San Mateo County, CA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)

Unincorporated San Mateo County requires electric-vehicle charging readiness in new buildings through local amendments to the California Building Standards Code (Title 24), which the County adopted on February 25, 2020 and which apply only to construction in the unincorporated County. The amendments require all-electric buildings, solar installation for multifamily and commercial buildings, and increased levels of EV charging infrastructure for all building types. For commercial buildings other than office uses, the local code requires installation of Level 2 EV charging stations at 6% of parking spaces and Level 1 circuits at an additional 5% of parking spaces, with credit available for installing DC fast chargers; these requirements apply to newly constructed, ground-up buildings and not to additions or remodels. Off-street, EV, ADA, and bicycle parking requirements for a given project vary by location and zoning under the Title 8 Development Code. For installing a home or business charger, unincorporated County residents and businesses apply for an electric-vehicle charging-station permit through the County Department of Planning and Building, and the County's Sustainability program provides additional guidance and incentives. Because these standards are tied to building permits and zoning, anyone planning a charger installation or a new development should confirm current requirements with Planning and Building before applying.