Stockton, CA Parking Rules: EV Charging (2026)
Key Facts
- Local permitting chapter
- SMC Chapter 15.90
- State framework
- Cal. Gov. Code §65850.7 (expedited permits)
- HOA override
- Cal. Civil Code §4745 (right to charge)
- Tenant override
- Cal. Civil Code §1947.6
- New-construction EV spaces
- Per CALGreen / Title 24 Part 11
Summary
Stockton Municipal Code Chapter 15.90 implements an expedited, ministerial permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations consistent with Cal. Gov. Code §65850.7, and California Civil Code §4745 overrides HOA/landlord restrictions on EV charger installation.
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 based upon substantial evidence in the record that the proposed installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or
Full Breakdown
7. A permit application that satisfies the checklist is deemed complete and promptly processed; the Building Official must approve and issue all necessary permits once the application meets the checklist and applicable health-and-safety standards. The Building Official may not condition permit approval on HOA approval (Civil Code §4080). At the state level, Civil Code §4745 voids any HOA or common-interest-development restriction that effectively prohibits or unreasonably restricts EV charger installation in an owner's unit, exclusive-use common-area parking space, or designated parking space; reasonable safety/cost-allocation conditions are allowed and prevailing homeowners recover attorney's fees.
6 extends parallel right-to-charge protections to tenants. 64) follows California Green Building Standards (Title 24 Part 11, CALGreen) for required EV-capable and EV-ready parking spaces in new construction.
Violations & Fines
Refusal or unreasonable delay by an HOA in permitting an EV charger exposes the association to a civil suit under Civil Code §4745, including attorney's fees for a prevailing homeowner. Failure of an installer to comply with the SMC 15.90 checklist results in permit denial until corrections are made; unpermitted installations are subject to stop-work orders and standard SMC Title 15 building-code penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger at my Stockton home?
Can my HOA refuse my EV charger?
Sources & Official References
- [1]Stockton Municipal Code Chapter 15.90 — Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (eCode360)
- [2]California Government Code §65850.7 — Expedited EV Charging Permits
- [3]California Civil Code §4745 — EV Charging in Common Interest Developments
- [4]California Governor's Office — Permitting EV Charging Stations Best Practices
- [5]Stockton Municipal Code Chapter 16.64 — Off-Street Parking and Loading Standards (eCode360)
Other rules in Stockton
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