Title 24 · California Energy Code
What exceptions allow omission of medium/heavy EV readiness (utility limits, infeasibility)?
In plain terms: the code requires medium/heavy EV readiness but allows the local enforcement agency (and DSA for schools) to waive those requirements only when you can prove there is no utility service, the utility cannot provide the needed capacity, or required utility upgrades would unacceptably raise construction costs — and you must document that with utility letters, studies, or cost estimates under § 5.106.5.3 and § 5.106.5.5.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
Construction for medium- and heavy‑duty EV readiness must provide raceways, panel/transformer capacity and locations to facilitate future EVSE in accordance with § 5.106.5.5. The same general exception language that applies to other EV charging requirements — allowing the local enforcing agency to waive compliance when installation is not feasible for utility or cost reasons — is stated in § 5.106.5.3. These exceptions are decided on a case‑by‑case basis by the local enforcing agency (and for some public school work, by DSA) and must be supported with evidence. § 5.106.5.5 ; § 5.106.5.3 .
The single most important rule: the local enforcing agency may permit an exception to medium/heavy EV readiness only when compliance is demonstrated to be infeasible because there is no utility supply, the utility cannot supply adequate power, or when required local utility infrastructure upgrades would adversely impact construction cost — and that determination must be made on a case‑by‑case basis under the controlling §. § 5.106.5.5 ; § 5.106.5.3 .
Requirements in detail
- Controlled sections: § 5.106.5.5 (medium‑ and heavy‑duty EV charging exceptions) and § 5.106.5.3 (general EV charging exceptions). § 5.106.5.5 describes the readiness requirements and lists the same three primary infeasibility grounds that allow the local enforcing agency to relieve compliance. § 5.106.5.3 contains the general exception framework that applies to EV charging infrastructure. § 5.106.5.5 ; § 5.106.5.3 .
What the exception grounds are (plain list)
- No local utility power supply — the site literally has no connection available from the electric utility. § 5.106.5.3 .
- Local utility unable to supply adequate power — the utility can’t provide the needed capacity (for example, transformer/service limits). § 5.106.5.3 .
- Local utility infrastructure design requirements would adversely impact construction cost — evidence must show that utility‑required infrastructure changes directly related to implementing EV readiness would materially raise construction cost. § 5.106.5.3 .
- For certain public school projects, an exception requires concurrence by the Division of the State Architect (DSA). § 5.106.5.6 (analogous exception language) .
Decision‑relevant dimensions and how to document them
| Decision dimension | Typical evidence / metric | Who decides | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| No local utility power supply | Utility statement that no service exists or cannot be extended to the site | Local enforcing agency (or DSA for certain school work) | § 5.106.5.3 and § 5.106.5.5 |
| Utility cannot supply adequate power | Utility capacity study, load‑flow analysis, or written utility refusal to provide required kVA/amps | Local enforcing agency | § 5.106.5.3 and § 5.106.5.5 |
| Adverse construction cost due to utility infrastructure design | Cost estimate showing required utility upgrades (transformer, service, trenching) tied to Section implementation; comparison to baseline project cost | Local enforcing agency (case‑by‑case) | § 5.106.5.3 and § 5.106.5.5 |
| Parking physically incapable of supporting charging (e.g., lifts, automated systems) | Building/garage type documentation showing physical constraint | Local enforcing agency | § 5.106.5.3 exceptions (areas served by parking lifts or otherwise incapable) |
| Public school projects | Same grounds, but DSA concurrence required | Local agency + DSA | § 5.106.5.6 (exceptions require DSA concurrence) |
How the waiver is applied
- The code frames these as case‑by‑case determinations by the local enforcing agency; exceptions are not automatic. § 5.106.5.3 .
- For medium/heavy readiness specifically, the exception list in § 5.106.5.5 matches the general § 5.106.5.3 grounds. § 5.106.5.5 .
- Expect the enforcing agency to require documentary proof (utility letters, studies, and cost estimates) and to link the claimed infeasibility directly to the requirements in the cited sections. § 5.106.5.3 .
Exceptions & special cases
- Remote parking with no access to building service — treated separately (existing exceptions for remote parking facilities are recognized in other sections) and may be excluded from readiness obligations when the parking cannot tie to the building service panel. § 5.106.5.4 and § 5.106.5.3 .
- Areas served by parking lifts or automated systems — parking served by mechanical lifts or automated mechanical car parking systems is an explicit exception (these areas may be incapable of supporting EV charging). § 5.106.5.3 exceptions .
- Public schools/community colleges — exceptions follow the same three grounds, but the waiver requires DSA concurrence. § 5.106.5.6 .
- Emergency repairs and limited scope work — other sections (e.g., additions/alterations exceptions) list narrow operational exceptions (emergency repairs, lighting upgrades without trenching) that can be relevant to whether EV readiness is triggered; check § 5.106.5.4 for context. § 5.106.5.4 .
Common mistakes
- Assuming the exception is automatic — it is not. The code requires a case‑by‑case determination by the local enforcing agency and supporting evidence. § 5.106.5.3 .
- Submitting vague statements — the agency will expect concrete utility documentation (capacity study, written denial, or cost estimate), not just assertions that upgrades are “expensive.” § 5.106.5.3 .
- Ignoring partial compliance options — an exception to medium/heavy readiness does not relieve other EV requirements unless the agency specifically grants the waiver; verify which parts of § 5.106.5.3/5.106.5.5 are being waived. § 5.106.5.3; § 5.106.5.5 .
- Failing to coordinate with the utility early — utility studies and written statements take time and are typically required evidence for the exception decision. § 5.106.5.3 .
Worked example — warehouse with off‑street loading (numbers)
Scenario: A developer is constructing a 30,000 ft² warehouse with 4 off‑street loading spaces. Table 5.106.5.5.1 requires additional capacity for raceways/transformer/panel sized for future medium/heavy EVSE: for a manufacturing/warehouse building 10,000–50,000 ft² with 3 or greater loading spaces the table requires 400 kVA of additional capacity. Table 5.106.5.5.1 .
- If the local utility provides a written capacity study showing the nearest transformer and service cannot supply the additional 400 kVA without an off‑site substation upgrade, the developer can present that study to the local enforcing agency to request an exception under § 5.106.5.5. § 5.106.5.5; § 5.106.5.3 .
- If the utility indicates it can provide the 400 kVA but only by requiring a long trench and replacement of the on‑site distribution equipment that would add X% to the construction cost, the developer should submit a cost estimate tying those required upgrades directly to implementation of § 5.106.5.3; the local enforcing agency may accept this as evidence that the upgrades “may adversely impact the construction cost” and grant the exception. § 5.106.5.3 .
- If no utility service is available at the site (e.g., off‑grid remote yard), a utility letter stating no service is possible is the primary document supporting the exception. § 5.106.5.3 .
Related provisions
- § 5.106.5.3 — General EV charging exceptions and EV capable spaces requirements.
- § 5.106.5.5 — EV charging: medium‑duty and heavy‑duty (readiness + exceptions).
- § 5.106.5.5.1 — Table and detailed raceway/panel/transformer minimums for medium/heavy EV readiness (Table 5.106.5.5.1).
- § 5.106.5.4 — Additions/alterations to existing buildings or parking facilities (exceptions and application).
- § 5.106.5.6 — EV charging at public schools and community colleges (exceptions with DSA concurrence).
- Table 5.106.5.5.1 — kVA and conduit requirements by building type, size and number of loading spaces (used to calculate the capacity that may be required or found infeasible).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Energy Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
§ 5.106.5.5 High relevance — show source text
Install EVCS at all existing EV capable spaces, utilizing the existing allocated power and infrastructure for the total number of actual parking spaces being added or altered, prior to adding any new EV capable spaces. If the area being added or altered exceeds the existing EV capable capacity, allocated power and infrastructure, provide additional EV charging as needed to comply with this section.
5.106.5.5 Electric vehicle (EV) charging: medium-duty and heavy-duty. [N] [BSG-CG] Construction shall comply with Section 5.106.5.5.1 to facilitate future installation of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Construction for warehouses, grocery stores and retail stores, office buildings, and manufacturing facilities with planned off-street loading spaces shall also comply with Section 5.106.5.5.1 for future installation of medium- and heavy-duty EVSE.
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 enforcing 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.
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 5-7
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
When EVSE(s) is/are installed, it shall be in accordance with the California Building Code, the California Electrical Code and as follows:
5.106.5.5.1 Electric vehicle charging readiness requirements for warehouses, grocery stores, office buildings, and manufacturing facilities and retail stores with planned off-street loading spaces. [N] In order to avoid future demolition when adding EV supply and distribution equipment, spare raceway(s) or busway(s) and adequate capacity for transformer(s), service panel(s) or subpanel(s) shall be installed at the time of construction in accordance with the California Electrical Code . Construction plans and specifications shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
The transformer, main service equipment and subpanels shall meet the minimum power requirement in Table 5.106.5.5.1 to accommodate the dedicated branch circuits for the future installation of EVSE.
The construction documents shall indicate one or more location(s) convenient to the planned off-street loading space(s) reserved for medium- and heavy-duty ZEV charging cabinets and charging dispensers, and a pathway reserved for routing of conduit from the termination of the raceway(s) or busway(s) to the charging cabinet(s) and dispenser(s), as shown in Table 5.106.5.5.1.
Raceway(s) or busway(s) originating at a main service panel or a subpanel(s) serving the area where potential future medium- and heavy-duty EVSE will be located and shall terminate in close proximity to the potential future location of the charging equipment for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
The raceway(s) or busway(s) shall be of sufficient size to carry the minimum additional system load to the future location of the charging for medium- and heavy-duty ZEVs as shown in Table 5.106.5.5.1.
§ 5.106.5.5.1 High relevance — show source text
5.106.5.5.1 Electric vehicle charging readiness requirements for warehouses, grocery stores, office buildings, and manufacturing facilities and retail stores with planned off-street loading spaces. [N] In order to avoid future demolition when adding EV supply and distribution equipment, spare raceway(s) or busway(s) and adequate capacity for transformer(s), service panel(s) or subpanel(s) shall be installed at the time of construction in accordance with the California Electrical Code . Construction plans and specifications shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
The transformer, main service equipment and subpanels shall meet the minimum power requirement in Table 5.106.5.5.1 to accommodate the dedicated branch circuits for the future installation of EVSE.
The construction documents shall indicate one or more location(s) convenient to the planned off-street loading space(s) reserved for medium- and heavy-duty ZEV charging cabinets and charging dispensers, and a pathway reserved for routing of conduit from the termination of the raceway(s) or busway(s) to the charging cabinet(s) and dispenser(s), as shown in Table 5.106.5.5.1.
Raceway(s) or busway(s) originating at a main service panel or a subpanel(s) serving the area where potential future medium- and heavy-duty EVSE will be located and shall terminate in close proximity to the potential future location of the charging equipment for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
The raceway(s) or busway(s) shall be of sufficient size to carry the minimum additional system load to the future location of the charging for medium- and heavy-duty ZEVs as shown in Table 5.106.5.5.1.
TABLE 5.106.5.5.1—RACEWAY CONDUIT AND PANEL POWER REQUIREMENTS FOR MEDIUM- AND HEAVY-DUTY EVSE [N] Col2 Col3 Col4 BUILDING TYPE BUILDING SIZE
(SQ. FT.)NUMBER OF OFF-STREET
LOADING SPACESADDITIONAL CAPACITY REQUIRED (KVA) FOR
RACEWAY & BUSWAY AND TRANSFORMER &
PANELGrocery 10,000 to 90,000 1 or 2 200 Grocery 10,000 to 90,000 3 or Greater 400 Grocery Greater than 90,000 1 or Greater 400 Manufacturing
Facilities10,000 to 50,000 1 or 2 200 Manufacturing
Facilities10,000 to 50,000 3 or Greater 400 Manufacturing
FacilitiesGreater than 50,000 1 or Greater 400 Office
Buildings10,000 to 135,000 1 or 2 200 Office
Buildings10,000 to 135,000 3 or Greater 400 Office
BuildingsGreater than 135,000 1 or Greater 400 Retail 10,000 to 135,000 1 or 2 200 Retail 10,000 to 135,000 3 or Greater 400 Retail Greater than 135,000 1 or Greater 400 Warehouse 20,000 to 256,000 1 or 2 200 Warehouse 20,000 to 256,000 3 or Greater 400 Warehouse Greater than 256, § 6.6 High relevance — show source text
6|Total required kVA = P× .30× 6.6
Where P = Parking spaces in facility|Total required kVA = P× .30× 6.6
Where P = Parking spaces in facility| |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 67 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 67 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 67 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 67 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.|A5.106.5.3.3 Tier 2. Comply with Section 5.106.5.3.1 EV capable spaces, Section 5.106.5.3.2 Electric vehicle charging stations and associated Table A5.106.5.3.3, or Section A5.106.5.3.4 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS)—power allocation method and associated Table A5.106.5.3.4.
Refer to Section 5.106.5.3.2 for the permitted use of Level 2 or Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) to create EVCS. Refer to Section 5.106.3.2.1 for the allowed use of DCFC to comply with both EV capable spaces and Level 2 EVSE. Refer to Section 5.106.5.3.3 for the allowed use of Automatic Load Management System (ALMS).
§ 5.106.2 Medium relevance — show source text
1 through
5.106.2||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design|Mandatory|Short-term bicycle parking (with exception)|5.106.4.1.1||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design|Mandatory|Long-term bicycle parking|5.106.4.1.2
through
5.106.4.1.2.3||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design|Mandatory|Electric vehicle (EV) charging [N] with Section 5.106.3.1,
5.106.5.3.2 and associated Table 5.106.5.3.1
OR Independently
Power Allocation Method:
Section 5.106.5.3.6 and associated Table 5.106.5.3.6|5.106.5.3.1,
5.106.5.3.2,
Table 5.106.5.3.1,
5.106.5.3.2.1,
5.106.5.3.2.2,
5.106.5.3.2.3,
5.106.5.3.2.4,
5.106.5.3.3,
5.106.5.3.4 and
5.106.5.3.5
OR
5.106.5.3.3,
5.106.5.3.4,
5.106.5.3.5,
5.106.5.3.6,
Table 5.106.5.3.6,
5.106.5.3.6.1,
5.106.5.3.6.2 and
5.106.5.3.6.3||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design|Mandatory|Additions or Alterations to existing buildings or parking facili-
ties [A] with Exceptions|5.106.5.4||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design|Mandatory|Existing buildings or parking areas without previously
installed EV capable infrastructure [A]|5.106.5.4.1||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design|Mandatory|Existing buildings or parking areas without previously
installed EV capable infrastructure [A]|5.106.5.4.2||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design|Mandatory|Electric vehicle (EV) charging: medium-duty and heavy-duty [N]|5.106.5.5||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design|Mandatory|Electric vehicle charging readiness requirements for warehouses,
grocery stores and retail stores, office buildings, and manufactur-
ing facilities with planned off-street loading spaces [N]|5.106.5.5.1||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design|Mandatory|Table 5.106.5.5.1|5.106.5.5 and
5.106.§ 4.1.2 Medium relevance — show source text
4.1.2 through
5.106.4.1.5||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)|Tier 1
Prerequisite|Designated parking—35% of parking capacity with future
charging spaces, parking stall markings and vehicle
designation|A5.106.5.1,
A5.106.5.1.1,
A5.106.5.1.3,
A5.106.5.1.4,
A5.106.5.1.5||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)|Tier 1
Prerequisite|Electric vehicle (EV) charging [N] with Section 5.106.3.1, Section
5.106.5.3.2 and associated Table A5.106.5.3.1 Tier 1
OR
Power Allocation Method:
Section A5.106.5.3.2 and associated Table A5.106.5.3.2 Tier 1|5.106.5.3.1,
5.106.5.3.2,
Table A5.106.5.3.1 Tier
1, 5.106.5.3.2.1,
5.106.5.3.2.2,
5.106.5.3.2.3,
5.106.5.3.2.4,
5.106.5.3.3,
5.106.5.3.4 and
5.106.5.3.5
OR
A5.106.5.3.2,
Table A5.106.5.3.2
Tier 1, 5.106.5.3.3,
5.106.5.3.4,
5.106.5.3.5, 5.106.5.6,
5.106.5.3.6.1,
5.106.5.3.6.2 and
5.106.5.3.6.3||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)|Mandatory|Additions or Alterations to existing buildings or parking facili-
ties [A] with Exceptions|5.106.5.4||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)|Mandatory|Existing buildings or parking areas without previously
installed EV capable infrastructure [A].|5.106.5.4.1||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)|Mandatory|Existing buildings or parking areas with previously installed
EV capable infrastructure [A].|5.106.5.4.2||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)|Mandatory|Electric vehicle (EV) charging: medium-duty and heavy-duty [N]|5.106.5.§ 5.3.3 Medium relevance — show source text
5.3.3,_
5.106.5.3.4 and
5.106.5.3.5
OR
A5.106.5.3.2,
Table A5.106.5.3.2
Tier 1, 5.106.5.3.3,
5.106.5.3.4,
5.106.5.3.5, 5.106.5.6,
5.106.5.3.6.1,
5.106.5.3.6.2 and
5.106.5.3.6.3||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)|Mandatory|Additions or Alterations to existing buildings or parking facili-
ties [A] with Exceptions|5.106.5.4||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)|Mandatory|Existing buildings or parking areas without previously
installed EV capable infrastructure [A].|5.106.5.4.1||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)|Mandatory|Existing buildings or parking areas with previously installed
EV capable infrastructure [A].|5.106.5.4.2||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)|Mandatory|Electric vehicle (EV) charging: medium-duty and heavy-duty [N]|5.106.5.5||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)|Mandatory|Electric vehicle charging readiness requirements for warehouses,
grocery stores and retail stores, office buildings, and manufactur-
ing facilities with planned off-street loading spaces [N]|5.106.5.5.1|||||APPENDIX A5-48 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
CHAPTER 5
DIVISIONSCol2 Col3 SECTION TITLE CODE
SECTIONY N O PLAN SHEET,
SPEC OR
ATTACH(continued)
DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
Select One Elective(continued)
DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
Select One ElectiveMandatory Table 5.106.5.5.1 5.106.5.5 and
5.106.5.5.1(continued)
DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
Select One Elective(continued)
**DIVISION 5.§ 5.106.5.3.6 Medium relevance — show source text
Table 5.106.5.3.6,
5.106.5.3.6.1,
5.106.5.3.6.2 and
5.106.5.3.6.3||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design|Mandatory|Additions or Alterations to existing buildings or parking facili-
ties [A] with Exceptions|5.106.5.4||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design|Mandatory|Existing buildings or parking areas without previously
installed EV capable infrastructure [A]|5.106.5.4.1||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design|Mandatory|Existing buildings or parking areas without previously
installed EV capable infrastructure [A]|5.106.5.4.2||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design|Mandatory|Electric vehicle (EV) charging: medium-duty and heavy-duty [N]|5.106.5.5||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design|Mandatory|Electric vehicle charging readiness requirements for warehouses,
grocery stores and retail stores, office buildings, and manufactur-
ing facilities with planned off-street loading spaces [N]|5.106.5.5.1||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design|Mandatory|Table 5.106.5.5.1|5.106.5.5 and
5.106.5.5.1||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design|Mandatory|Light pollution reduction [N] (with exceptions, notes and table)|5.106.8 through
5.106.8.2||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design|Mandatory|Grading and paving (exception for additions and alterations
not altering the drainage path)|5.106.10||||| |DIVISION 5.2
Energy
Efficiency|Mandatory|Meet the minimum energy efficiency standard|5.201.1|||||APPENDIX A5-44 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
CHAPTER 5
DIVISIONSCol2 SECTION TITLE CODE
SECTIONY N/A O PLAN SHEET,
SPEC OR
ATTACHDIVISION 5.3
Water
Efficiency and
ConservationMandatory Separate meters (new buildings or additions > 50,000 sf
that consume more than 100 gal/day)5.303.1.1 **DIVISION 5. § 5.106.5.6 Medium relevance — show source text
FT.)**|NUMBER OF OFF-STREET
LOADING SPACES|ADDITIONAL CAPACITY REQUIRED (KVA) FOR
RACEWAY & BUSWAY AND TRANSFORMER &
PANEL| |Grocery|10,000 to 90,000|1 or 2|200| |Grocery|10,000 to 90,000|3 or Greater|400| |Grocery|Greater than 90,000|1 or Greater|400| |Manufacturing
Facilities|10,000 to 50,000|1 or 2|200| |Manufacturing
Facilities|10,000 to 50,000|3 or Greater|400| |Manufacturing
Facilities|Greater than 50,000|1 or Greater|400| |Office
Buildings|10,000 to 135,000|1 or 2|200| |Office
Buildings|10,000 to 135,000|3 or Greater|400| |Office
Buildings|Greater than 135,000|1 or Greater|400| |Retail|10,000 to 135,000|1 or 2|200| |Retail|10,000 to 135,000|3 or Greater|400| |Retail|Greater than 135,000|1 or Greater|400| |Warehouse|20,000 to 256,000|1 or 2|200| |Warehouse|20,000 to 256,000|3 or Greater|400| |Warehouse|Greater than 256,000|1 or Greater|400|5.106.5.6 Electric vehicle (EV) charging at public schools and community colleges. [DSA-SS] Electric vehicle infrastructure and electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with Section 5.106.5.6 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 compliance with this section has been demonstrated to be not feasible based upon one of the following conditions, and with concurrence by the Division of the State Architect (DSA), compliance with Section 5.106.5.6 shall not be required. a. Where there is no local utility power supply. b. Where the local utility is unable to supply adequate power. c. The installation of EVCS is impracticable.
- Parking spaces accessible only by automated mechanical car parking systems are not required to comply with Section 5.106.5.6.
5.106.5.6.1 EV capable spaces. EV capable spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table 5.106.5.6.1 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
5-8 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
§ 106.5.3.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
_
5.106.5.3.2.1,
5.106.5.3.2.2,
5.106.5.3.2.3,
5.106.5.3.2.4,
5.106.5.3.3, 5.106.5.3.4
and 5.106.5.3.5
OR
A5.106.5.3.4,
Table A5.106.5.3.4 Tier
2, 5.106.5.3.3,
5.106.5.3.4, 5.106.5.3.5,
5.106.5.3.6,
5.106.5.3.6.1,
5.106.5.3.2 and
5.106.5.3.6.3||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)|Mandatory|Additions or Alterations to existing buildings or parking
facilities [A] with Exceptions|5.106.5.4||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)|Mandatory|Existing buildings or parking areas without previously
installed EV capable infrastructure [A].|5.106.5.4.1||||| |DIVISION 5.1
Planning and
Design
(continued)|Mandatory|Existing buildings or parking areas with previously
installed EV capable infrastructure [A].|5.106.5.4.2|||||2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-55
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX A5 — NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
CHAPTER 5
DIVISIONSCol2 Col3 SECTION TITLE CODE
SECTIONY N O PLAN SHEET,
SPEC OR
ATTACH(continued)
DIVISION 5.1
Planning and Design
Select Three Electives(continued)
DIVISION 5.1
Planning and Design
Select Three ElectivesMandatory Electric vehicle (EV) charging: medium-duty and heavy-
duty [N]5.106.5.5 (continued)
DIVISION 5.1
Planning and Design
Select Three Electives(continued)
DIVISION 5.1
Planning and Design
Select Three ElectivesMandatory Electric vehicle charging readiness requirements for ware-
houses, grocery stores and retail stores, office buildings, and
manufacturing facilities with planned off-street loading
spaces [N]5.106.5.5.1 (continued)
DIVISION 5.1
Planning and Design
Select Three Electives(continued)
**DIVISION 5.§ 5.106.5 Medium 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.
§ 5.106.5.4.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Remote parking facilities that do not have access to the building service panel. 3. Parking area lighting upgrades where no trenching is part of the scope of work. 4. Emergency repairs, including but not limited to water line break in parking facilities, natural disaster repairs, etc.
5.106.5.4.1 Existing buildings or parking areas without previously installed EV capable infrastructure [A]. When EV capable infrastructure does not exist at an existing parking facility or building, and the parking facility or building undergoes an addition or alteration listed in Section 5.106.5.4, construction shall include electric vehicle charging in compliance with either Section 5.106.5.3 and associated Table 5.106.5.3.1, or Section 5.106.5.3.6 and associated Table 5.106.5.3.6 for the total number of actual parking spaces being added or altered.
5.106.5.4.2 Existing buildings or parking areas with previously installed EV capable infrastructure [A]. When EV capable infrastructure is available at an existing parking facility or building, and the parking facility or building is undergoing an addition or alteration listed in Section 5.106.5.4, construction shall include electric vehicle charging in compliance with either Section 5.106.5.3 and associated Table 5.106.5.3.1, or Section 5.106.5.3.6 and associated Table 5.106.5.3.6. Install EVCS at all existing EV capable spaces, utilizing the existing allocated power and infrastructure for the total number of actual parking spaces being added or altered, prior to adding any new EV capable spaces. If the area being added or altered exceeds the existing EV capable capacity, allocated power and infrastructure, provide additional EV charging as needed to comply with this section.
5.106.5.5 Electric vehicle (EV) charging: medium-duty and heavy-duty. [N] [BSG-CG] Construction shall comply with Section 5.106.5.5.1 to facilitate future installation of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Construction for warehouses, grocery stores and retail stores, office buildings, and manufacturing facilities with planned off-street loading spaces shall also comply with Section 5.106.5.5.1 for future installation of medium- and heavy-duty EVSE.
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 enforcing 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.
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 5-7
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
When EVSE(s) is/are installed, it shall be in accordance with the California Building Code, the California Electrical Code and as follows:
§ 5.106.5.6 Medium relevance — show source text
000 to 256,000|1 or 2|200| |Warehouse|20,000 to 256,000|3 or Greater|400| |Warehouse|Greater than 256,000|1 or Greater|400|
5.106.5.6 Electric vehicle (EV) charging at public schools and community colleges. [DSA-SS] Electric vehicle infrastructure and electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with Section 5.106.5.6 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 compliance with this section has been demonstrated to be not feasible based upon one of the following conditions, and with concurrence by the Division of the State Architect (DSA), compliance with Section 5.106.5.6 shall not be required. a. Where there is no local utility power supply. b. Where the local utility is unable to supply adequate power. c. The installation of EVCS is impracticable.
- Parking spaces accessible only by automated mechanical car parking systems are not required to comply with Section 5.106.5.6.
5.106.5.6.1 EV capable spaces. EV capable spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table 5.106.5.6.1 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
5-8 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
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. 2. 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.”
TABLE 5.106.5.6.1 Col2 Col3 TOTAL NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES NUMBER OF REQUIRED EV CAPABLE SPACES NUMBER OF REQUIRED EVCS2 0–9 0 0 10–25 4 1 26–50 8 2 51–75 13 3 76–100 17 4 101–150 25 6 151–200 35 9 201 and over 20 percent of total1 25 percent of EV capable spaces1 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.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.1.
Frequently asked questions
When is an exception granted automatically?
No exception is automatic. The code requires a case‑by‑case determination by the local enforcing agency (and DSA concurrence for some school projects) based on documented evidence under § 5.106.5.3 and § 5.106.5.5.
What counts as acceptable evidence that the utility “cannot supply adequate power”?
Acceptable evidence typically includes a utility capacity study, a written utility statement or refusal, or a load/feeder analysis showing required kVA cannot be provided without major off‑site work. § 5.106.5.3 expects documented substantiation to the enforcing agency.
Does a high estimated cost alone justify an exception?
A cost estimate alone may support an exception only if it shows the required local utility infrastructure upgrades are directly related to implementing the EV readiness sections and would adversely impact the construction cost; the enforcing agency evaluates this on a case‑by‑case basis. § 5.106.5.3
If my project is exempt for medium/heavy readiness, do I still have to provide raceways for light‑duty EV capable spaces?
Not necessarily: exemptions are applied to the specific section(s) and scope claimed. The local enforcing agency will specify what work is waived; other EV requirements (for passenger EVs, EV capable spaces under § 5.106.5.3.1) may still apply unless separately waived. § 5.106.5.3; § 5.106.5.5
For school projects, who signs off on the exception?
For public schools and community colleges, the exception requires concurrence by the Division of the State Architect (DSA) in addition to the local showing; see § 5.106.5.6.
More in California Energy Code
- Compliance paths, energy budgets, performance modeling and forms/software requirements
- Controls, commissioning, demand-response, sensors, and field verification/diagnostic testing
- Domestic hot water systems, efficiency, controls and installation requirements
- Electrical infrastructure, EV charging readiness, load management and demand controls
- Envelope construction, insulation, fenestration and thermal performance
- HVAC systems, ventilation rates, ducting, controls and testing
- Interior and exterior lighting power, controls and daylighting requirements
- Mandatory measures, appliance efficiency and certification requirements
- Photovoltaic requirements, BESS (battery energy storage) sizing and SARA procedures
- Reference appendices, test procedures, product certification and labeling requirements
- Scope, applicability, definitions and administrative requirements
Ask about the California Energy Code
Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Energy Code for your project — any code section, any scenario.
Start Free Trial