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Modesto, CA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing sections
Modesto Code §§ 9-1.1901-9-1.1909
Wiring standard
California Electrical Code Article 625
HOA approval condition
Prohibited on permit
Appeal deadline
30 calendar days
State authority
Gov't Code § 65850.7

Summary

Modesto's Building Official must run an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations under Article 19, following a published checklist, and cannot condition approval on a homeowners' association's sign-off, per Government Code Section 65850.7.

9-1.1901 - Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to promote and encourage the use of electric vehicles by creating an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations while promoting public health and safety... 9-1.1905(b) In the technical review of a charging station, consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the Building Official shall not condition the approval for any electric vehicle charging station permit on the approval of such a system by an association, as that term is defined by Civil Code Section 4080.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 71).

Full Breakdown

1909, governs EV charging station permits. 7. 1902 defines a charging station as electric vehicle supply equipment built to Article 625 of the California Electrical Code that delivers electricity to a plug-in vehicle. 1904 requires the applicant to first verify the installation will not have a specific, adverse impact on health, safety, or building occupants, covering electrical capacity, wiring, bonding, overcurrent protection, and parking area impacts; an application meeting the checklist is deemed complete and promptly processed, and electronic submittal and signatures are accepted. 1905 bars the Building Official from conditioning approval on an association's sign-off, as defined in Civil Code Section 4080, though a use permit can be required if substantial evidence shows a specific adverse health or safety impact.

1906 requires installation to meet California Electrical Code Article 625, treats charging load as continuous in electrical load calculations, and requires anchorage to meet Building or Residential Code standards. 1311.

Violations & Fines

Installing a charging station without incorporating its continuous load into the building's electrical load calculations, or without meeting Article 625 wiring, bonding, and overcurrent protection requirements, is a Building Code violation subject to permit rejection or a required use-permit process under Section 9-1.1905. Approval to install does not authorize energizing the station until separate utility approval is obtained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my HOA block my Modesto EV charging permit?
The city cannot condition its permit approval on approval by a homeowners' association, per Section 9-1.1905, which cites the association definition in Civil Code Section 4080. A use permit can still be required if there is substantial evidence of a specific, adverse health or safety impact.
What electrical code applies to home EV chargers in Modesto?
Section 9-1.1906 requires charging station equipment and its wiring, bonding, and overcurrent protection to meet Article 625 and all applicable provisions of the California Electrical Code, and the charging load must be treated as continuous in the building's electrical load calculations.
How long do I have to appeal a denied EV charger permit?
Section 9-1.1909 gives a person with legal interest in the building thirty calendar days from the Building Official's decision to file a written appeal, following the procedure set out in Sections 9-1.1307 through 9-1.1311 of the code.

Sources & Official References

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