EV Charging: Mountain View vs Santa Clara
How do ev charging rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
Mountain View and Santa Clara have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View requires EV charging infrastructure in new construction under CALGreen Tier 2. Residential EV installations follow expedited permitting per AB 1236, typically approved same-day.
View full Mountain View rules →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara requires EV-ready wiring in new construction under CALGreen, and Silicon Valley Power offers rebates for residential Level 2 charger installations.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Reach code tier | CALGreen Tier 2 | - |
| SF EV-ready | 100 percent of spaces | - |
| Multifamily EV-ready | 40 percent of spaces | - |
| Permit timeline | Same-day under AB 1236 | - |
| HOA protection | Civil Code 4745 | - |
| New Construction | - | EV-ready wiring required by CALGreen |
| Utility Rebates | - | Silicon Valley Power residential and commercial programs |
| Permit | - | Electrical permit required for Level 2 installation |
| Renter Rights | - | Civil Code 1947.6 protects EV install in rentals |
| Contact | - | Silicon Valley Power (408) 615-5741 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
How do I get a permit for a home Level 2 charger?
Apply online through the Mountain View ePermits portal. Most residential EV charger permits are approved same-day if your panel has adequate capacity and the installation follows NEC Article 625.
Can my condo HOA block an EV charger?
Under Civil Code 4745, HOAs cannot prohibit reasonable installation of EV chargers for owner-occupied or dedicated-use parking spaces, though they can impose architectural review conditions.
Santa Clara FAQ
Do I need a permit to install a home EV charger?
Yes, Santa Clara Building requires an electrical permit for any hardwired Level 2 EV charger.
Can my HOA ban me from installing a charger?
No, Civil Code 4745 protects condo owners rights to install EV chargers in exclusive-use areas with reasonable conditions.
Compare other topics
See how Mountain View and Santa Clara compare on other ordinance categories.
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