Skip Navigation

Francis Scott Key Bridge Incident Updates

An electrical permit is required when installing an electric vehicle (EV) charging station.

Guidelines

Location

If your property lacks an onsite location for an EV charging station (near or in a garage), you must first determine if the proposed location is in County right-of-way or on private property. If the location is in the County right-of-way, you must apply for and be granted a franchise agreement. Review the agreement to make sure you comply with all requirements. If the location is owned by a homeowner’s association, you must submit a letter of approval from this association. If the charging station will be completely onsite, only an electrical permit is needed.

Installation Information

The conduit for a curbside charging station must be underground in the right‐of‐way, including under the sidewalk, and it is likely that trenching will also be required. Property owners are required to work with a licensed electrical contractor to complete installation.

Curbside EV charging station installations may be either Level 1 (120-volt) or Level 2 (240-volt), but must meet all the requirements of the Electrical Code; outdoor installations of  EV supply equipment (charging stations) must be permanently connected and fastened in place with no exposed live parts. Charging stations must be listed by an approved product listing agency, rated for outdoor use and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

Additional Requirements

  • EV charging station cords must not cross over sidewalks, walkways or driveways. Rather, station cords shall be automatically retractable. An accessible path must be maintained for persons with disabilities and the general public.
  • If an EV charging station is being proposed in the County right-of-way, it must be located in the frontage of the dwelling that it serves, and not in front of an adjacent property.
  • Installation shall be at least 18 inches from the back of the curb (in the planting strip if one is present).
  • Position the EV charging station such that the stored connector is no less than 24 inches above the outdoor grade location (Electrical Code, Article 625.50).
  • Install an enclosure or cage around the EV charging station to protect and control its use. If the charging station is not fully enclosed, the charging station cord and connector must be secured when not in use.
  • Orient the EV charging station such that an enclosure door will not open past the curb face or over the sidewalk.
  • No advertising is permitted on the charging station or associated enclosure.
  • Installation shall be at least six feet from fire hydrants.
  • The owner is solely responsible for the protection of the station and may use a concrete-filled steel bollard if there is not an adequate curb and setback.
  • See NFPA 70 latest edition Article 625 for more information

Operation

It is your responsibility to operate your EV charging station in keeping with the conditions of its permit. For curbside locations, maintaining a safe EV charging station is particularly critical. It must be operated in a way that minimizes potential trip hazards by including a retractable cord and connector when the charging station is not in use. It must be controlled either by a safety enclosure around the charging station or cord that is locked while the station is idle. The electrical current to the station must not be charged when not in use.

It is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain the charging station, and any associated safety enclosure and ensure it is in a good and safe operating condition. It is also the responsibility of the property owner to remove the charging station if no longer in use.

The parking space adjacent to a curbside EV charging station may be available for anyone’s use. Parking restrictions and privileges will remain effective whether it is in the County right-of-way or in a private Homeowner’s Association. Property owners may not have exclusive rights, privileges or priority for parking adjacent to an EV charging station. If you know it is difficult to park adjacent to your home or you foresee issues that would limit your access to a curbside EV charging station on a regular basis, consider whether it makes sense for you to participate in this process.

About the Application Process

To learn more about the application process, read the steps and watch the videos below, or view the FAQ or full tutorial video playlist.

Apply for a Permit

Once you have reviewed the process outlined above and have gathered your required documentation, apply for your permit online using the button below.

 

Explore Permits, Approvals and Inspections

 

Contact Us

Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections

County Office Building
111 West Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, Maryland 21204

Hours

Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Phone

Director

C. Pete Gutwald