San Jose, CA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)
Key Facts
- Calgreen Tier
- CALGreen Tier 2 enhanced EV requirements adopted
- New Sfh
- New SFH requires 1 EV-ready space minimum
- Public Charging
- Public charging stalls for charging vehicles only (§22511)
- Tenants Have
- Tenants have right to install EVSE (§1947.6)
- Hoas Cannot
- HOAs cannot unreasonably block EVSE (§4745)
Summary
San Jose requires EV charging infrastructure in new construction under CALGreen Tier 2 standards. Residential new builds need 100% EV-ready parking; multifamily and commercial projects face graduated requirements. Public charging stalls are reserved for actively charging vehicles, with fines for non-EVs blocking chargers.
65850.7. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (1) The implementation of consistent statewide standards to achieve the timely and cost-effective installation of electric vehicle charging stations is not a municipal affair, as that term is used in Section 5 of Article XI of the California Constitution, but is instead a matter of statewide concern. (2) It is the intent of the Legislature that local agencies not adopt ordinances that create unreasonable barriers to the installation of electric vehicle charging stations and not unreasonably restrict the ability of homeowners and agricultural and business concerns to install electric vehicle charging stations.
Full Breakdown
San Jose has adopted enhanced CALGreen Tier 2 EV requirements for new construction. Single-family and duplex new builds must include at least one EV-ready parking space with a 40-amp circuit terminating at an outlet or junction box. New multi-family projects require 20% of spaces Level 2 EV-installed (with active EVSE), 70% EV-ready (circuit in place), and 10% EV-capable (panel capacity reserved). Non-residential new builds must provide 6-10% installed Level 2 and 20-30% EV-ready depending on size. California Vehicle Code §22511 designates public EV charging stalls for vehicles actively connected and charging; non-EVs or non-charging EVs parked in these stalls face tickets averaging $100.
San Jose owns and operates public charging through the city's network and partners with ChargePoint and EVgo. 6 allow renters in buildings with 5+ units to install charging at their own cost subject to landlord approval and reasonable conditions. HOA rules under Civil Code §4745 prohibit HOAs from unreasonably restricting EV charging station installation on exclusive-use assigned parking. Permits for residential Level 2 chargers are required but issued same-day online through the city's express permitting system.
Violations & Fines
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact San Jose code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a Level 2 charger at my house?
Can my HOA stop me from adding a charger?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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EV Charging in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle ev charging.