California Civil Code sections 4745 and 4745.1, plus Government Code 65850.7, create statewide rights for residents to install EV charging stations and require expedited local permitting that supersedes restrictive local rules.
Civil Code 4745 voids HOA rules that prohibit or unreasonably restrict installation of EV charging stations in owner-occupied units, and 4745.1 extends similar protections to renters. Government Code 65850.7 requires every city and county to adopt an ordinance creating an expedited, streamlined permitting process for residential EV chargers, with a checklist-based ministerial review. Public Resources Code 25722.9 directs state goals for charging deployment. Local governments cannot impose discretionary approvals on small residential charging projects that meet the statewide checklist.
Local agencies that fail to adopt compliant streamlined ordinances face mandamus actions and may be ordered to issue permits. HOAs that violate Civil Code 4745 face civil penalties of $1,000 plus actual damages and attorney fees.
See how Sonoma's ev charging rules stack up against other locations.
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