San Mateo County, CA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted
- Feb 25, 2020 (local Title 24 amendments)
- Applies to
- New construction in unincorporated County
- Commercial (non-office) Level 2
- 6% of parking spaces
- Commercial (non-office) Level 1
- 5% of parking spaces
- Charger permit
- Via County Planning & Building
Summary
For new construction in unincorporated San Mateo County, the County's local amendments to the California Building and Energy Codes require EV charging infrastructure. Adopted February 25, 2020 and effective for permits, the rules require commercial buildings (excluding office) to install Level 2 EV charging at 6% of parking spaces and Level 1 circuits at 5%. Residents apply for EV charger permits through County Planning and Building.
Existing law, the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Open Access Act, prohibits the charging of a subscription fee on persons desiring to use an electric vehicle charging station, as defined, and prohibits a requirement for persons to obtain membership in any club, association, or organization as a condition of using the station, except as specified. The bill would require a city, county, or city and county to approve an application for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, as defined, through the issuance of specified permits unless the city or county makes specified written findings based upon substantial evidence in the record that the proposed installation would have a
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
Failing to provide the required EV charging infrastructure in a covered new construction project, or installing a charging station without the required County permit, can hold up plan approval or inspection sign-off. The EV-readiness mandates apply to new ground-up buildings, not to remodels or additions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does unincorporated San Mateo County require EV charging in new buildings?
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger at my home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Mateo County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo County to another location·View the California parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.