CALGreen · California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
What are the EV-ready / EV charging infrastructure requirements for new residential construction?
CALGreen requires new single‑family homes to be wired or roughed‑in for EV charging (a listed 1‑inch raceway and panel space for a 40 A, 208/240‑V circuit or the circuit installed) and requires multifamily projects to provide at least one Level‑2 receptacle per dwelling unit (plus specified percentages of installed chargers in common parking), with specific receptacle types, parking‑space dimensions, signage, and limited infeasibility exceptions (see §§ 4.106.4, 4.106.4.1, 4.106.4.2, 4.106.4.2.2).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
New residential construction in California must provide EV infrastructure either by installing a listed raceway sized to accommodate a 208/240‑V branch circuit or by installing the branch circuit itself, and multifamily parking must provide low‑power Level 2 receptacles and, in some cases, installed Level 2 chargers per the CALGreen mandatory sections § 4.106.4, § 4.106.4.1, § 4.106.4.2, and § 4.106.4.2.2. These provisions set minimum raceway size, circuit capacity, receptacle/charger counts and configurations, and EV charging space dimensions. See the cited code sections for exact language and exceptions.
The most important rule: for single‑family/townhouse units you must provide a listed 1‑inch raceway and panel space for a 40‑amp, 208/240‑V EV branch circuit (or install that 40‑amp circuit at construction); for multifamily buildings provide one low‑power Level 2 receptacle per dwelling unit (or other percentages of receptacles/chargers where specified).
Requirements in detail
High‑level split (which path applies)
- For all new construction: comply with § 4.106.4 (choose either the one‑ and two‑family dwelling path § 4.106.4.1 or the multifamily/parking path § 4.106.4.2).
- Exceptions: local enforcing agency may find EV infrastructure infeasible where there is no utility power, insufficient utility capacity, or documented utility infrastructure impacts; ADUs/JADUs without added parking are excepted. § 4.106.4.
Single‑family / townhouses with attached private garages (what to provide)
- Install a listed raceway not less than trade size 1 (nominal 1‑inch ID) from the main service or subpanel to a cabinet/box near the proposed EV charger location. § 4.106.4.1.
- The service panel/subpanel must have capacity and space reserved to install a 40‑ampere, 208/240‑volt minimum dedicated branch circuit. § 4.106.4.1.
- Exception: the raceway is not required if a minimum 40‑amp, 208/240‑V dedicated EV branch circuit is actually installed at the time of construction (per the California Electrical Code). § 4.106.4.1.
- Identification: panel directory and raceway termination must be labeled “EV CAPABLE” (identification requirement). § 4.106.4.1.1.
Multifamily (and hotels/motels) — receptacles, chargers, and counts
- Multifamily buildings with parking must meet § 4.106.4.2 and the multifamily subrequirements in § 4.106.4.2.2. Provide at least one low‑power Level 2 EV charging receptacle per dwelling unit in assigned or unassigned parking depending on parking type; where units exceed assigned/unassigned spaces, all such parking spaces must have receptacles. § 4.106.4.2.2(1).
- Receptacle power source: where receptacles are at assigned spaces they shall be wired by a dedicated branch circuit to the dwelling unit’s panel, unless infeasible and accepted by the enforcing agency. § 4.106.4.2.2.d.
- Receptacle configurations (208/240 V) must be one of: NEMA 6‑20R (20 A), NEMA 14‑30R (30 A), or NEMA 14‑50R (50 A). § 4.106.4.2.2.e.
- Additional installed chargers: for multifamily with unassigned/common parking, 25% of unassigned spaces (in addition to the receptacle requirements) must be equipped with Level 2 chargers available to residents/guests; other multifamily/ hotel percentages vary (see code). § 4.106.4.2.2(2).
EV charging space dimensions and accessibility (EVCS)
- EV charging spaces with installed chargers must meet minimum dimensions: length 18 ft, width 9 ft (with exceptions allowing 12‑ft width when aisle reduced). Surface slope for an accessible EVCS space and aisle shall not exceed 1:48 (≈2.083%). § 4.106.4.2.2.1.1.
- At least 1 in 25 EVCS spaces (but not less than one) shall have an 8‑ft wide aisle minimum (or a 5‑ft aisle if the space is 12 ft wide). Those EVCS spaces must also be located adjacent to an accessible parking space or located on an accessible route to the building. § 4.106.4.2.2.1.1 (items 2–3).
- Signage/pavement marking: EV‑ready spaces must be identified per Caltrans Traffic Operations Policy Directive for ZEV signs/markings. § 4.106.4.2.5.
Table — Decision‑relevant dimensions, counts, and electrical values
| Decision item | Required value / threshold | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Raceways for single‑family/townhouse EV capability | Listed raceway, trade size 1 (1‑inch ID) from main service/subpanel to box near charger | § 4.106.4.1 |
| Reserved panel capacity | Panel/subpanel space and capacity for 40 A, 208/240‑V branch circuit | § 4.106.4.1 |
| Alternate if raceway omitted | Must install 40 A, 208/240‑V dedicated branch circuit at time of construction | § 4.106.4.1 (Exception) |
| Multifamily — receptacle per unit | One low‑power Level 2 receptacle per dwelling unit (assigned or unassigned parking rules apply) | § 4.106.4.2.2(1) |
| Multifamily — % with installed Level 2 chargers (unassigned/common) | 25% of unassigned/common spaces (in addition to receptacle reqs) | § 4.106.4.2.2(2)(a) |
| Receptacle configurations (208/240 V) | NEMA 6‑20R (20 A), NEMA 14‑30R (30 A), NEMA 14‑50R (50 A) | § 4.106.4.2.2.e |
| EVCS space dimensions | Length 18 ft, Width 9 ft (other aisle/width combos allowed per §) | § 4.106.4.2.2.1.1 (1–2) |
| EVCS slope requirement | Surface slope ≤ 1 unit vertical in 48 units horizontal (≈2.083%) | § 4.106.4.2.2.1.1 (3) |
| Identification for EV‑capable panel/raceway | Marked “EV CAPABLE” in panel directory and raceway termination | § 4.106.4.1.1 |
Technical notes & systems
- For multifamily installations that use an Automatic Load Management System (ALMS), the electrical system and transformers must still be sized to deliver at least 3.3 kW simultaneously to each EVCS served by the ALMS, branch circuits must be 40 A minimum, and installed chargers must be ≥ 30 A where ALMS is used. (See multifamily and hotel subparts.) § 4.106.4.2.2 (charger/ALMS rules).
Exceptions & special cases
- Local enforcing agency may grant infeasibility exceptions for lack of local utility supply or adequate capacity, or where required utility infrastructure upgrades would unreasonably increase project cost; ADUs/JADUs without added parking are excluded. § 4.106.4 (Exceptions).
- Areas served by parking lifts or otherwise incapable of supporting EV charging (e.g., automated mechanical parking) are excepted for receptacle/charger requirements. § 4.106.4.2.2 (Exceptions).
- Hotels and motels have different percentage requirements in the code (see multifamily hotel subsections) — check the exact paragraph for the building type. § 4.106.4.2.6.
- If a raceway was not installed because a dedicated 40 A branch circuit was actually installed at construction, the raceway requirement is waived. § 4.106.4.1 (Exception).
If you need the specific alternate percentages and Tier 1/Tier 2 voluntary appendix options (Appendix A) for hotels/multifamily (different voluntary tiers), those are in Appendix A (A4.106.8.*) and in other chapters; I can pull those verbatim on request. The mandatory sections above are the controlling mandatory rules.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a single 120‑V outlet satisfies CALGreen: it does not — CALGreen requires raceway or a minimum 40 A, 208/240‑V branch circuit for single‑family § 4.106.4.1, not just 120‑V receptacles.
- Forgetting to reserve panel space and label it “EV CAPABLE” — omission can cause failed inspections or require retrofit panel work. § 4.106.4.1.1.
- Counting installed EV chargers toward minimum standard parking counts without checking accessibility and dimension requirements (EVCS spaces must meet the sizing and slope rules). § 4.106.4.2.2.1.1.
- Using the wrong receptacle configuration — the code restricts allowable 208/240‑V receptacles to the listed NEMA types. § 4.106.4.2.2.e.
Worked example — 48‑unit multifamily building with assigned parking
Scenario: 48 dwelling units, 48 assigned parking spaces (one per unit), parking is not automated.
Step 1 — Receptacles per unit:
- Because assigned parking spaces ≥ dwelling units, provide one low‑power Level 2 receptacle at an assigned space for each dwelling unit = 48 receptacles. § 4.106.4.2.2(1)(a).
Step 2 — Dedicated branch circuits for assigned receptacles:
- If the receptacles are at assigned parking, each receptacle should be on a dedicated branch circuit connected to the dwelling unit’s electrical panel, unless infeasible and the enforcing agency agrees § 4.106.4.2.2.d.
Step 3 — Installed chargers (unassigned/common rule not applicable):
- Because parking is assigned and meets the per‑unit receptacle requirement, the additional 25% installed Level 2 charger rule for unassigned/common parking does not apply. (If you chose to provide chargers for common use, review § 4.106.4.2.2(2) for percentages.)
Step 4 — Space dimensions for any installed EVCS:
- If you install chargers at some spaces, ensure each EVCS space is at least 18 ft long and 9 ft wide, slope ≤ 1:48, and follow the aisle/accessible‑route provisions for accessible EVCS spaces. § 4.106.4.2.2.1.1.
Result summary: For this project you must provide 48 Level‑2 receptacles (of an approved NEMA configuration) with panel capacity or dedicated circuits as required, label panel/raceway “EV CAPABLE”, and meet EVCS dimensional rules where chargers are actually installed.
Related provisions (CALGreen sections)
- § 4.106.4 — Electric vehicle (EV) charging for new construction (exceptions and applicability).
- § 4.106.4.1 — New one‑ and two‑family dwellings and townhouses; raceway, circuit capacity, identification.
- § 4.106.4.1.1 — Identification: “EV CAPABLE”.
- § 4.106.4.2 — New multifamily dwellings, hotels, motels and new residential parking facilities (overall framework).
- § 4.106.4.2.2 — Multifamily dwellings: receptacles, charger percentages, receptacle configurations.
- § 4.106.4.2.2.1.1 — EVCS space dimensions, aisle, slope, accessible location requirements.
- § 4.106.4.2.5 — EV ready space signage and pavement marking requirements.
If you want, I can produce a short checklist for permit plans (plan notes, raceway routing diagram, panel labeling text, sample schedule of receptacle/charger counts) that will help your plan reviewer confirm compliance with the cited CALGreen sections.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CALGreen § 106.8 High relevance — show source text
- Use open grid pavement system or pervious or permeable pavement system.
- Locate 50 percent of parking underground or use multilevel parking.
- Other methods of reducing heat island effects acceptable to the enforcing agency.
Note: Local agencies may have ordinances requiring mitigation of heat island effects through building or parking lot shading, tree plantings, landscaping, use of pervious pavements and other approved methods.
A4.106.8 Electric vehicle (EV) charging for new construction. New construction shall comply with Section A4.106.8.1 or A4.106.8.2, to facilitate the installation and use of EV ready spaces. Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) shall comply with the California Electrical Code .
A4.106.8.1 New one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses with attached private garages.
Tier 1 and Tier 2. For each dwelling unit, a dedicated 208/240-volt branch circuit shall be installed in the raceway required by Section 4.106.4.1. The branch circuit and associated overcurrent protective device shall be rated at 40 amperes minimum. Other electrical components, including a receptacle or blank cover, related to this section shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code.
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.
CALGreen § 4-4 High relevance — show source text
4-4 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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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.
Exception: Electric vehicle charging stations serving public accommodations, public housing, motels, and hotels shall not be required to comply with this section. See California Building Code, Chapter 11B, for applicable requirements.
4.106.4.2.2.1.1 Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) spaces with EV chargers installed; dimensions and loca- tion. EVCS spaces shall be designed to comply with the following:
- The minimum length of each EVCS space shall be 18 feet (5486 mm).
- The minimum width of each EVCS space shall be 9 feet (2743 mm).
- One in every 25 EVCS spaces, but not less than one, shall also have an 8-foot (2438 mm) wide minimum aisle. A 5-foot (1524 mm) wide minimum aisle shall be permitted provided the minimum width of the EVCS space is 12 feet (3658 mm). Surface slope for this EVCS space and the aisle shall not exceed 1 unit vertical in 48 units horizontal (2.083 percent slope) in any direction. These EVCS spaces shall also comply with at least one of the following: a. The EVCS space shall be located adjacent to an accessible parking space meeting the requirements of the California Building Code, Chapter 11A, to allow use of the EV charger from the accessible parking
space. b. The EVCS space shall be located on an accessible route, as defined in the California Building Code, Chapter 2, to the building.
Exception: Electric vehicle charging stations designed and constructed in compliance with the California Building Code, Chapter 11B, are not required to comply with Section 4.106.4.2.2.1.1.
CALGreen § 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.
CALGreen § 106.5.4 High relevance — show source text
APPENDIX A4 — RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
A4.106.5.4 Verification. Inspection shall be conducted to ensure roofing materials meet cool roof aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance or SRI values.
A4.106.6 Vegetated roof. Install a vegetated roof for at least 50 percent of the roof area. Vegetated roofs shall comply with requirements for roof gardens and landscaped roofs in the California Building Code, Chapter 15 and Chapter 16.
A4.106.7 Reduction of heat island effect for nonroof areas. Reduce nonroof heat islands for 50 percent of sidewalks, patios, driveways or other paved areas by using one or more of the methods listed.
- Trees or other plantings to provide shade and that mature within 15 years of planting. Trees should be native or adaptive to the region and climate zones and noninvasive; hardy and resistant to drought, insects and disease; easy to maintain (no frequent shedding of twigs, branches, unwanted fruit or seed pods); and suitable in mature size and environmental requirements for the site. Tree selection and placement should consider location and size of areas to be shaded, location of utilities, views from the structure, distance to sidewalks and foundations, overhangs onto adjacent properties and streets; other infrastructure and adjacent to landscaping. In addition, shading shall not cast a shadow, as specified, on any neighboring solar collectors pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 25981, et seq. (Solar Shade Control Act).
- Use high albedo materials with an initial solar reflectance value of at least 0.30 as determined in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards E1918 or C1549.
- Use open grid pavement system or pervious or permeable pavement system.
- Locate 50 percent of parking underground or use multilevel parking.
- Other methods of reducing heat island effects acceptable to the enforcing agency.
Note: Local agencies may have ordinances requiring mitigation of heat island effects through building or parking lot shading, tree plantings, landscaping, use of pervious pavements and other approved methods.
A4.106.8 Electric vehicle (EV) charging for new construction. New construction shall comply with Section A4.106.8.1 or A4.106.8.2, to facilitate the installation and use of EV ready spaces. Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) shall comply with the California Electrical Code .
A4.106.8.1 New one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses with attached private garages.
Tier 1 and Tier 2. For each dwelling unit, a dedicated 208/240-volt branch circuit shall be installed in the raceway required by Section 4.106.4.1. The branch circuit and associated overcurrent protective device shall be rated at 40 amperes minimum. Other electrical components, including a receptacle or blank cover, related to this section shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code.
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.
CALGreen § 4.106.3 High relevance — show source text
(Website: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/stormwater/construction.html)
4.106.3 Grading and paving. Construction plans shall indicate how the site grading or drainage system will manage all surface water flows to keep water from entering buildings. Examples of methods to manage surface water include, but are not limited to, the following:
Swales
Water collection and disposal systems
French drains
Water retention gardens
Other water measures which keep surface water away from buildings and aid in groundwater recharge.
Exception: Additions and alterations not altering the drainage path.
4.106.4 Electric vehicle (EV) charging for new construction. New construction shall comply with Section 4.106.4.1 or 4.106.4.2. Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) shall comply with the California Electrical Code.
Exceptions:
- On a case-by-case basis, where the local enforcing agency has determined EV charging and infrastructure are not feasible based upon one or more of the following conditions: 1.1. Where there is no local utility power supply or the local utility is unable to supply adequate power.
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 4-3
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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”.
CALGreen § 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
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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.
CALGreen § 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
APPENDIX A4-6 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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.
CALGreen § 106.8 High relevance — show source text
New multifamily dwellings and hotels and motels.**
1. 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 recep-
tacles 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.
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 shall be equipped with low power Level 2 EV
charging receptacles.
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 avail-
able for use by all residents or guests.|||2|||| |Innovative Concepts and Local
Environmental Conditions||||||| |A4.108.1 Items in this section are necessary to address innovative
concepts or local environmental conditions.||||||| |Item 1|
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| |Item 3||||||| |ENERGY EFFICIENCY||||||| |General||||||| |4.201.1 Building meets or exceeds the requirements of the_California_
_Building Energy Efficiency Standards_3.||2|2|||| |Performance Approach for Newly
Constructed Buildings||||||| |**A4.203.1.1 Hourly Source Energy Rating (EDR1).**EDR1 ratings for
building design shall be computed by Energy Compliant software and
shall reduce the EDR1 required by the software by the compliance
margins specified in Table A4.203.1.1.||2|2|||| |**A4.203.1.2 Prerequisite options.CALGreen § 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.
CALGreen § 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).
CALGreen § 4.106.4.2.3 High relevance — show source text
4.106.4.2.3 Reserved.
4.106.4.2.4 Reserved.
4.106.4.2.5 Electric vehicle ready space signage. Electric vehicle ready spaces 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).
4.106.4.2.6 Hotels and motels.
- EV ready parking spaces with receptacles. a. Hotels and motels. Forty (40) percent of the total number of parking spaces shall be equipped with low power Level 2 EV charging receptacles. 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. 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
- EV Ready parking spaces with EV chargers. a. Hotels and motels. Twenty-five (25) percent of the total number of parking spaces shall be equipped with Level 2 EV chargers.
2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE 4-5
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
b. EV charger connectors. EV chargers shall be equipped with J1772 or J3400 connectors. 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. 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.
4.106.4.3 Electric vehicle charging for additions and alterations of parking facilities serving existing multifamily buildings, hotels and motels. When existing parking facilities are altered or new parking spaces are added to existing parking facilities, and the work requires a building permit, each parking space added or altered shall have access to either a low power Level 2 EV charging receptacle or Level 2 EV charger, unless determined as infeasible by the project builder or designer and subject to concurrence of the local enforcing agency.
Exception: Where work requiring a permit is being performed for the installation of 120-volt electrical receptacle(s) for level 1 EV charging.
4.106.4.4. Bicycle parking. Bicycle parking shall comply with Sections 4.106.4.4.1 through 4.106.4.4.3.
CALGreen § 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.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to install an EV charger, or is a raceway enough?
CALGreen requires either the listed raceway (1‑inch) and reserved panel capacity for a 40 A, 208/240‑V branch circuit for single‑family units § 4.106.4.1, or installing that 40 A branch circuit at construction; it does not require installing the EVSE in single‑family units at build time.
For multifamily, how many chargers must I install versus receptacles?
You must provide one low‑power Level 2 receptacle per dwelling unit (assigned or unassigned per the parking arrangement) § 4.106.4.2.2(1); for unassigned/common parking, 25% of spaces (in addition to the receptacles) must be equipped with Level 2 chargers. See the hotel/multifamily subsections for variations.
What label text is required on the panel or raceway?
The service panel or subpanel circuit directory must identify reserved overcurrent device space(s) as “EV CAPABLE” and raceway termination must be visibly marked “EV CAPABLE” for single‑family/townhouse path. § 4.106.4.1.1.
Are there permitted NEMA receptacle types?
Yes. Allowed 208/240‑V receptacle configurations are NEMA 6‑20R (20 A), NEMA 14‑30R (30 A), or NEMA 14‑50R (50 A) per § 4.106.4.2.2.e.
What if my parking uses car lifts or an automated garage?
Areas served by parking lifts or otherwise incapable of supporting EV charging are excepted from the receptacle/charger requirements (the code explicitly recognizes this exception). § 4.106.4.2.2 (Exceptions).
More in California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen)
- Administration (Chapter 1)
- Nonresidential Voluntary Measures (Appendix A5 — divisions A5.1–A5.6, electives & verification)
- Residential Mandatory Measures — Planning & Design; Energy; Water; Materials; Environmental Quality (Chapter 4)
- Definitions (Chapter 2)
- Voluntary Standards for Health Facilities (Appendix A6 / OSHPD guidance)
- Green Building – scope, mixed occupancies, phased projects (Chapter 3)
- Residential Voluntary Measures (Appendix A4 — divisions A4.1–A4.6, tiers & model ordinance)
- Nonresidential Mandatory Measures — Planning & Design; Energy; Water; Materials; Environmental Quality (Chapter 5)
- Compliance verification, construction documents & checklists (Section 102, Chapter 7, Appendix checklists)
- Referenced Organizations and Standards (Chapter 6)
- Voluntary Tiers and CALGreen Tier 1 / Tier 2 (performance tiers, thresholds)
- Installer and Special Inspector Qualifications (Chapter 7)
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