San Francisco, CA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)
Key Facts
- Requirement
- New residential parking: 100% EV-ready, 10% EV-installed
- Requirement
- Commercial: 20% EV-installed
- Requirement
- CA Civil Code 4745 protects condo EV-charger rights
- Permit
- Curbside EV chargers allowed via SFMTA permit
- Requirement
- Blocking EV stall without charging: $100+ fine
Summary
San Francisco Environment Code Chapter 22 and Building Code require EV-ready infrastructure in new construction. CA Civil Code 4745 protects condo EV-charger rights, and SF Planning Code allows curbside charging with SFMTA permits. Blocking an EV stall while not charging is a citable violation.
65850.7. (b) A city, county, or city and county shall administratively approve an application to install electric vehicle charging stations through the issuance of a building permit or similar nondiscretionary permit. Review of the application shall be limited to the building official's review of whether it meets all health and safety requirements of local, state, and federal law... (c) A city, county, or city and county may not deny an application for a use permit to install an electric vehicle charging station unless it makes written findings based upon substantial evidence that the proposed installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety, and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid that impact.
Full Breakdown
San Francisco has aggressive EV policy. Building Code Chapter 12A requires 100% of new residential parking spaces to be EV-ready (conduit and panel capacity) and 10% to be EV-installed (charger present). Commercial and mixed-use projects require 20% EV-installed. Existing multifamily buildings cannot prohibit a unit owner from installing a Level 2 charger in their assigned stall under CA Civil Code 4745, though reasonable insurance and installation standards may be imposed. For curbside charging, SFMTA's Curbside EV Charging Program allows residents to apply for a dedicated on-street charger, subject to a permit and location review. Parking in an EV-marked stall without actively charging is prohibited under Transportation Code 7.2.91 with a $100+ citation. PG&E and SFPUC offer rebates for Level 2 installation. Condo boards cannot unreasonably delay or deny an EV installation, and delay beyond 60 days may be deemed approval under SB 880.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my condo HOA stop me from installing an EV charger?
Can I get a dedicated curbside charger at my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Francisco
California rules heatmap·Compare San Francisco to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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