Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installation

See the City of Raleigh Development Services Glossary for any unfamiliar terms.

Why should I consider driving an electric vehicle?

• It only costs approximately 3 cents per mile to charge an electric vehicle versus fueling a vehicle for approximately 12 cents per mile. That is a 75% savings!
• Driving an electric vehicle reduces the carbon footprint
• It helps to reduce our 60% dependency on foreign oil products
• The City of Raleigh has installed 18 electric charging stations for the convenience of electric vehicle owners

What are the types of permits that may be required to install a charging station at my home?

• Electrical

Do not hesitate to contact a licensed electrical contractor with any questions you may have about your project. Feel free to also contact a City of Raleigh Plans Examiner at 919-996-4200, with any questions you may have regarding your project, permits, or the application process.

How do I begin my project?
It is important to determine if your electrical system can handle the new load. Typical 240 volt charging stations require a 40 amp service. This increased load may require an upgrade to the main electrical service or the size of the breaker panel. As a homeowner, you should consider contacting a licensed electrical contractor to evaluate your home electrical system. These upgrades can be completed when you install a charging station.

Remember that the permit must be approved and issued before construction or repairs are allowed to begin.

What is the permit process?

Residential Installation Process
Complete a permit application.

If the charging station is going to be installed outside, your application packet must include a scaled drawing of the proposed project site which includes property lines and existing structures on the property (plot plan) and show the location of the charging station in relation to the property lines. Plot plans do not need to be created by a design professional but must be drawn to Engineering scale and be submitted on sheets no larger than 8 1/2 x 14 to include a plot plan stamp.

Tip: Plot plans can be created using the survey drawing that was part of the closing package on your home.

Submittal Package:

• Permit Application
• Plot Plan (indicating location of charging station)
• Power Riser Information and Cut Sheets for the Charging Station
• Permit Fee Payment

The submittal package can be mailed or delivered in person to either location below.

Inspections Department
8320-130 Litchford Road - Satellite Center
Raleigh, NC 27615
919-996-4200

- Or -

Development Services Customer Service Center
One Exchange Plaza, Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-516-2495

Once the permit package is received, it will be reviewed by a plans examiner and permits may be issued. The review period for this project is 24 hours. You will be contacted via phone or email to inform you that additional information is required or that the permits are ready. Installation work can begin once the permit has been issued.

Will Field Inspections be Required for the Installation?

Yes - Contact the Development Services Customer Service Center at 919-516-2500 to schedule required inspections or call the IVR line EDIFY at 919-857-4412.

Electrical:

1. If a service change is required, an inspection is required to re-establish the power
2. A final inspection must be made after the unit is installed

What information is required for scheduling inspections?

• Permit number (or)
• Project address (or)
• Group number (this number is not on the inspection card; it can be found on receipt)

Note: All information required above is provided on the applicant permit copy or receipt.

Commercial Installation Process
Complete a permit application.

If the charging station is going to be installed outside, your application packet must include a scaled drawing of the proposed project site which includes property lines and existing structures on the property (plot plan) and show the location of the charging station in relation to the property lines. Plot plans do not need to be created by a design professional, but must be drawn to Engineering scale and be submitted on sheets no larger than 11 X 17.

** If there are mulitple charging stations, the standard submittal package is required and the review period is 10 days.

Submittal Package:

• Permit Application
• Plot Plan (indicating location of charging station)
• Power Riser/Existing Panel Board Load Information
• Cut Sheets for the Charging Station
• Permit Fee Payment

The submittal package can be mailed or delivered in person to the location below.

Development Services Customer Service Center
One Exchange Plaza, Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-516-2495

Once the permit package is received, it will be reviewed by a plans examiner and permits may be issued. The review period for this project is 24 hours. You will be contacted via phone or email to inform you that additional information is required or that the permits are ready. Installation work can begin once the the permit has been issued.

Will field inspections be required for the installation?

Yes - Contact the Development Services Customer Service Center at 919-516-2500 to schedule required inspections or call the IVR line EDIFY at 919-857-4412.

Electrical:

1. If a service change is required, an inspection is required to re-establish the power
2. A final inspection must be made after the unit is installed

What Are Some Important Safety Issues?

• It is important to determine where the charging port is located on your vehicle. This will help you determine where you want to install your charging station. Locate the charging station in close proximity to the charging port on the vehicle to prevent a tripping hazard
• For installation inside a garage, consider installing the charging station at a height level that will prevent the vehicle from hitting and damaging the charging station
• Charging stations must be located in a garage or on a parking pad within the property lines. They cannot be installed on a public right of way which would result in a zoning violation
• If the charging station is to be installed outside, it must be protected with a bollard or curb stop to prevent a vehicle from hitting it and causing an electrical hazard. Charging stations installed outside must be water tight or water proofed
• There must be an adequate lighting source near the charging station. Flood lights or an area light should suffice
• These systems require a hard wire installation and this may be done by the homeowner or a licensed electrician

*Important! To keep a permit active, at least one inspection must be scheduled within six months of permit issuance.

What are the common reasons for rejecting an Inspection?
See link to the right for the Top 10 Inspection Rejection reasons listed by trade for: Electrical

What should I do if my inspection is rejected? (Re-inspections)
A code violation may result in an inspection status of "rejection". After the code violation is corrected, you may schedule a re-inspection. A re-inspection fee must be paid before scheduling the next inspection. See link for Development Fee Schedule for the current Re-inspection fee. Re-inspection fees may be paid in cash, MasterCard or Visa or check made payable to: City of Raleigh at either of the following locations:

• Downtown Raleigh: One Exchange Plaza, Suite 400, Raleigh NC 27601 919-516-2500
• North Raleigh: Litchford Satellite Office, 8320-130 Litchford Road, Raleigh, NC 27615 919-996-4200

Re-inspections may be paid over the telephone by contacting a Customer Service Representative at 919-516-2500 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Please have the permit number, project address and credit card information available before you call.

To schedule a re-inspection that was previously paid, contact a Customer Service Representative at 919-516-2500 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. or use the automated voice response system (EDIFY) which is available 24 hours per day by calling 919-857-4412.

What fees are involved and when do I pay them?

• A minimum permit fee is due per trade. The permit fee(s) is due at the end of the review process before the permit(s) is issued
• The permit fee includes the cost of the required trade inspection(s)
• If an inspection is rejected, a re-inspection fee must be paid before scheduling the next inspection (see above)
• The following payment types will be accepted: cash, MasterCard, Visa or check made payable to: City of Raleigh
• Refer to the Development Fee Schedule for current fees

How long will this process take?

• Permit applications that are mailed or dropped off take approximately 24 business hours for residential or single station (commercial) to process
• Multiple stations (commercial) will follow the standard review path (10 business days)
• Construction Inspections are generally made the next business day after they are scheduled unless requested otherwise
• Re-inspections added to your permit will automatically be scheduled for the next business day once the payment has been processed, unless requested otherwise