Title 24 · California Energy Code

What are the EV charging readiness requirements for warehouses, grocery/retail, office and manufacturing loading spaces?

For building owners: when you build warehouses, grocery/retail, office or manufacturing buildings with off‑street loading spaces you must, at construction, install spare raceways/busways, reserve transformer and panel capacity per Table 5.106.5.5.1 (200 or 400 kVA depending on size and number of loading spaces), and show charger locations and conduit pathways on the plans so medium‑ and heavy‑duty chargers can be added later without demolition.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

Construction for warehouses, grocery/retail, office and manufacturing buildings with planned off‑street loading spaces must provide infrastructure to facilitate future medium‑ and heavy‑duty EV charging: install spare raceway(s) or busway(s) and reserve transformer, service panel or subpanel capacity at construction time, and show locations/pathways in the construction documents. This requirement is the nonresidential EV charging readiness rule in § 5.106.5.5 and specifically § 5.106.5.5.1 (see Table 5.106.5.5.1 for the kVA sizing).

The single most important rule: reserve raceways/busways and the additional transformer/panel capacity called out in Table 5.106.5.5.1 at time of construction so medium‑/heavy‑duty EVSE can be installed later without demolition.

Requirements in detail

High‑level elements required by § 5.106.5.5.1:

  • Install spare raceway(s) or busway(s) that originate at the main service panel or a subpanel serving the area and terminate near the planned loading‑space charging locations.
  • Provide adequate additional capacity at the transformer, main service equipment and subpanels per the kVA amounts in Table 5.106.5.5.1.
  • Show on construction plans: one or more convenient reserved location(s) for medium‑ and heavy‑duty charging cabinets/dispensers and a reserved pathway for conduit routing from the raceway/busway termination to those locations.

Key decision table (quick reference)

Building type Building size (sq. ft.) Number of off‑street loading spaces Additional capacity required (kVA) Code reference
Grocery 10,000 to 90,000 1 or 2 200 kVA Table 5.106.5.5.1§ 5.106.5.5.1
Grocery 10,000 to 90,000 3 or Greater 400 kVA Table 5.106.5.5.1§ 5.106.5.5.1
Grocery Greater than 90,000 1 or Greater 400 kVA Table 5.106.5.5.1§ 5.106.5.5.1
Manufacturing facilities 10,000 to 50,000 1 or 2 200 kVA Table 5.106.5.5.1§ 5.106.5.5.1
Manufacturing facilities 10,000 to 50,000 3 or Greater 400 kVA Table 5.106.5.5.1§ 5.106.5.5.1
Manufacturing facilities Greater than 50,000 1 or Greater 400 kVA Table 5.106.5.5.1§ 5.106.5.5.1
Office buildings 10,000 to 135,000 1 or 2 200 kVA Table 5.106.5.5.1§ 5.106.5.5.1
Office buildings 10,000 to 135,000 3 or Greater 400 kVA Table 5.106.5.5.1§ 5.106.5.5.1
Office buildings Greater than 135,000 1 or Greater 400 kVA Table 5.106.5.5.1§ 5.106.5.5.1
Retail 10,000 to 135,000 1 or 2 200 kVA Table 5.106.5.5.1§ 5.106.5.5.1
Retail 10,000 to 135,000 3 or Greater 400 kVA Table 5.106.5.5.1§ 5.106.5.5.1
Retail Greater than 135,000 1 or Greater 400 kVA Table 5.106.5.5.1§ 5.106.5.5.1
Warehouse 20,000 to 256,000 1 or 2 200 kVA Table 5.106.5.5.1§ 5.106.5.5.1
Warehouse 20,000 to 256,000 3 or Greater 400 kVA Table 5.106.5.5.1§ 5.106.5.5.1
Warehouse Greater than 256,000 1 or Greater 400 kVA Table 5.106.5.5.1§ 5.106.5.5.1

(Values and thresholds above are taken directly from Table 5.106.5.5.1 and the text requirements of § 5.106.5.5.1.)

What the raceway/busway must do

  • Originate at the main service panel or subpanel serving the loading area and terminate close to the future charger locations.
  • Be sized to carry the minimum additional system load (the kVA shown in Table 5.106.5.5.1) to the future charging location.

Exceptions & special cases

  • Local enforcing agencies may allow exceptions where compliance is infeasible because: no local utility power supply, the utility cannot supply adequate power, or where required utility infrastructure upgrades would unreasonably impact construction cost. These are the exceptions listed under § 5.106.5.5.
  • Remote parking facilities without access to the building service panel or other impracticable conditions may also be excluded under the broader EV requirements/exception language in Chapter 5 (see § 5.106.5.4 for related exceptions).

Common mistakes

  • Installing raceways that are too small or not sized to carry the kVA listed in Table 5.106.5.5.1 — raceway size must match the additional capacity requirement.
  • Failing to show the reserved location(s) and conduit pathway on construction drawings — the rule requires these be indicated in construction documents.
  • Not reserving panel space or failing to increase transformer capacity per the table — the transformer and main service equipment must meet the minimum kVA requirement.
  • Overlooking coordination with the utility early: some projects will require utility service upgrades to realize the reserved capacity (or qualify for an exception). Document and confirm utility capability during design.
  • Confusing these medium/heavy‑duty readiness rules with the passenger‑vehicle EV‑capable parking requirements in § 5.106.5.3.1 (that section adds raceway termination marking and “EV CAPABLE” identification for passenger vehicle parking). If you are doing both, meet both sections’ marking/labeling and sizing rules.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: New warehouse building, 300,000 sq. ft., with 2 planned off‑street loading spaces.

Step 1 — find the right table row: the warehouse is Greater than 256,000 sq. ft.; for 1 or Greater loading spaces Table 5.106.5.5.1 requires 400 kVA additional capacity. So the project must reserve 400 kVA at the transformer/main service/subpanels and provide raceway/busway sized to carry that additional system load to the loading area.

Step 2 — drawing and raceway work: show on construction documents one or more convenient reserved locations for medium/heavy‑duty charging cabinets/dispensers at the loading spaces and a conduit pathway from the raceway termination to those locations. Ensure raceway sizing calculations reflect the 400 kVA future load.

Step 3 — coordination: verify local utility can supply the extra service capacity or plan utility upgrade actions early (or document why an exception applies under § 5.106.5.5).

Related provisions

  • § 5.106.5.5 — Electric vehicle (EV) charging: medium‑duty and heavy‑duty (general scope and exceptions).
  • § 5.106.5.5.1 — Electric vehicle charging readiness requirements for warehouses, grocery/retail, office and manufacturing loading spaces (detailed readiness items and Table 5.106.5.5.1).
  • Table 5.106.5.5.1 — Raceway conduit and panel power requirements (kVA sizing by building type/size and number of loading spaces).
  • § 5.106.5.3.1 — EV capable spaces (raceway minimum diameter, panel labeling, marking) — useful when passenger‑vehicle EV requirements also apply.
  • § 5.106.5.3.2 and related sections — EVCS/EVSE technical details (connectors, receptacle configurations) when EVSE is actually installed.

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:

    1. 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:

    1. 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.

    2. 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.

    3. 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.

    4. 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:

    1. 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.

    2. 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.

    3. 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.

    4. 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 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,
  • § 5.106.2 High 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.

  • § 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).

  • § 5.106.5.3.6 High 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 A5NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    CHAPTER 5
    DIVISIONS
    Col2 SECTION TITLE CODE
    SECTION
    Y N/A O PLAN SHEET,
    SPEC OR
    ATTACH
    DIVISION 5.3
    Water
    Efficiency and
    Conservation
    Mandatory Separate meters (new buildings or additions > 50,000 sf
    that consume more than 100 gal/day)
    5.303.1.1
    **DIVISION 5.
  • § 106.5.5 High relevance — show source text

    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 A5NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    CHAPTER 5
    DIVISIONS
    Col2 Col3 SECTION TITLE CODE
    SECTION
    Y 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 Elective
    Mandatory 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 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective
    Mandatory Light pollution reduction [N] (with exceptions, notes and
    table)
    5.106.8 through
    5.106.8.2
    (continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective
    (continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective
    Mandatory Grading and paving (exception for additions and
    alterations not altering the drainage path)
    5.106.10
    (continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective
    (continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective
    Tier 1
    Prerequisite
    Cool roof (A5.106.11.2.2): SRI 75 when≤_ 2:12, SRI 16 when >_
    2:12
    A5.106.11.2
    (continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective
    Select One Elective Elective Community connectivity A5.103.1
    (continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and
    Design
    Select One Elective
    Select One Elective Elective Brownfield or greyfield site redevelopment or infill area
    development
    _A5.103.
  • § 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:

    1. For 20-ampere receptacles, NEMA 6-20R
    2. For 30-ampere receptacles, NEMA 14-30R
    3. 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.

  • § 5.106.5.3.1 High relevance — show source text

    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. 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.|

    5-6 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

    5.106.5.3.6.1 Receptacle configurations. 208/240V EV charging receptacles shall comply with one of the following configurations:

    1. For 20-ampere receptacles, NEMA 6-20R.
    2. For 30-ampere receptacles, NEMA 14-30R.
    3. For 50-ampere receptacles, NEMA 14-50R.

    5.106.5.3.6.2 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 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.

    5.106.5.3.6.3 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.

  • § 5.3.3 High 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

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    APPENDIX A5NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    CHAPTER 5
    DIVISIONS
    Col2 Col3 SECTION TITLE CODE
    SECTION
    Y 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 Elective
    Mandatory 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.
  • § 5.106.5.4.2 High relevance — show source text

    |5.106.5.4.2|||||

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE APPENDIX A5-55

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    APPENDIX A5NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES

    CHAPTER 5
    DIVISIONS
    Col2 Col3 SECTION TITLE CODE
    SECTION
    Y 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 Electives
    Mandatory 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 Electives
    Mandatory 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 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Select Three Electives
    Mandatory Table 5.106.5.5.1 5.106.5.5 and
    5.106.5.5.1
    (continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Select Three Electives
    (continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Select Three Electives
    Mandatory Light pollution reduction [N] (with exceptions, notes and
    table)
    5.106.8 through
    5.106.8.2
    (continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Select Three Electives
    (continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Select Three Electives
    Mandatory Grading and paving (exception for additions and alter-
    ations not altering the drainage path)
    5.106.10
    (continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Select Three Electives
    (continued)
    DIVISION 5.1
    Planning and Design
    Select Three Electives
    Tier 2
    Prerequisite
    Cool roof (A5.106.11.2.2): SRI 82 when≤_ 2:12, SRI 27 when >_
    2:12
    A5.106.11.2
    (continued)
    **DIVISION 5.
  • § 5.106.5.4.1 High 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:

    1. 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

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    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:

  • § 5-5 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.|

    2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 5-5

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES

    5.106.5.3.2 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS). EV capable spaces shall be provided with electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) to create EVCS in the number indicated in Table 5.106.5.3.1. The EVCS required by Table 5.106.5.3.1 shall be provided with Level 2 EVSE or DCFC as permitted in Section 5.106.5.3.2.3. At least one Level 2 EVSE shall be provided. One EV charger with multiple connectors capable of charging multiple EVs simultaneously shall be permitted if the electrical load capacity required by Section 5.106.5.3.1 for each EV capable space is accumulatively supplied to the EV charger.

    5.106.5.3.2.1 Receptacle configurations. 208/240V EV charging receptacles shall comply with one of the following configurations:

    1. For 20-ampere receptacles, NEMA 6-20R
    2. For 30-ampere receptacles, NEMA 14-30R
    3. 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.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to install chargers now or only the raceway/panel capacity?

You are required to install raceway(s)/busway(s) and reserve transformer/panel capacity per § 5.106.5.5.1; actual medium/heavy‑duty EVSE installation can occur later. Show reserved locations/pathways on the construction documents.

How do I know whether to use **200 kVA** or **400 kVA**?

Use Table 5.106.5.5.1: the kVA depends on building type, building size thresholds, and the number of off‑street loading spaces (the table rows show 200 or 400 kVA by those criteria).

What if the local utility can’t supply the extra capacity?

The local enforcing agency may grant an exception where the utility cannot provide adequate power or no local supply exists — document the utility limitation as part of the permit/approval process under § 5.106.5.5.

Must the raceway terminate inside a cabinet or box?

Yes — raceway(s) should terminate in close proximity to the potential future location of the charging equipment and into a suitable listed cabinet, box or enclosure consistent with electrical code practice, as required by § 5.106.5.5.1.

Does this rule apply to passenger car parking too?

No — these readiness rules specifically address medium‑ and heavy‑duty charging at off‑street loading spaces. Passenger‑vehicle EV requirements are in § 5.106.5.3 and associated tables; if both apply, comply with both sections.

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