EV Charging: Apex vs Cary

Does Apex require EV charging spaces in new developments?

Yes, for projects of 10 or more required motor vehicle spaces. UDO Section 8.3.11 (Electric Vehicle Charging Spaces) provides: 'If less than 10 motor vehicle spaces are required, no electric vehicle charging spaces or EV-Ready space are required.' For 10 to 19 spaces, one EV-Ready space is required (except for Commercial Uses as noted in Table 8.3-9). For larger projects, Table 8.3-9 sets the required percentages: Multi-family or apartment must provide EV-Ready spaces equal to 30% of all required motor vehicle spaces and active EV charging spaces equal to 15%; Government Service uses must provide 15% EV-Ready and 3% EV charging; Commercial Uses must provide 15% EV-Ready and 3% EV charging. Multi-family projects affordable at or below 80% of the Raleigh, NC MSA Area Median Income are exempt from all EV charging space requirements. Apex itself operates four public-pay charging sites at 20 cents per kWh: the Saunders Lot, Town Hall, Mason Street Municipal Building, and Public Safety Station 6.

Can my HOA in Apex stop me from installing an EV charger?

Possibly. Unlike California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Oregon, and the District of Columbia, North Carolina has not adopted a comprehensive 'right-to-charge' statute that overrides HOA or condominium restrictions on EV charger installation. House Bill 488 (Session Law 2023-108), enacted August 16, 2023, reorganized the state Building Code Council, created the Residential Code Council, and froze the state's residential, energy, plumbing, and mechanical codes through 2031 - but HB 488 does not impose residential EV charging mandates. That means an HOA or condominium association in one of Apex's many planned subdivisions can apply its governing documents and architectural-review process to EV charger requests, including denying or conditioning installations. Residents should request approval in writing through their HOA's normal process and review their CC&Rs and bylaws before installing. Installing a Level 2 (240V) home charger requires an electrical permit from the Apex Building Inspections division and a licensed electrician.

Do I need a permit for a Level 2 home charger?

Yes — a Wake County residential electrical permit is required for any new 240-volt circuit, including a Level 2 EV charger. A plug-in Level 1 charger on an existing receptacle does not need a permit.

Can I install the charger myself?

A homeowner-occupant may pull an electrical permit for a single-family residence they own and occupy under NC State Building Code. Rental properties require a licensed electrical contractor.

Are there county incentives?

Wake County does not run a charger rebate program, but Duke Energy and the NC Department of Environmental Quality offer rebates and grants under VW Settlement Phase 2 funds.