Tulare County, CA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)

Chapter 7-32 of the Tulare County Ordinance Code establishes the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Review Process for unincorporated areas. Section 7-32-1010 notes that Government Code Section 65850.7 requires every city and county to adopt an ordinance creating an expedited, streamlined permitting process for EV charging stations, and the chapter applies to permitting all such stations in the County. A 'charging station' is defined (7-32-1000) as equipment built in compliance with Article 625 of the California Electrical Code that delivers electricity from an outside source into a plug-in electric vehicle. Stations legally established before the ordinance's effective date do not need a new permit unless materially altered (7-32-1020). Stations must meet all applicable health and safety standards, including the California Building Code, California Electrical Code, ADA, and local fire and utility requirements (7-32-1030). The Building Official runs an administrative review limited to health and safety; for direct current fast chargers (DCFC), the review timeline is fifteen business days (7-32-1050). A complete application that meets the approved checklist and has no specific, adverse impact on public health or safety cannot be denied. The Building Official can require an administrative special use permit only on written findings of a specific, adverse impact (7-32-1050(e)), with appeal rights. The County provides application documents and accepts electronic signatures (7-32-1040).