MA Stretch Energy Code (225 CMR 23.00) requires EV-ready parking in new construction. Boston adopted the Specialized Opt-in Stretch Code effective July 2023 mandating 20% EV charging and 60% EV-ready. Residential Level 2 chargers require an electrical permit. HOAs and condos generally cannot prohibit unit-owner EV installations under the MA Solar/Energy Access framework.
Electric vehicle charging regulation in Suffolk County is driven by the MA Stretch Code and local adoption. 225 CMR 23.00 (Stretch Energy Code) and the Specialized Opt-in Stretch Code (adopted by Boston, Chelsea, and many MA municipalities) require new residential and commercial construction to include EV-ready parking: 100% of spaces must be EV-capable (raceway pre-installed) with 20% installed Level 2 charging and 60% EV-ready (panel capacity reserved). Boston adopted the Specialized Opt-in Code effective July 1, 2023 — all new large buildings and major renovations must meet these requirements. Chelsea adopted the Stretch Code in 2018 and the Opt-in Stretch Code in 2023. Revere and Winthrop have adopted the standard Stretch Code. Residential Level 2 charger installation requires an electrical permit under 527 CMR 12.00 (MA Electrical Code, adopting NEC Article 625) — typically $50-$150 from the local Wiring Inspector. The charger circuit requires a dedicated 40-60 amp 240V breaker with GFCI protection. Condo and HOA installations: MA does not have a dedicated EV access law like California's SB-880, but MGL c. 184, §23C (solar access) is often analogized, and condo boards under MGL c. 183A must act reasonably. Public charging stations must meet ADA requirements and signage under 521 CMR and federal law. Boston offers MassEVIP rebates for residential Level 2 chargers ($700) and Level 2 chargers at multi-unit dwellings.
Unpermitted electrical work: correction order, $100-$500 plus permit-with-fee. Missing EV-ready in new construction: CoO withheld until correction. Condo refusal: mediation, potential court action.
Suffolk County, MA
Amplified music in Suffolk County is regulated at the city level. Boston requires Entertainment Licenses from the Mayor's Office of Consumer Affairs & Licens...
Suffolk County, MA
Massachusetts has a spite fence statute (MGL c.49 §21) but no shared fence cost law. Each owner is responsible for their own fence.
Suffolk County, MA
Massachusetts does not ban specific dog breeds statewide. Some municipalities have attempted BSL with mixed results. Dangerous dog provisions are behavior-ba...
Suffolk County, MA
Suffolk County requires dogs under control at all times (MGL c.140 §157). Dog licensing required through city/town clerk (MGL c.140 §155). Rabies vaccination...
Suffolk County, MA
MA prohibits intentional feeding of black bears (MGL c. 131, §75A) and regulates feeding of white-tailed deer. Boston Health Code §2-2.8 prohibits feeding of...
Suffolk County, MA
Suffolk County may require vegetation management for fire safety. MA does not have a statewide defensible space mandate. Local property maintenance applies.
See how Suffolk County's ev charging rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.