EV Charging: Des Plaines vs Evanston
How do ev charging rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Evanston, IL?
Des Plaines and Evanston have similar restriction levels.
Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Des Plaines permits residential EV charger installation under the Illinois Electric Vehicle Charging Act and the city's electrical permit requirements. Illinois law (765 ILCS 605/18.11) protects the right to install chargers in condominiums and HOA-governed properties.
View full Des Plaines rules →Evanston, IL
Cook County
Cook County supports EV charging expansion through a $5.5 million infrastructure program targeting suburban charging deserts. Illinois law (765 ILCS 1085, Electric Vehicle Charging Act) protects EV charger installation rights. No county ordinance restricts residential EV charger installation in unincorporated areas.
View full Evanston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Evanston |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit | Required for Level 2 | Required for Level 2 |
| State Right-to-Charge | 765 ILCS 605/18.11 | - |
| Licensed Electrician | Required | - |
| Public Chargers | Rivers Casino, Metra lots | - |
| Contact | CED (847) 391-5380 | - |
| County Program | - | $5.5M charging expansion |
| State Law | - | 765 ILCS 1085 (EV Charging Act) |
| HOA Restrictions | - | Prohibited by state law |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Des Plaines FAQ
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger in Des Plaines?
Yes for any hardwired Level 2 charger. The work must be done by a licensed electrician under an electrical permit and inspected before use. A standard 120V Level 1 plug-in charger generally does not require a permit.
Can my condo or HOA stop me from installing an EV charger?
Generally no. The Illinois EV Charging Act (765 ILCS 605/18.11) gives unit owners the right to install chargers in their assigned spaces, subject to reasonable installation and insurance conditions.
Where can I publicly charge in Des Plaines?
Public chargers are available at Rivers Casino, Metropolitan Square, and several Metra commuter parking lots. Use PlugShare or ChargeHub to find current locations.
Evanston FAQ
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger at my home in unincorporated Cook County?
Level 2 (240V) charger installation requires an electrical permit from Cook County Building and Zoning. Level 1 charging from a standard outlet typically does not. A licensed electrician must perform the installation.
Can my HOA prevent me from installing an EV charger in Cook County?
No. The Illinois Electric Vehicle Charging Act (765 ILCS 1085) prohibits HOAs and condo associations from unreasonably restricting EV charger installation.
Compare other topics
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