Site Planning, Permits & Utility Coordination
Site plan review, load calculations, service upgrades, labeling, ADA compliance, make-ready installations, utility coordination, and permit requirements.
- Explain the purpose of site plan review for EVSE installations
- Perform load calculations to determine if service upgrades are needed
- Identify labeling and panelboard requirements for EVSE circuits
- Describe make-ready installations and utility coordination
- Apply ADA compliance and permit requirements to EVSE projects
Lesson 1
Site Plan Review & Load Calculations
Why Site Plan Review Matters
Site plan review for EVSE is the process of evaluating the installation location, electrical infrastructure, and physical conditions before beginning work. A thorough site review prevents costly surprises during installation and ensures the project meets all code and customer requirements.
Key elements of a site plan review include:
- Electrical service capacity - is the existing service adequate for the EVSE load?
- Panel location and condition - distance to EVSE, available breaker spaces, bus rating
- Conduit routing - path from panel to EVSE location, obstructions, burial requirements
- Physical environment - indoor/outdoor, weather exposure, vehicle traffic patterns
- Accessibility - ADA compliance, working clearance, maintenance access
Load Calculation Priority
When adding EVSE to a dwelling, the load calculation is the priority. The existing electrical load must be calculated per 2026 NEC Article 120 (relocated from Article 220) to determine whether the service can accommodate the additional EVSE load. If the total calculated load exceeds the service capacity, a service upgrade is required before installing the EVSE.
The load calculation includes all existing loads (lighting, appliances, HVAC, etc.) plus the proposed EVSE load. Under the 2026 NEC Article 120, the 125% continuous load multiplier has been removed from the service load calculation (though it still applies to conductor and OCPD sizing). If the result exceeds the service amperage, options include upgrading the service, installing load management, or selecting a lower-current EVSE.
Site plan review evaluates electrical capacity, conduit routing, and physical conditions before installation. Load calculation is the first priority when adding EVSE - verify the service can handle the additional continuous load before purchasing equipment or pulling permits.