Raleigh encourages EV charging infrastructure through its UDO, which allows Level 1 and Level 2 charging in residential driveways without special permits and sets standards for commercial and multi-family installations. Public EV charging is available at city facilities, and NC's building code requires EV-ready wiring in some new construction. Electrical permits are required for hardwired Level 2 installs.
The City of Raleigh has embraced electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure as part of its Community Climate Action Plan. Homeowners installing Level 1 (120V) charging simply plug into a standard outlet and need no special permit. Level 2 (240V) hardwired chargers require an electrical permit from Raleigh Development Services and must be installed by a licensed electrician in accordance with the North Carolina Electrical Code and NEC Article 625. The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) allows EV charging as an accessory use in all zoning districts and sets standards for commercial charging stations, including signage, accessibility, and parking-space equivalency for required spaces. Multi-family developments and new commercial construction may be subject to EV-ready parking requirements under updated state building codes. Raleigh operates public charging stations at parking decks downtown and at select city facilities. Chargers installed in public rights-of-way or sidewalks require encroachment permits. HOAs cannot unreasonably prohibit EV chargers in owner-occupied units under NC law, though reasonable rules on installation and cost allocation are permitted.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Raleigh code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Raleigh, NC
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