San Mateo, CA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)
Key Facts
- New Construction
- CalGreen EV-ready required
- Permitting
- Streamlined per AB 1236
- Residential
- Electrical permit needed
- Public Stations
- Available at city facilities
- Contact
- Building Division: 650-522-7200
Summary
San Mateo follows CalGreen requirements for EV charging infrastructure in new construction. California AB 1236 mandates streamlined permitting for EV chargers. The city has public charging stations available. Residential charger installation requires a standard electrical permit.
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.
Full Breakdown
Electric vehicle charging in San Mateo is regulated through the California Building Code (CalGreen). New construction must include EV-capable or EV-ready parking spaces. Multi-family buildings and commercial properties have specific EV charging requirements based on parking count. San Mateo follows AB 1236 which requires streamlined, ministerial permitting for EV charging stations. Residential Level 2 charger installation requires a standard electrical permit. The city has invested in public charging infrastructure at various municipal facilities and commercial areas. San Mateo's location in the tech-oriented Peninsula means EV adoption is high and charging infrastructure is actively expanding. The Building Division processes EV charger permits at 650-522-7200.
Violations & Fines
New construction without CalGreen EV infrastructure cannot receive permits. Installing chargers without electrical permits is a code violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a home EV charger?
Does new construction need EV charging?
Where are public chargers in San Mateo?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Mateo
California rules heatmap·Compare San Mateo to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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EV Charging in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Mateo County handle ev charging.