EV charging in District of Columbia
Which codes apply? In District of Columbia, EV charging equipment falls under the 2014 NEC, another model code in place of the IECC commercial, the 2015 residential IECC, and the 2015 IBC.
Codes that reach EV charging equipment
The edition District of Columbia enforces for each code that governs the product, and the part of the code that does.
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NECNational Electrical CodeThe District of Columbia NEC record2014 NECVerified
in force since May 29, 2020
Where it reaches the product. Article 625, electric vehicle power transfer systems.
2017 District of Columbia Electrical Code · 12-C DCMR (2017-12-C90 et seq.)
The next NEC edition is in development.
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IECC commercialInternational Energy Conservation Code, commercialThe District of Columbia IECC commercial recordAnother model codeVerified
Where it reaches the product. EV-capable and EV-ready parking spaces in the commercial energy code.
2017 District of Columbia Energy Conservation Code, Commercial Provisions · 12-I DCMR (2017-12-I[CE]1 et seq.)
The next IECC edition is in development.
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IECC residentialInternational Energy Conservation Code, residentialThe District of Columbia IECC residential record2015 IECCVerified
in force since May 29, 2020
Where it reaches the product. Where a state adopts the EV-ready appendix for homes.
2017 District of Columbia Energy Conservation Code, Residential Provisions · 12-I DCMR (2017-12-I[RE]R101 et seq.)
The 2024 IECC is in development.
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IBCInternational Building CodeThe District of Columbia IBC record2015 IBCVerified
in force since May 29, 2020
Where it reaches the product. Parking structures, ventilation, and accessible routes to chargers.
2017 District of Columbia Building Code · 12-A DCMR (2017-12-A101 et seq.)
The 2024 IBC is in development.
District of Columbia laws that name EV charging equipment
On the site: four laws, rules, orders, and bills, newest first.
| Law or rule | Kind | Stage | Date | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D.C. Code 6-1451.03a to 03b, CB 25-262 (EV-ready new construction) | Statute | Lead onlyEnacted, not yet in force | Jan 1, 2027 | New single-family with off-street parking needs one Level 1 EV-ready space; commercial and multifamily with 6+ spaces from 2027-01-01: commercial 15 percent installed and 25 percent ready, multifamily 25 percent ready; more multifamily steps 2031 and 2034. Applies to residential, multifamily, commercial. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| D.C. Code 6-1451.03c, CB 25-262 (condo right to charge) | Statute | Lead onlyIn force | Nov 22, 2024 | Condo associations cannot bar or substantially burden a charger in an owner's assigned space; owner uses licensed installer and pays costs. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| Curbside charging authorization and permits (AFDC 12945, 12946; EV charger deployment permits 14325) | Statute | Lead onlyIn force | – | District authorizes resident curbside charging and public curbside station permits; details not reviewed. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| D.C. Code 6-1451.03a (older 20 percent EV-ready standard) | Statute | Lead onlyIn force | – | New construction and renovation of commercial and multi-unit buildings with 3+ off-street spaces must reserve 20 percent for charging-ready infrastructure; Mayor sets specs. Source (opens in a new tab) |
Every District of Columbia law on EV charging equipment, with filters
For information only. Your local building or fire official decides which code applies. We check state records often but can miss a recent change, so confirm with your official before you design, permit, or install. Terms of use