California AB 1820: Multifamily EV Charger Permit Fees in 2027
California AB 1820 caps many local permit fees for Level 2 EV charging at multifamily housing starting in 2027, with a later start for smaller jurisdictions. See what the law changes—and what it does not guarantee.
The short answer
California AB 1820 is enacted law and creates a statewide fee framework for permits for Level 2 electric-vehicle charging stations installed at new or existing multifamily housing. The core provisions become operative July 1, 2027, while local jurisdictions with populations under 200,000 receive until January 1, 2028.
The law is a permitting-cost rule—not a promise that every apartment property will install chargers by those dates. Electrical capacity, parking configuration, owner/tenant responsibilities, utility work, accessibility, building permits, financing and other applicable requirements can still determine whether a particular project is feasible.
What the permit-fee cap says
AB 1820 generally limits a local jurisdiction's permit fee for a Level 2 charging-station project to $500 plus $5 per kilowatt of charging capacity between 51 and 250 kilowatts and $2 per kilowatt above 250 kilowatts.
A local government can exceed the statutory schedule only through the process allowed by the law, including a written finding and resolution or ordinance supported by substantial evidence that a higher fee is needed to reasonably cover the jurisdiction's costs. Property teams should therefore verify the current adopted local fee schedule rather than assuming every permit will cost exactly $500.
When the new framework starts
The statute makes the new framework operative July 1, 2027. For a local jurisdiction with a population under 200,000, the operative date is January 1, 2028. That staggered start matters for 2027 capital planning because two otherwise similar multifamily projects can face different implementation timing based on the permitting jurisdiction.
The law is scheduled to remain in effect until January 1, 2036 unless later legislation changes that sunset. Use the controlling statute and the local permitting agency's current materials when budgeting a real project.
What AB 1820 does not decide
AB 1820 does not itself decide who must pay to design, install, operate, maintain or meter a charging station; it does not guarantee a tenant a charger in a specific parking space; and it does not establish that a property's electrical service can support a proposed installation.
Separate California tenant-EV-charging rules, the lease, parking rights, utility requirements, building and fire codes, accessibility standards, homeowners' or common-area rules where applicable, and project-specific electrical engineering can still matter. Keep the permit-fee question separate from the legal right-to-request and cost-allocation questions.
A 2027 checklist for multifamily owners and managers
Before budgeting or promising an EV-charging project, identify the permitting jurisdiction, its AB 1820 implementation date, the number and power level of proposed Level 2 ports, anticipated aggregate charging capacity, available electrical capacity and any utility-side upgrades. Ask the permitting agency for the actual adopted fee calculation and retain the written basis for any charge above the statutory schedule.
For resident-facing operations, document which spaces are eligible, how electricity will be measured and billed, who owns and maintains equipment, what happens at move-out, whether installation affects a parking assignment, and which approvals are still pending. Do not advertise 'EV charging available' before the equipment is actually installed, commissioned and usable under the property's rules.
How this fits with Max Rental Tools' existing EV guidance
Max Rental Tools already maintains a broader tenant EV-charging guide covering installation requests, electrical capacity, parking, lease amendments and utility allocation. AB 1820 adds a distinct California local-permitting-cost layer for 2027 and 2028; it should not replace the broader tenant/landlord analysis.
When a real installation changes a resident's parking, utility billing or lease terms, use the relevant parking, lease-amendment and utility-document workflows for the actual agreement. The statute and local permitting authority remain the controlling sources for permit-fee compliance.
Common questions
Does AB 1820 require every California apartment building to install EV chargers in 2027?
No. AB 1820 creates a permit-fee framework for Level 2 charging projects at multifamily housing. It does not impose a universal installation deadline on every apartment property.
Is the permit fee always $500?
No. The statutory framework starts with $500 and adds per-kilowatt amounts above 50 kW. It also allows a local jurisdiction to support a higher fee through the findings and evidence process specified by the law.
When does AB 1820 become operative?
The general operative date is July 1, 2027. Local jurisdictions with populations under 200,000 have until January 1, 2028 under the statute.
Does AB 1820 determine who pays for the charger and electrical work?
No. Permit fees are only one part of the project. Tenant-request rights, lease terms, parking, electrical upgrades, utility requirements, equipment ownership and other applicable rules must be evaluated separately.
Official sources
California Legislative Information — AB 1820 Bill TextGovernor of California — 2026 EV package including AB 1820Continue your check
Use the state directory for current jurisdiction-specific rules, calculate the proposed increase, then prepare the appropriate rental document only after the legal-rule checks are complete.