Do I Need a Permit for an EV Charger in Colorado?

If you recently purchased an electric vehicle or are considering one, you’re probably thinking about installing a Level 2 home charger. But before you schedule that installation, there’s an important question Colorado homeowners need to answer: do you need a permit for an EV charger?

The short answer is yes — in most cases, you do. And skipping the permit process can lead to serious consequences down the road. Here’s what Denver-area homeowners need to know.

Why Permits Are Required for EV Charger Installation

Installing an EV charger is an electrical project — and electrical work in Colorado requires permits under the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local building codes. The permit process exists to protect you. It ensures your electrical system can safely handle the added load of a Level 2 charger (typically 240V/40-50 amps) and that the work is inspected by a licensed inspector.

Without a permit, there is no oversight. That means wiring mistakes, overloaded circuits, or fire hazards could go undetected — putting your home and family at risk.

Which Colorado Cities Require EV Charger Permits?

Virtually every city in the Denver metro area requires a permit for EV charger installation. This includes:

Denver: Electrical permits are required for all new circuits, including those dedicated to EV charging.

Centennial: Homeowners must obtain a permit before installing any new electrical circuits.

Aurora: A building permit is required for EV charger installation and will trigger an electrical inspection.

Englewood: All 240V circuit installations require a permit and inspection.

Highlands Ranch: SHHA communities follow Douglas County requirements for electrical permits.

Parker: Electrical work adding new circuits requires a permit from Douglas County.

Littleton: Permits required for all new electrical circuit installations.

The bottom line? No matter where you live in the Denver metro area, assume a permit is required. The cost of a permit is minimal compared to the risk of fines or having to redo unpermitted work.

What Happens During an EV Charger Inspection?

Once your electrician pulls a permit and completes the installation, a city inspector will visit your home to verify the work. Here’s what they typically check:

Panel capacity: Is your electrical panel large enough to handle the new 240V circuit without overloading?

Dedicated circuit: Is there a properly sized dedicated circuit (usually 40-50 amps) running to the charger?

Correct wire gauge: Is the wire rated for the amperage load?

GFCI protection: Is ground fault protection installed where required (especially in garages)?

Proper breaker: Is the correct double-pole breaker installed in the panel?

Charger mounting: Is the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) properly mounted and secured?

The inspection usually takes 30-60 minutes and is scheduled after the installation is complete. Your electrician should handle permit application and coordinate the inspection — it’s part of the job.

What Are the Risks of Skipping the Permit?

Some contractors offer to install EV chargers “without the hassle of permits.” This should be a major red flag. Here’s what you risk when you skip the permit:

Home insurance issues: If a fire or electrical damage occurs and your insurer discovers unpermitted work, they may deny your claim.

Problems when selling your home: Unpermitted electrical work must be disclosed to buyers. It can kill a sale or force expensive retrofits.

Fines from the city: Getting caught with unpermitted work can result in fines and an order to remove and redo the work — at your expense.

Safety hazards: Without inspection, faulty wiring or an undersized circuit may go undetected, creating a fire or shock risk.

Voided charger warranty: Some EV charger manufacturers require professional, permitted installation for their warranty to remain valid.

Always work with a licensed electrician who pulls permits — it’s the only way to protect your home, your investment, and your family.

Ready to Install Your EV Charger the Right Way?

At Mallard Electric, we handle everything — from pulling the permit to passing the inspection — so you don’t have to worry about a thing. We’re a licensed, insured electrician serving Centennial, Denver, Aurora, Englewood, Parker, and the surrounding Denver metro area.

Call us today at (720) 491-7215 to schedule your EV charger installation. We’ll make sure it’s done safely, correctly, and up to code.