LGD Electric / EV Charger Permit BC
Do you need a permit to install an EV charger in BC?
Yes. Here is who issues the permit at your address, whether you can pull it yourself, what it costs in 2026 and 2027, and why you cannot claim the rebate without it.
Yes. Installing a Level 2 EV charger is electrical work that needs an electrical installation permit everywhere in BC. Technical Safety BC says plainly that permits are legally required for EV charger installations, and an unpermitted install can lead to enforcement action, insurance problems and a rejected rebate claim. The only questions are who issues the permit at your address, who is allowed to pull it, and what it costs.
Who issues the permit depends on your address
- City of Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver, West Vancouver: the municipality issues the electrical permit and does the inspection.
- Richmond, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, New Westminster, Delta, Langley, White Rock and most of the rest of BC: Technical Safety BC (TSBC) issues the permit.
Source: Technical Safety BC jurisdiction list. Our permit authority guide explains the split in detail.
Can I pull the permit myself?
Usually a licensed electrical contractor pulls the permit and installs the charger. TSBC may also issue a homeowner electrical permit for an EV charger, but only in a fully detached house that you own and live in, and subject to TSBC's review of whether you can do the work safely (Technical Safety BC: homeowner permits). Strata units, townhouses and rentals are not eligible for a homeowner permit. In the municipalities that issue their own permits, check that city's homeowner-permit rules before starting.
What the permit costs in 2026 and 2027
For addresses where Technical Safety BC issues the permit, TSBC has published fees for both years:
| Permit | 2026 | From Jan 1, 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor, charger job valued $1,001-$2,500 | $207 | $217 |
| Contractor, charger job valued $2,501-$5,000 | $335 | $352 |
| Contractor, single-family service upgrade up to 200A (covers the new charger circuit) | $332 | $349 |
| Homeowner, one new circuit (fully detached house only) | $136 | $143 |
Sources: TSBC 2026 contractor fee schedule and TSBC 2026 homeowner fee schedule. In the City of Vancouver the fee is also based on the value of the work (City of Vancouver 2026 fee schedule). Burnaby, Surrey, North Vancouver and West Vancouver use their own schedules. LGD itemizes the exact permit fee on every quote, and it is paid to the permit authority, not to us.
You need the permit to get the rebate
BC Hydro lists an obtained electrical permit as a condition of its single-family home charger rebate (BC Hydro single-family charger rebate). At the time of writing that rebate covers up to 50% of the purchase and installation cost of an eligible Level 2 charger, to a maximum of $350, for single-family homes, row homes and duplexes. Apply within 180 days of installation. Two things to know before you buy:
- Tesla chargers are no longer eligible for the rebate, according to BC Hydro and FortisBC. If the rebate matters to you, pick a charger from BC Hydro's eligible list.
- A power management device can earn a further $200 and can let you add a charger without upgrading your electrical service (BC Hydro charger rebate top-ups).
Rebate rules change. Check the current terms on the BC Hydro site before you buy.
Will my panel handle a charger?
A Level 2 charger is a large continuous load. Before quoting, a licensed electrician runs a load calculation under the Canadian Electrical Code. There are three usual outcomes:
- The existing service has room, and the charger goes on a new dedicated circuit.
- The service is tight, and a power management device or a load-sharing charger lets the charger share capacity safely.
- The service is too small, and a 200A panel upgrade comes first. Compare the routes: panel upgrade vs load management.
Strata buildings
In a condo or townhouse strata, the work usually touches common property, so you also need strata council approval. BC's Right to Charge rules limit when a council can refuse. See our strata EV charger guide.
How LGD handles it
On every EV charger job LGD runs the load calculation, pulls the permit from the correct authority for your address, installs the charger, books the inspection and gives you the paperwork you need for the rebate claim. Typical single-family installs run $1,200 to $3,500. See EV charger installation for details.
FAQ
Do I need a permit to install an EV charger in BC?
Yes. Technical Safety BC states that permits are legally required for EV charger installations. Depending on your address, the permit comes from Technical Safety BC or from your municipality (Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, North Vancouver or West Vancouver).
Can a homeowner install their own EV charger in BC?
Only with a homeowner electrical permit, which Technical Safety BC may issue for a fully detached house that you own and live in. Strata units and rentals are not eligible. In municipalities that issue their own permits, check their homeowner-permit rules.
How much is an EV charger permit in BC?
Where Technical Safety BC issues the permit, a 2026 contractor permit for a $1,001-$2,500 job is $207 ($217 from January 1, 2027), and $335 for a $2,501-$5,000 job ($352 in 2027). A homeowner permit for one new circuit is $136 ($143 in 2027). Municipal permit offices use their own fee schedules.
Do I need a permit to get the BC EV charger rebate?
Yes. BC Hydro lists an obtained electrical permit as a condition of its single-family home charger rebate. Unpermitted installs do not qualify.
Are Tesla chargers eligible for the BC rebate?
No. BC Hydro and FortisBC both say Tesla-manufactured charging stations are no longer eligible for the charger rebate.