Charlotte supports residential EV charging with permit-by-rule for Level 2 installations. The UDO requires EV-ready infrastructure in new multifamily and parking structures. Duke Energy offers EV rate riders and charger incentives. Public charging proliferates in Uptown, South End, and shopping centers.
Residential EV charging in Charlotte requires an electrical permit for dedicated 240V circuits installed for Level 2 home chargers. Permits are issued by Charlotte Code Enforcement through the Accela portal, usually within 1-3 business days for straightforward installations. Work must be performed by a licensed NC electrician unless the homeowner qualifies for the homeowner exemption (own the home, live in it, do the work themselves).
Level 1 charging (standard 120V outlet) requires no permit and works for most drivers with overnight home charging. Level 2 (240V, 30-50 amp) generally requires a dedicated circuit, sub-panel capacity check, and potentially a panel upgrade for older homes with 100-amp service. NEMA 14-50 outlets or hardwired wall chargers are both supported.
The Charlotte UDO, Article 19, includes EV infrastructure standards: - New multifamily developments (20+ units) must provide EV-capable parking (conduit roughed-in) for at least 15% of spaces - Parking structures: 10% EV-capable, 5% EV-ready (wired to sub-panel) - ADA-accessible EV spaces required at a ratio matching accessible parking rules
Duke Energy offers an EV Complete Home rate rider (TOU pricing with super-off-peak overnight rates) and past incentive programs that have rebated up to $1,133 toward qualified Level 2 chargers for residential customers. Check Duke's current EV program page before installation.
HOAs and condos: Under NC Gen Stat §47F-3-121, condominium and planned community associations cannot unreasonably prohibit owners from installing EV chargers in their assigned parking or limited common element spaces. The owner pays installation and electricity costs and must meet reasonable aesthetic and safety standards set by the association.
Public charging is expanding rapidly - ChargePoint, EVgo, Tesla Supercharger, and Electrify America all operate sites in Charlotte, with hubs at SouthPark Mall, Camp North End, CLT Airport, and along I-77/I-85 corridors.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Charlotte code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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