EV Charging: Daly City vs Redwood City
How do ev charging rules compare between Daly City, CA and Redwood City, CA?
Daly City has fewer restrictions than Redwood City.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Daly City permits residential EV charger installation as a standard electrical permit under the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) and California Electrical Code. State law - Civil Code §4745 (HOA common-interest developments) and §1947.6 (rentals) - prohibits HOAs and most landlords from unreasonably restricting EV charger installation. Daly City has no local ordinance banning home or curbside EV charging.
View full Daly City rules →Redwood City, CA
San Mateo County
For new construction in unincorporated San Mateo County, the County's local amendments to the California Building and Energy Codes require EV charging infrastructure. Adopted February 25, 2020 and effective for permits, the rules require commercial buildings (excluding office) to install Level 2 EV charging at 6% of parking spaces and Level 1 circuits at 5%. Residents apply for EV charger permits through County Planning and Building.
View full Redwood City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | Redwood City |
|---|---|---|
| HOA preemption | Cal. Civ. Code §4745 - HOAs may not unreasonably restrict EV chargers | - |
| Renter protection | Cal. Civ. Code §1947.6 - landlord must allow reasonable install | - |
| HOA response window | 60 days; silence = approval | - |
| Permit required | Electrical permit via Daly City Building Division | - |
| Code | Cal. Electrical Code Art. 625 + CALGreen §4.106.4 | - |
| Penalty for HOA violation | Up to $1,000 + actual damages + attorney's fees | - |
| Adopted | - | Feb 25, 2020 (local Title 24 amendments) |
| Applies to | - | New construction in unincorporated County |
| Commercial (non-office) Level 2 | - | 6% of parking spaces |
| Commercial (non-office) Level 1 | - | 5% of parking spaces |
| Charger permit | - | Via County Planning & Building |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Can my HOA in Daly City block me from installing an EV charger?
No. California Civil Code §4745 voids any HOA rule that prohibits or unreasonably restricts EV charger installation in an owner's unit or designated parking space. HOAs have 60 days to respond to applications; silence equals approval.
Do I need a permit to install a Level 2 home charger?
Yes - an electrical permit from the Daly City Building Division. Installation must comply with California Electrical Code Article 625 and CALGreen Section 4.106.4.
Can I run an extension cord across the sidewalk to charge?
Generally no. A cord across a public sidewalk creates an obstruction citable under California Vehicle Code §22500(f) and Daly City sidewalk-obstruction rules, even if your vehicle is parked at the curb in front of your own home.
Redwood City FAQ
Does unincorporated San Mateo County require EV charging in new buildings?
Yes. Local amendments to the California Building and Energy Codes, adopted February 25, 2020, require EV charging infrastructure in new construction. Commercial buildings other than office uses must install Level 2 charging at 6% of parking spaces and Level 1 circuits at 5%, with credit for DC fast chargers; the rules apply to new ground-up buildings.
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger at my home?
Yes. Unincorporated County residents and businesses apply for an electric-vehicle charging-station permit through the County Department of Planning and Building. The County's Sustainability program offers additional guidance on EV charging.
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