EV Charger Permits & Regulations: What You Need to Know in Portland
Portland Metro Electric
Installing a home EV charger is a smart upgrade for any electric vehicle owner in Portland. But before you get started, it’s essential to understand the local regulations, permitting process, and electrical code requirements that govern EV charger installations in the city.
This guide walks you through the necessary steps to ensure your installation is legal, safe, and up to code—whether you’re doing it yourself (not recommended) or hiring a licensed professional.
Do You Need a Permit to Install an EV Charger in Portland?
Yes. In Portland, you must obtain an electrical permit before installing a Level 2 EV charger (240V). Permits are required for any electrical upgrades or additions that involve new circuits, wiring, or breaker installations.
Permits help ensure that the installation complies with Portland building codes and the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Permit requirements include:
A completed permit application submitted to the Portland Bureau of Development Services (BDS)
Identification of the charger model and amperage
Site plan showing the charger location relative to the electrical panel
You can apply for an electrical permit online via the Portland Permitting Portal.
What Are the Electrical Code Requirements?
Your EV charger installation must comply with the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) and Portland’s local amendments. These regulations ensure your setup is safe and compatible with your home’s electrical infrastructure.
Key Electrical Requirements:
Dedicated 240V Circuit: Must be sized for the charger’s amperage (typically 40-50 amps for Level 2)
GFCI Protection: Ground-fault protection is required for EV charger circuits
Proper Conduit and Wire Gauge: Must match load and distance requirements
Panel Capacity Check: Load calculations determine if your existing panel can support the charger
UL Listed Equipment: Only certified chargers approved for residential use are allowed
Our electricians are trained to ensure all installations meet NEC and Portland-specific standards.
Does the City Require an Inspection?
Yes. After the charger is installed, the city will send an inspector to verify that the work was done safely and according to code.
The inspection covers:
Correct circuit and breaker sizing
Proper grounding and wiring practices
Secure and weatherproof charger mounting (if outdoors)
Verification of GFCI protection and labeling
If the installation passes, the permit is finalized. If not, corrections must be made and a re-inspection may be required.
How We Handle Permitting for You
Hiring a licensed professional simplifies the process. Our team handles all the permitting and inspection coordination so you don’t have to worry about:
Filing paperwork with the city
Scheduling inspections
Navigating NEC and Portland-specific rules
We ensure that your installation is fully code-compliant and legally permitted, giving you peace of mind and protection against fines or insurance issues.
FFinal Thoughts: Get It Done Right the First Time
Permitting and code compliance are not just red tape—they protect your safety, your home, and your investment. By understanding Portland’s EV charger regulations and working with a qualified installer, you can enjoy fast, safe, and hassle-free home charging.
Need expert help navigating EV charger permits and regulations in Portland?
Contact us today for a free consultation and fully code-compliant installation
Our Client Testimonials
Real homeowners. Real results.
We’re proud to be one of Portland’s most trusted remodeling companies—because our reputation is built on happy clients and quality work that lasts.
FAQs About EV Charger Permits in Portland
Yes, an electrical permit is required for Level 2 (240V) charger installations.
No. DIY installations still require a permit, and only licensed electricians can perform new circuit installations legally.
Inspections are typically scheduled within a few days of installation. The process itself takes about 15-30 minutes.
You may face fines, be forced to remove the charger, or encounter issues with insurance claims if something goes wrong.
The licensed electrician or contractor typically pulls the permit on your behalf.
For more information or to schedule a service call, please contact Portland Metro Electric. We’re here to help with all your electrical needs.
Expertise
Our licensed electricians are highly skilled and continuously trained in the latest electrical standards and technologies.
Custom Solutions
We evaluate your specific electrical needs and provide customized solutions that best suit your home and lifestyle.
Local Knowledge
We prioritize your safety by adhering to stringent safety codes and using only the highest-quality materials.
Quality and Safety
From initial consultation to final inspection, our process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free, minimizing disruption to your daily life.
Customer Satisfaction
As local experts familiar with Portland's building regulations, we ensure that all upgrades meet or exceed local codes.
Contact Us for Your Free Estimate Today!
Call us now, or fill out our contact form and one of our electrical experts will get in tough with you shorty. We will listen to your project needs or concerns and help guide you in the right direction. If the project is can be remotely estimated we can send you a personalized estimate within the next 24 hours.
Our Step-by-step service Process
From the first call to the final reveal, our process is built for clarity, comfort, and craftsmanship.
Give Us A Call
A Portland Metro Electric expert will answer any of your questions, discuss the project in detail, provide professional expertise, and consultation. For most of our projects we can provide a minimum and maximum of what you can expect to pay for your electrical project.
Free Estimate
For certain projects we will provide a customized estimate without needing to schedule an in person visit. For complex projects we will schedule one our our electricians to visit your residence, provide an in person inspection, consultation, and a customized estimate.
Schedule Project
We will send you a customized estimate, and let you select the best date & time to schedule your project. The estimate will include a summary of the projects material costs and fees. Once the estimate is approved and project date is scheduled, we will take care of everything from permits (if necessary), to ordering all the materials.
Complete Project
On the day of the project our electricians will give you a courtesy call before arrival. We will begin and complete the electrical project. We will provide a detailed walkthrough on how to operate the newly installed service (EV charger, electrical breaker box, hot tub, etc.). And finally insure you are satisfied with the project and service.
We service most locations in the greater portland area!
Portland
Milwaukee
Gladstone
Clackamas
Happy Valley
West Linn
Oregon City
Lake Oswego
Wilsonville
Tigard
Tualatin
Gresham
Damascus
Sandy
And More!
OFFICE
Head Office
Portland Metro Electric LLC
8415 SE Hinkley Ave, Happy Valley, OR 97086
Ready to Restore Power or Upgrade Your Electrical?
Call us now, or fill out our contact form and one of our electrical experts will get in tough with you shorty. We will listen to your project needs or concerns and help guide you in the right direction. If the project is can be remotely estimated we can send you a personalized estimate within the next 24 hours.