EV Charging in Richmond: Permits, Strata Rules & Rebates (2026 Guide)
- akaielectricltd
- Dec 13, 2025
- 4 min read
This 2026 guide explains how EV charging works in the City of Richmond for homeowners and stratas. It covers who issues electrical permits, how strata projects should approach EV load management and EV-Ready planning, and where to find current provincial rebates. It also links to installation help so you can move from planning to permits and inspections.
Quick answer:
In Richmond, electrical permits and inspections for EV charger circuits, panel work, and related equipment are handled by Technical Safety BC.
The City of Richmond directs applicants to Technical Safety BC for electrical permits.
For stratas and multi-unit buildings, use an EV-Ready Plan with load studies and, where needed, an EV Energy Management System design. Technical Safety BC’s EVSE and EVEMS bulletin explains acceptable load management and labeling.
Provincial rebates are available through the CleanBC Go Electric program for single-family homes, multi-unit residential buildings, and workplaces. Get pre-approval where required before purchasing equipment.
👉 Ready to install Level 2 charging
At-a-glance: permits, strata rules, and rebates in Richmond
Topic | What it means in Richmond | What to do |
Electrical permits | Technical Safety BC is the authority having jurisdiction for electrical permits and inspections | Apply to Technical Safety BC before work starts; keep permit and inspection records |
City role | City pages refer electrical permitting to Technical Safety BC | Use City website for planning and EV policy context; follow TSBC for electrical permits and inspections |
Strata rules and EV-Ready | EV-Ready planning, load calculations, and EVEMS are accepted when designed and labeled to TSBC guidance | Commission an EV-Ready Plan with single-lines, load calcs, and an EVEMS strategy before tendering |
Provincial rebates | CleanBC Go Electric provides rebates for homes, MURBs, and workplaces; several streams require pre-approval | Confirm eligibility and timelines on the provincial portal before buying equipment |
Who qualifies in 2025
Single-family homeowners in Richmond adding a dedicated Level 2 circuit, EV power management device, or panel changes.
Strata councils, property managers, and condo boards planning EV-Ready infrastructure or networked charging in common areas or parkades.
Small businesses and workplaces within city limits planning employee charging.
Dates, deadlines, and coordination tips
Apply to Technical Safety BC for the electrical permit before rough-in. Schedule rough-in inspection before insulation and drywall and a final inspection before energization.
Strata projects should align the EV-Ready Plan and equipment list with the provincial rebate pre-approval steps before any purchase.
For load-managed installs, label charger settings and EVEMS limits on the panel schedule so future additions remain within the permitted demand calculation.
Stacking and special cases
EV load management can defer a panel or service upgrade in many homes and MURBs when designed and labeled to the EVSE and EVEMS bulletin.
Plan a backbone raceway and communications network in stratas so stalls can be added in phases without rework.
If your property falls outside a municipal electrical jurisdiction, Technical Safety BC remains your permitting authority and inspection body.
How to proceed in 3 steps
For homeowners
Confirm the permitting authority for your address. In Richmond, apply through Technical Safety BC for electrical permits.
Decide on direct-feed versus load-managed charging based on a load calculation.
Install, label settings, and complete inspections. Keep documents for rebates and insurance.
For strata councils and property managers
Commission an EV-Ready Plan with load study, EVEMS architecture, and metering or billing approach.
Apply for provincial pre-approval where required before purchasing equipment.
Permit with Technical Safety BC, build Phase 1, commission, and keep commissioning records with strata documents.
Frequently asked questions
Do I apply to the City of Richmond or Technical Safety BC for permits
In Richmond, apply to Technical Safety BC for electrical permits and inspections. The City points applicants to TSBC for electrical permits.
Can a strata rely on EV load management instead of a panel or service upgrade
Yes when designed and labeled correctly. Technical Safety BC’s EVSE and EVEMS bulletin outlines acceptable design, labeling, and commissioning requirements.
What rebate programs should I check in 2025
Start with the provincial CleanBC Go Electric site for home, MURB, and workplace rebates. Some streams require pre-approval before purchase and installation.
Do I need networked chargers in a condo parkade
Most strata rebates and many building designs require networked Level 2 chargers with load sharing and per-stall billing. Confirm requirements during EV-Ready planning and rebate pre-approval.
Will a homeowner permit let me DIY an EV charger circuit
Technical Safety BC offers homeowner permits subject to eligibility and scope limits. In multi-unit buildings and common areas, a licensed contractor is generally required.
Make it easy with Akai Electric
We design and install EV chargers for houses and stratas across Richmond. From permits and load management to EV-Ready Plans and commissioning, we handle the details so you can charge confidently.
Get a same-week EV assessment
Sources
Topic or claim | Official source |
City states Technical Safety BC (formerly BC Safety Authority) is the electrical permitting authority for Richmond | |
Technical Safety BC electrical installation permits process | |
TSBC information bulletin on EVSE and EVEMS acceptance, load calculations, and labeling (IB-EL 2023-05, rev. March 4, 2025) | |
Provincial CleanBC Go Electric charger rebate program overview | |
Consumer landing that links to home, MURB, and workplace applications | |
City of Richmond EV charging information and local policy context |
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