Home EV Charging Permits: What You Need to Know

Installing an EV charging station at home is a smart investment — but it’s not as simple as plugging in and charging. In most 

municipalities across Alberta and British Columbia, EV charger installation requires proper permitting, inspections, and compliance 

with local building codes.

Understanding what’s required and how to navigate the process is essential to ensure your charger is safe, legal, and future-proofed.

Why Do You Need a Permit?

EV chargers, especially Level 2 and smart models, draw significant power and must be safely connected to your home’s electrical 

system. A permit ensures:

• Safe installation that meets electrical code

• Protection from fire risks or system overload

• Compliance with municipal bylaws

• Validity for insurance claims

• Proper documentation if you ever sell your home

Skipping permits can lead to failed inspections, fines, or the need to completely redo the work.

What Kind of Permits Are Required?

Depending on your location and charger type, you may need:

Electrical Permit

(Required in most cases)

Issued by your local municipality or electrical authority. Covers the wiring, breaker capacity, and integration with your panel.

Building Permit

(Sometimes required)

Only in specific cases — like if structural modifications are needed (e.g., conduit running through walls or new construction).

Inspection Approval

An inspector visits after installation to verify the work meets code and was done safely.

Permitting in Alberta

In Alberta, permits are typically issued by:

• Municipal offices (Edmonton, Calgary, etc.)

• The Alberta Safety Codes Authority (SCA) for rural areas

You’ll need a qualified electrician who is certified to pull permits and book inspections.

Permitting in British Columbia

In BC, permitting is handled by:

• Local municipal governments (Vancouver, Surrey, etc.)

• Or the BC Safety Authority (Technical Safety BC)

The installer must be licensed and familiar with provincial electrical code and load calculations.

Can I Install Without a Permit?

Technically, some small upgrades could be done without permits — but when it comes to EV charging, it’s not worth the risk.

Installing without a permit:

• Voids most warranties

• Risks electrical hazards

• Could fail future home inspections

• Is often illegal

How We Make It Easy for You

My Green Solutions handles 100% of the permitting process for you:

• We assess your home’s panel and electrical capacity

• Prepare the application and submit it to your local authority

• Schedule inspections as needed

• Ensure your installation passes and gets final approval

You don’t need to talk to the city or figure out paperwork — we do it all.

How Long Does It Take?

Permitting timelines vary by location but typically take:

• 1–3 business days for simple permits

• Up to 7–10 days for complex jobs or rural approvals

We’ll give you an accurate timeline before we begin.

Do Permits Add Cost?

Yes — but not much. Typical permit fees range from $75 to $200, depending on your city.

It’s a small price to pay for safety, compliance, and peace of mind.

Conclusion: Do It Right the First Time

Permits aren’t just red tape — they’re essential for ensuring your EV charger is installed correctly and safely. At My Green Solutions, 

we make the entire process seamless, from consultation to inspection sign-off.