with ONE of the following:
Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.
Service water heating in restaurants as described in A5.203.1.1.2.
Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.
Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.
Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.
From Division A5.3,
a. Comply with the 12-percent reduction for indoor potable water use in Section A5.303.2.3.1. b. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division.
- From Division A5.4,
a. Comply with recycled content of 10 percent of materials based on estimated total cost, or use two products from Table A5.405.4 for at least 75 percent by cost in Section A5.405.4. b. Comply with the 65-percent reduction in construction and demolition waste in Section A5.408.3.1. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division.
- From Division A5.5,
a. Comply with resilient flooring systems for 90 percent of resilient flooring in Section A5.504.4.7. b. Comply with thermal insulation meeting 2009 CHPS low-emitting materials list in Section A5.504.4.8. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division. 6. Comply with one additional elective measure selected from any division.
1 Cool roof is required for compliance with Tiers 1 and 2 and may be used to meet energy standards in Part 6, exceed energy standards and to mitigate heat island effect.
A5.601.3 CALGreen Tier 2.
A5.601.3.1 Prerequisites. To achieve CALGreen tier status, a project must meet all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 5 and, in addition, meet the provisions of this section.
A5.601.3.2 Energy performance. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards.
A5.601.3.3 Tier 2. Comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Section A5.203.1.1 and Section A5.203.1.2.2.
CBC § 405.4 High relevance — show source text
- From Division A5.4,
a. Comply with recycled content of 10 percent of materials based on estimated total cost, or use two products from Table A5.405.4 for at least 75 percent by cost in Section A5.405.4. b. Comply with the 65-percent reduction in construction and demolition waste in Section A5.408.3.1. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division.
- From Division A5.5,
a. Comply with resilient flooring systems for 90 percent of resilient flooring in Section A5.504.4.7. b. Comply with thermal insulation meeting 2009 CHPS low-emitting materials list in Section A5.504.4.8. c. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division. 6. Comply with one additional elective measure selected from any division.
1 Cool roof is required for compliance with Tiers 1 and 2 and may be used to meet energy standards in Part 6, exceed energy standards and to mitigate heat island effect.
A5.601.3 CALGreen Tier 2.
A5.601.3.1 Prerequisites. To achieve CALGreen tier status, a project must meet all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 5 and, in addition, meet the provisions of this section.
A5.601.3.2 Energy performance. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards.
A5.601.3.3 Tier 2. Comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Section A5.203.1.1 and Section A5.203.1.2.2.
A5.601.3.4 Voluntary measures for Tier 2. In addition to the provisions of Sections A5.601.3.1 and A5.601.3.3 above, compliance with the following voluntary measures from Appendix A5 is required for Tier 2:
- From Division A5.1, a. Comply with the designated parking requirements for fuel efficient vehicles for a minimum of 50 percent of parking capacity per Section A5.106.5.1. b. Electric vehicle (EV) charging [N] and Table A5.106.5.3.2 with footnotes. c. Comply with thermal emittance, solar reflectance or SRI values for cool roofs in Section A5.106.11.2 and Table A5.106.11.2.3. [1]
d. Comply with three elective measures selected from this division.
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APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
From Division A5.2 comply with TWO of the following:
Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.
Service water heating in restaurants as described in A5.203.1.1.2.
Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.
Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.
Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.
From Division A5.3,
CBC § 106.5.1.1 High relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-5
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APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
A5.106.5.1.1 Tier 1. Provide 35 percent designated parking spaces of the total number of parking spaces, for any combination of zero-emitting, high-efficiency and carpool/vanpool vehicles. Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
Note: Designated parking for clean air vehicles shall count toward the total parking spaces required by the local enforcing agencies. A5.106.5.1.2 Tier 2. Provide 50 percent designated parking spaces of the total number of parking spaces, for any combination of zero-emitting, high-efficiency and carpool/vanpool vehicles. Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
Note: Designated parking for clean air vehicles shall count toward the total parking spaces required by the local enforcing agencies. A5.106.5.1.3 Future charging spaces. Future EV charging spaces qualify as designated parking as described in Section A5.106.5.1 Designated parking for clean air vehicles. Note: Future EV charging spaces shall count toward the total parking spaces required by the local enforcing agencies. A5.106.5.1.4 Parking stall marking. Paint, in the paint used for stall striping, the following characters such that the lower edge of the last word aligns with the end of the stall striping and is visible beneath a parked vehicle:
CLEAN AIR/ VANPOOL/EV Note: Vehicles bearing Clean Air Vehicle stickers from expired HOV lane programs may be considered eligible for designated parking spaces. A5.106.5.1.5 Vehicle designations. Building managers may consult with local community Transit Management Associations (TMAs) for methods of designating qualifying vehicles, such as issuing parking stickers. Notes:
- Information on qualifying vehicles, car labeling regulations and DMV CAV decals may be obtained from the following sources:
a. California DriveClean.
b. California Air Resources Board.
c. US EPA fuel economy regulations and standards. d. DMV Registration Operations. 2. Purchasing policy and refueling sites for zero-emitting vehicles for state employees use can be found at the Department of General Services.
A5.106.5.2 Reserved.
A5.106.5.3 Electric vehicle (EV) charging. [N] Construction shall comply with Section A5.106.5.3.1 Tier 1 or A5.106.5.3.3 Tier 2, and in accordance with regulations in the California Building Code and the California Electrical Code. A5.106.5.3.1 Tier 1. Comply with Section 5.106.5.3.1 EV capable spaces, Section 5.106.5.3.2 Electric vehicle charging stations and associated Table A5.106.5.3.1, or comply with Section A5.106.5.3.2 Tier 1 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS)—power allocation method and associated Table A5.106.5.3.2. Refer to Section 5.106.5.3.2 for the permitted use of Level 2 or Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) to create EVCS.
CBC § 409.4 High relevance — show source text
Solar access is the ratio of solar insolation including shade to the
solar insolation without shade. Shading from obstructions located on the roof or any other part of the building shall not be included in the determination of annual solar access.
3.
Life cycle assessment compliant with Section A5.409.4 in this code may be substituted for prescriptive measures from Division A5.4.|A5.601.1 Scope. The measures contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless adopted by local government as specified in Section 101.7. The provisions of this section outline means of achieving enhanced construction or reach levels by incorporating addi
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APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
tional green building measures for newly constructed nonresidential buildings as well as additions and alterations. In order to meet one of the tier levels designers, builders or property owners are required to incorporate additional green building measures necessary to meet the threshold of each level. Refer to the provisions in Section 301.3 for nonresidential additions and alterations scope and application.
A5.601.2 CALGreen Tier 1
A5.601.2.1 Prerequisites. To achieve CALGreen tier status, a project must meet all of the mandatory measures in Chapter 5 and, in addition, meet the provisions of this section.
A5.601.2.2 Energy performance. For the purposes of mandatory energy efficiency standards in this code, the California Energy Commission will continue to adopt mandatory standards.
A5.601.2.3 Tier 1. Comply with the energy efficiency requirements in Section A5.203.1.1 and Section A5.203.1.2.1.
A5.601.2.4 Voluntary measures for Tier 1. In addition to the provisions of Sections A5.601.2.1 and A5.601.2.3 above, compliance with the following voluntary measures from Appendix A5 is required for Tier 1:
- From Division A5.1, a. Comply with the designated parking requirements for high-efficiency vehicles for a minimum of 35 percent of parking capacity per Section A5.106.5.1. b. Electric vehicle (EV) charging [N] and Table A5.106.5.3.1 w/ footnotes. c. Comply with thermal emittance, solar reflectance or SRI values for cool roofs in Section A5.106.11.2 and Table A5.106.11.2.2. [1]
d. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division. 2. From Division A5.2 comply with ONE of the following:
Outdoor lighting as described in A5.203.1.1.1.
Service water heating in restaurants as described in A5.203.1.1.2.
Warehouse Dock Seal Doors A5.203.1.1.3.
Daylight Design Power Adjustments 5.203.1.1.4.
Exhaust Air Heat Recovery A5.203.1.1.5.
From Division A5.3,
a. Comply with the 12-percent reduction for indoor potable water use in Section A5.303.2.3.1. b. Comply with one elective measure selected from this division.
- From Division A5.4,
CBC § 106.5.3.4 High relevance — show source text
Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
2. Each EVCS shall reduce the number of required EV capable spaces by the same number.
3. At least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided.|1. Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
2. Each EVCS shall reduce the number of required EV capable spaces by the same number.
3. At least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided.|1. Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
2. Each EVCS shall reduce the number of required EV capable spaces by the same number.
3. At least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided.|1. Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
2. Each EVCS shall reduce the number of required EV capable spaces by the same number.
3. At least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided.|A5.106.5.3.4 Tier 2 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS)—power allocation method. The power allocation method may be used as an alternative to the requirements in Section 5.106.5.3.1, Section 5.106.5.3.2 and associated Table A5.106.5.3.3. Use Table A5.106.5.3.4 to determine the total power in kVA required based on the total number of actual parking spaces.
Power allocation method shall include the following:
- Use any kVA combination of EV capable spaces, low power Level 2, Level 2 or DCFC EVSEs.
- At least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided.
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APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
TABLE A5.106.5.3.4—TIER 2 EVCS—POWER ALLOCATION METHOD Col2 Col3 Col4 TOTAL NUMBER OF
ACTUAL PARKING
SPACESMINIMUM TOTAL kVA
@ 6.6 kVAOTHER THAN OFFICE AND RETAIL
TOTAL kVA REQUIRED
IN ANY COMBINATION OF EV CAPABLE3,
4, LOW POWER LEVEL 2
LEVEL 21, 2, OR DCFCOFFICE AND RETAIL
TOTAL kVA REQUIRED
IN ANY COMBINATION OF EV CAPABLE3,
4, LOW POWER LEVEL 2
LEVEL 21, 2, OR DCFC1–9 19.8 19.8 19.8 10–25 52.8 52.8 52.8 26–50 112.2 112.2 112.2 51–75 184.8 184.8 184.8 76–100 264.0 264 264 101–150 376.2 376.2 376.2 151–200 521.4 521.4 521.4 201 and over 45 percent of
actual parking spaces× 6.CBC § 106.5.3.4 High relevance — show source text
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APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
TABLE A5.106.5.3.4—TIER 2 EVCS—POWER ALLOCATION METHOD Col2 Col3 Col4 TOTAL NUMBER OF
ACTUAL PARKING
SPACESMINIMUM TOTAL kVA
@ 6.6 kVAOTHER THAN OFFICE AND RETAIL
TOTAL kVA REQUIRED
IN ANY COMBINATION OF EV CAPABLE3,
4, LOW POWER LEVEL 2
LEVEL 21, 2, OR DCFCOFFICE AND RETAIL
TOTAL kVA REQUIRED
IN ANY COMBINATION OF EV CAPABLE3,
4, LOW POWER LEVEL 2
LEVEL 21, 2, OR DCFC1–9 19.8 19.8 19.8 10–25 52.8 52.8 52.8 26–50 112.2 112.2 112.2 51–75 184.8 184.8 184.8 76–100 264.0 264 264 101–150 376.2 376.2 376.2 151–200 521.4 521.4 521.4 201 and over 45 percent of
actual parking spaces× 6.6Total required kVA = P× .45× 6.6
Where P = Parking spaces in facilityTotal required kVA = P× .45× 6.6
Where P = Parking spaces in facility1. Level 2 EVSE @ 6.6 kVA minimum.
2. At least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided.
3. Maximum allowed kVA to be utilized for EV capable spaces is 75 percent.
4. If EV capable spaces are utilized, they shall meet the requirements of Section 5.106.5.3.1 EV capable spaces.
5. For office and retail buildings the maximum allowed kVA to be utilized for EV capable spaces is 25 percent.1. Level 2 EVSE @ 6.6 kVA minimum.
2. At least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided.
3. Maximum allowed kVA to be utilized for EV capable spaces is 75 percent.
4. If EV capable spaces are utilized, they shall meet the requirements of Section 5.106.5.3.1 EV capable spaces.
5. For office and retail buildings the maximum allowed kVA to be utilized for EV capable spaces is 25 percent.1. Level 2 EVSE @ 6.6 kVA minimum.
2. At least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided.
3. Maximum allowed kVA to be utilized for EV capable spaces is 75 percent.
4. If EV capable spaces are utilized, they shall meet the requirements of Section 5.106.5.3.1 EV capable spaces.
5. For office and retail buildings the maximum allowed kVA to be utilized for EV capable spaces is 25 percent.1. CBC § 6-20 High relevance — show source text
- Where the total number of dwelling units exceeds the number of unassigned parking spaces, all unassigned parking spaces shall be provided with one low power Level 2 EV charging receptacle. Exception: Areas of parking facilities served by parking lifts, including but not limited to, automated mechanical-access open parking garages as defined in the California Building Code ; or parking facilities otherwise incapable of supporting electric vehicle charging. c. Multifamily parking facilities with assigned and unassigned parking. Where multifamily buildings are provided with both assigned and unassigned parking spaces equal to or greater than the number of dwelling units, at least one low power Level 2 EV charging receptacle shall be provided for each dwelling unit at either the assigned or unassigned parking space, but not both. d. Receptacle power source. EV charging receptacles in multifamily parking facilities at assigned parking spaces shall be provided with a dedicated branch circuit connected to the dwelling unit’s electrical panel, unless determined as infeasible by the project builder or designer and subject to concurrence of the local enforcing agency. Exception: Areas of parking facilities served by parking lifts, including but not limited to, automated mechanical-access open parking garages as defined in the California Building Code ; or parking facilities otherwise incapable of supporting electric vehicle charging. e. Receptacle configurations. 208/240V EV charging receptacles shall comply with one of the following configurations:
- For 20-ampere receptacles, NEMA 6-20R
- For 30-ampere receptacles, NEMA 14-30R
- For 50-ampere receptacles, NEMA 14-50R
4-4 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
- EV ready parking spaces with EV chargers. a. Multifamily parking facilities with unassigned or common use parking. In addition to the low power Level 2 EV charging receptacle requirements of Section 4.106.4.2.2 (1), twenty-five (25) percent of unassigned or common use parking spaces not already provided with low power Level 2 EV charging receptacles, pursuant to Section 4.106.4.2.2 (1), shall be equipped with Level 2 EV chargers and shall be made available for use by all residents or guests. b. Ev charger connectors. EV chargers shall be equipped with J1772 or J3400 connectors. c. An automatic load management system (ALMS) may be used to reduce the maximum required electrical capacity to each space served by the ALMS. The electrical system and any on-site distribution transformers shall have sufficient capacity to deliver at least 3.3 kW simultaneously to each EV charging station (EVCS) served by the ALMS. The branch circuit shall have a minimum capacity of 40 amperes, and installed EV chargers shall have a capacity of not less than 30 amperes.
4.106.4.2.2.1 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS). Electric vehicle charging stations required by Section 4.106.4.2.2, Item 2, with EV chargers installed shall comply with Section 4.106.4.2.2.1.1.
CBC § 5.106.5.3.2.1 High relevance — show source text
5.106.5.3.2.1 Receptacle configurations. 208/240V EV charging receptacles shall comply with one of the following configurations:
- For 20-ampere receptacles, NEMA 6-20R
- For 30-ampere receptacles, NEMA 14-30R
- For 50-ampere receptacles, NEMA 14-50R
5.106.5.3.2.2 EV charger connectors. EV chargers shall be equipped with SAE J1772 with a maximum output 240 Volts AC or SAE J3400 connectors.
When using level 2 SAE J3400 SAE connectors, supplied by a 480 V 3-phase service, at least 20 percent of the EV charger connectors shall be SAE J1772 with a maximum output 240 Volts AC.
5.106.5.3.2.3 The installation of each DCFC EVSE shall be permitted to reduce the minimum number of required EV capable spaces without EVSE or EVCS with Level 2 EVSE by five, and reduce proportionally the required electrical load capacity to the service panel or subpanel.
5.106.5.3.2.4 The installation of two low power Level 2 EV charging receptacles shall be permitted to reduce the minimum number of required EV capable spaces without EVSE in Table 5.106.5.3.1 by one.
5.106.5.3.2.4.1 Raceway capacity requirements. To allow for future upgrades to the electrical conductors serving low power Level 2 charging receptacles, the listed raceway serving such receptacles shall be sized to allow the installation of a dedicated 208/240-volt 40-ampere branch circuit. Where no raceway is used, the conductors shall be sized to accommodate a 208/240-volt 40-ampere receptacle.
5.106.5.3.3 Use of automatic load management systems (ALMS). ALMS shall be permitted for EVCS. When ALMS is installed, the required electrical load capacity specified in Section 5.106.5.3.1 for each EVCS may be reduced when serviced by an EVSE controlled by an ALMS. Each EVSE controlled by an ALMS shall deliver a minimum 30 amperes to an EV when charging one vehicle and shall deliver a minimum 3.3 kW while simultaneously charging multiple EVs.
5.106.5.3.4 Accessible electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) . When EVSE is installed, accessible EVCS shall be provided in accordance with the California Building Code, Chapter 11B, Section 11B-228.3.
5.106.5.3.5 Electric vehicle charging station signage. Electric vehicle charging stations shall be identified by signage or pavement markings in compliance with Caltrans Traffic Operations Policy Directive 13-01 (Zero Emission Vehicle Signs and Pavement Markings) or its successor(s).
5.106.5.3.6 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS)—power allocation method. The power allocation method may be used as an alternative to the requirements in Section 5.106.5.3.1, Section 5.106.5.3.2 and associated Table 5.106.5.3.1. Use Table 5.106.5.3.6 to determine the total power in kVA required based on the total number of actual parking spaces.
CBC § 1.2. High relevance — show source text
RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
1.2. Where there is evidence suitable to the local enforcing agency substantiating that additional local utility infrastructure design requirements, directly related to the implementation of Section 4.106.4, may adversely impact the construction cost of the project. 2. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) without additional parking facilities.
4.106.4.1 New one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses with attached private garages. For each dwelling unit, install a listed raceway to accommodate a dedicated 208/240-volt branch circuit. The raceway shall not be less than trade size 1 (nominal 1-inch inside diameter). The raceway shall originate at the main service or subpanel and shall terminate into a listed cabinet, box or other enclosure in close proximity to the proposed location of an EV charger. Raceways are required to be continuous at enclosed, inaccessible or concealed areas and spaces. The service panel and/or subpanel shall provide capacity to install a 40-ampere 208/240-volt minimum dedicated branch circuit and space(s) reserved to permit installation of a branch circuit overcurrent protective device.
Exception: A raceway is not required if a minimum 40-ampere 208/240-volt dedicated EV branch circuit is installed in close proximity to the proposed location of an EV charger at the time of original construction in accordance with the California Elec- trical Code .
4.106.4.1.1 Identification. The service panel or subpanel circuit directory shall identify the overcurrent protective device space(s) reserved for future EV charging as “EV CAPABLE”. The raceway termination location shall be permanently and visibly marked as “EV CAPABLE”.
4.106.4.2 New multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels and new residential parking facilities. When parking is provided, parking spaces for new multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels shall meet the requirements of Section 4.106.4.2.2. Calculations for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number. A parking space served by electric vehicle supply equipment or designed as an EV charging space shall count as at least one standard automobile parking space only for the purpose of complying with any applicable minimum parking space requirements established by a local jurisdiction. See Vehicle Code Section 22511.2 for further details.
4.106.4.2.1 Reserved.
4.106.4.2.2 Multifamily dwellings.
- EV ready parking spaces with receptacles. a. Multifamily parking facilities with assigned parking. Where dwelling units are provided with assigned parking spaces equal to or greater than the number of dwelling units, at least one low power Level 2 EV charging receptacle shall be provided at an assigned parking space for each dwelling unit.
- Where the total number of dwelling units exceeds the number of assigned parking spaces, all assigned parking spaces shall be provided with one low power Level 2 EV charging receptacle. Exception: Areas of parking facilities served by parking lifts, including but not limited to, automated mechanical-access open parking garages as defined in the California Building Code ; or parking facilities otherwise incapable of supporting electric vehicle charging. b. Multifamily parking facilities with unassigned parking. Where dwelling units are provided with unassigned parking spaces equal to or greater than the number of dwelling units, at least one low power Level 2 EV charging receptacle shall be provided at an unassigned parking space for each dwelling unit.
Frequently asked questions
Does a "future EV charging space" count toward the Tier designated parking percentage?
Yes. § A5.106.5.1.3 explicitly states future EV charging spaces qualify as designated parking and count toward required totals.
If I install a DC fast charger (DCFC), does it change how many EV capable spaces I must provide?
Yes. Under the EVCS prescriptive rules, installing each DCFC may reduce the minimum number of required EV capable spaces by five and reduces required panel capacity proportionally (see § 5.106.5.3.2.3).
Can I use an ALMS to avoid upgrading my service?
ALMS is permitted and can reduce the required electrical load capacity per space, but each ALMS‑controlled EVSE must meet minimum output requirements (30 A to one EV and minimum 3.3 kW while charging multiple EVs). You still must comply with the ALMS requirements in the code.
Are the Appendix A5 measures mandatory for every project?
No — Appendix A5 measures are voluntary unless a project elects Tier 1 or Tier 2. If the project elects a Tier, the Tier prerequisites make specific Appendix A5 items mandatory for achieving that Tier (see § A5.601.2.4 and § A5.601.3.4).
What marking text is required on the parking stall surface for designated spaces?
The code prescribes painting the stall with the characters (in the striping paint) so the lower edge aligns with the stall striping, using wording such as “CLEAN AIR / VANPOOL / EV” per § A5.106.5.1.4.
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