Understanding EV Charger Types

EV chargers are categorized into three main levels, each with distinct power capacities and use cases.

‍Level 1 chargers operate on standard 120-volt outlets and provide a slow charge, typically adding 3-5 miles of range per hour, making them suitable for home or overnight charging. These chargers take 40-50+ hours to charge an EV up to 80%. These chargers are unlikely to be used in any commercial projects.

‍Level 2 chargers, running on 240 volts, offer significantly faster charging speeds—adding 25-30 miles of range per hour—making them ideal for commercial properties, workplaces, and multi-family residences.

‍DC Fast Chargers (Level 3), which operate at 400 volts or higher, can deliver 100+ miles of range in under 30 minutes, making them essential for public charging networks along highways and high-traffic retail locations.

When permitting for EV infrastructure, understanding the power requirements, site feasibility, and local regulations for each charger type is critical to a smooth approval process.

‍

Zoning: The First Hurdle

Zoning is where many EV projects hit their first speed bump. While some jurisdictions welcome EV charging stations with open arms, others are still catching up. In certain areas, EV chargers are classified as commercial, industrial, or even utility infrastructure, each with its own set of rules. Some municipalities treat chargers as accessory uses—like a bike rack or sign—requiring minimal paperwork. Others demand special permits, conditional use approvals, or even rezoning, especially if the site wasn’t originally intended for this type of infrastructure.

Mixed-use developments can be particularly tricky. Shared parking spaces often come with specific restrictions, and outdated zoning codes may not account for the unique nature of EV charging. It’s not uncommon for local authorities to impose requirements more suited to traditional gas stations, creating unnecessary complications.

Another key zoning consideration is traffic impact analysis. Many jurisdictions require a traffic study for sites not originally designated for parking or where fleet charging could significantly increase traffic volume. Large-scale EV charging depots, especially those serving ride-share fleets or delivery vehicles, may trigger concerns about congestion, queuing, and overall traffic flow. In some cases, mitigation measures—such as dedicated entry and exit points, additional signage, or adjusted signal timing—may be required before permits are approved. Developers should work closely with traffic engineers and zoning officials to ensure their site plan aligns with local traffic regulations.

Site Considerations

Power

Once you’ve navigated zoning, site-specific challenges frequently await. The availability of sufficient grid power is often the biggest bottleneck. High-speed DC fast chargers, for example, require significant electrical capacity—sometimes as much as a small commercial building. This can trigger the need for last-mile infrastructure upgrades, interconnection studies, and transformer installations, all of which can delay permitting. It is crucial to understand the electrical capacity and possible solutions when you’re planning a site.

Parking

Parking requirements can also be a source of friction. Many Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) base parking calculations on square footage, which doesn’t align with how EV chargers are used. You might find yourself needing a variance just to avoid overbuilding parking spaces. ADA compliance adds another layer, requiring accessible charger locations, clear signage, and pathway connectivity.

Environment

Environmental factors shouldn’t be overlooked. Installing chargers often involves trenching and underground conduit work, which may trigger ground disturbance permits. Sites near wetlands, flood zones, or protected areas may require additional environmental reviews. Even noise from high-powered chargers and cooling fans can become an issue in noise-sensitive areas.

Building Permits

Some people might not expect that they’ll need a building permit for EV charging, when there isn’t a real building, in the traditional sense, but building permits include many of the safety and other requirements needed for this kind of construction. Building permits for EV chargers go beyond basic construction approvals. Structural considerations come into play, especially for stations with overhead canopies or heavy equipment mounted on existing structures. The added electrical load may require a structural integrity review to ensure the site can handle the new demands.

Fire life safety is another critical component. High-power DC fast chargers must meet local fire codes, and in some jurisdictions, fire suppression systems are mandatory. If your project includes battery energy storage systems (BESS), compliance with NFPA 855 fire safety standards is non-negotiable.

Expect multiple rounds of inspections—electrical, structural, and final site reviews. Coordination between city building departments and utility inspectors can cause delays if not managed proactively. A missed inspection or miscommunication can easily add weeks to your timeline.

Electrical Permits

Electrical permitting is often the most complex part of the process. Level 2 chargers typically require 208-240V power, while DC fast chargers need 480V three-phase power. Assessing the site’s electrical capacity early can save significant time and money down the road. Panel upgrades, new transformers, and even substation installations might be necessary.

Backup power and energy storage can help manage peak demand and provide redundancy, but they come with additional permitting requirements. As mentioned earlier, battery storage systems, for example, may require separate fire safety reviews and environmental assessments.

Case Study: Permitting Delays in California

California leads the nation in EV adoption, but even here, permitting can be a major hurdle. Despite legislation aimed at streamlining the process, local jurisdictions often face delays due to complex requirements and limited staffing.

For example, data from Electrify America shows that in 2019, EV charger permits in California took an average of 75 business days to process—compared to a national average of 44 days. Extended zoning reviews and multiple comment rounds were the top culprits.

The takeaway? Even in EV-friendly states, proactive planning, effective utility coordination, and streamlined permitting processes are critical to project success.

Recommendations

Plan Early: Start conversations with local permitting offices and utility providers as early as possible. Understanding lead times, potential roadblocks, and local nuances can help you avoid surprises.

Test Fit with Regulatory Constraints: Before committing to a site, evaluate how zoning, parking, and accessibility requirements will affect your project. Determine if you’ll need conditional use permits or variances.

Utility Coordination: Work closely with utilities to understand the scope of required upgrades, estimated costs, and timelines. Consider integrating on-site battery storage or solar panels to reduce grid dependency and simplify the permitting process.

Phasing Plan: If power availability is a limiting factor, consider a phased approach. Bring some chargers online while waiting for full infrastructure upgrades. Temporary mobile charging units can also help meet demand during construction.

Work with Pulley: Navigating the EV permitting landscape will be brand new territory in certain AHJs and for many project teams. Between Pulley’s powerful workflow software and expert permitting team, below are just a few of the ways we can help get your chargers online ASAP:

• Reduce re-submissions
• Educate city officials on EV use cases
• Coordinate across contractors, the AHJ, and the entire project team
• Standardize your permitting process for scalability
• Deliver accurate approval forecasting so you can better plan and allocate resources
• Get to approval in weeks, not months

The Road Ahead

Although the EV charging industry is booming, without a solid permitting strategy, even the most promising projects can stall. Pulley helps you navigate the twists and turns of EV permitting, so you can focus on building the future of transportation.

Interested in learning more? Let's talk.

‍