As electric vehicles (EVs) become more mainstream, the demand for charging infrastructure continues to grow across both residential and commercial spaces. But when it comes to getting chargers installed, one thing often overlooked is how permit design requirements vary significantly between home and commercial installations.

Whether you’re a contractor, designer, or property owner, understanding these differences can help avoid delays, extra costs, or failed inspections.

Let’s explore the key permit design distinctions between residential and commercial EV charging projects.

1. Scope of the Installation

Residential Charging

• Typically includes a Level 2 charger (240V).
• Installed in a single-family home, often inside a garage or on an exterior wall.
• Usually designed to support one or two vehicles.

Commercial Charging

• May include multiple Level 2 chargers or DC Fast Chargers.
• Designed for public access, employees, tenants, or fleet vehicles.
• Often integrated with billing, load management, and monitoring systems.

What this means: Commercial systems are generally larger and more complex, often requiring utility coordination and service upgrades.

2. Permitting Process

Residential Projects

• Often require only a basic electrical permit.
• Many cities allow fast-track or online approvals.
• Engineer involvement is typically not required if the existing panel supports the load.

Commercial Projects

• Involve multiple permits — electrical, zoning, civil, and sometimes fire department approval.
• Require a complete plan set including site layout, load calculations, and equipment specs.
• Most jurisdictions demand PE-stamped drawings and detailed electrical plans.

Typical timeline: Residential permits can be approved in a day or two, while commercial permits may take several weeks depending on local regulations.

3. Design Requirements

Residential Design

• Includes load verification to ensure the panel can handle additional demand.
• A short conduit run from the panel to the charger.
• GFCI protection, appropriate breaker sizing, and proper labeling.

Commercial Design

• Must account for power distribution, conduit routing, and trenching.
• Charger layout must meet ADA accessibility requirements.
• May require integration with networked software platforms for user access and billing.

Tip: In commercial projects, incorrect layout or inadequate power planning can delay approvals or increase costs later on.

4. Engineering and Stamping

Residential

• Typically does not require engineering stamps unless electrical upgrades or special configurations are involved.

Commercial

• Often requires Professional Engineer (PE) stamps.
• May also involve Structural Engineer (SE) or Electrical Engineer (EE) input if installing pedestal chargers, bollards, or canopies.

Pro insight: Having access to multi-disciplinary engineering (PE, SE, EE) in-house or through a design partner streamlines approvals.

5. Site Layout and Planning

Residential

• Usually involves minimal layout—just charger location and routing.
• No ADA or zoning concerns in most single-family setups.

Commercial

• Requires full site plans, showing charger placement, parking space configuration, ADA-compliant access, and signage.
• In some cases, zoning reviews and environmental clearances may also be needed.

Watch out: Misplaced equipment or poor layout planning can trigger plan rejections or redesign requests from the local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).

While both residential and commercial EV charging projects share the same goal—powering electric vehicles—they differ greatly when it comes to design and permitting.

If you're planning a project, knowing these differences can save you time, money, and headaches. Whether it’s a simple home install or a large-scale commercial deployment, getting your permit design done right from the start is the key to a smooth installation.

Want help with your EV permit design, stamped engineering plans, or full design packages? Reach out to a team that specializes in EV infrastructure design—and avoid permit back-and-forths before they happen.