California Statewide Rule

California EV Charging Access Rights Apply Statewide

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across California (2026)

Key Facts

HOA charger rights: Civil Code 4745
Renter charger rights: Civil Code 1947.6
Local permit mandate: Gov Code 65850.7
HOA penalty: $1,000 plus damages
Review type: Ministerial checklist

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: California Government Code 65850.7

Summary

California Civil Code sections 4745 and 1947.6, 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.

For any lease executed, extended, or renewed on and after July 1, 2015, a lessor of a dwelling shall approve a written request of a lessee to install an electric vehicle charging station at a parking space allotted for the lessee that meets the requirements of this section and complies with the lessor's procedural approval process for modification to the property.

Source: California Government Code 65850.7View official code

Full Breakdown

Civil Code 4745 voids HOA rules that prohibit or unreasonably restrict installation of EV charging stations, and Civil Code 1947.6 requires landlords to approve a tenant's written request to install a charging station at an assigned parking space, subject to statutory conditions and exceptions. Civil Code 4745.1 separately protects EV-dedicated time-of-use meters in common interest developments. Government Code 65850.7 requires every city and county to adopt an ordinance creating an expedited, streamlined permitting process for residential EV chargers, with checklist-based ministerial review. Local governments cannot impose discretionary approvals on small residential charging projects that meet the statewide checklist.

Violations & Penalties

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my city require discretionary review for a home EV charger?

No. Government Code 65850.7 requires a streamlined, ministerial permit process using a standardized checklist. Discretionary review is preempted for residential chargers meeting the checklist criteria.

Does this preempt HOA parking rules?

Yes. Civil Code 4745 voids any HOA covenant or rule that effectively prohibits or unreasonably restricts EV charger installation in an owner's designated parking space.

Sources

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