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Alhambra, CA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter
AMC Ch. 20.23
Review deadline, 1-25 stations
20 business days
Review deadline, 25+ stations
40 business days
Denial standard
Specific, adverse health/safety impact
Appeal
To Planning Commission, § 23.31.120

Summary

Alhambra runs an expedited permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations under Chapter 20.23. The Building Official must act within 20 business days for up to 25 stations, or 40 for larger installs, and can only deny a permit for a specific, written health or safety finding.

The Building Official shall not deny an application for an EVSE permit unless they make written findings based upon substantial evidence in the record that the proposed installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety, and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-25: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 4851, passed 10-27-25).

Full Breakdown

23 was adopted to create an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations, or EVSE, and applies to all EV charging station permits citywide; stations legally installed before the chapter took effect are grandfathered unless materially modified. 030, an applicant files with the Building Official, who must issue a written correction notice for an incomplete application within five business days for one to 25 stations at a site, or ten business days for more than 25; if no correction notice issues in time, the application is deemed complete.

Review is limited to whether the installation meets health and safety requirements of local, state, and federal law. The Building Official cannot deny a permit unless written findings, based on substantial evidence, show a specific adverse impact on public health or safety with no feasible way to mitigate it, and must approve or deny within 20 business days of a complete application (40 business days for more than 25 stations). 120. 010.

Violations & Fines

Installing an EV charging station without the required permit, or modifying one in a way that requires new permitting without obtaining it, is enforced through the Building Official's inspection authority under Section 20.23.050 and is subject to the Municipal Code's general penalty at Section 1.12.010: a fine set by City Council resolution or imprisonment up to six months, with continuing violations treated as separate offenses each day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an EV charger permit take to approve in Alhambra?
Section 20.23.030 requires the Building Official to approve or deny a complete application within 20 business days for one to 25 charging stations at a site, or 40 business days for more than 25 stations, once the application is deemed complete.
Can Alhambra deny my home EV charger permit?
Only on narrow grounds. Section 20.23.030 says the Building Official cannot deny an EVSE permit unless written findings based on substantial evidence show the installation would have a specific, adverse impact on public health or safety with no feasible mitigation.
What if my EV charging station permit is denied in Alhambra?
You can appeal the Building Official's decision to the Planning Commission under Section 23.31.120 of the Zoning Ordinance, which handles appeals of administrative decisions under the city's development code.

Sources & Official References

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