ADA & CBC Rules for EV Chargers in Plain English

If you install EV chargers in California, you have to think about two things:

• The California Building Code (CBC), Chapter 11B

• The federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

CBC 11B gives you the specific rules for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS). The ADA adds a civil‑rights layer that says people with disabilities must be able to use those chargers.

1. When do accessible EV chargers apply?

CBC 11B‑228.3 is the starting point.

• It says: “Where electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) are provided, EVCS shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B‑228.3.”

• Translation: If you provide public or common‑use charging, you must provide a minimum number of accessible EV charging spaces.

• At least one of those accessible EV spaces must be van‑accessible.

You also still have to meet your regular accessible parking count. The EVCS requirement is on top of that.

2. Where do you put the accessible EV spaces?

CBC wants accessible EVCS tied into the accessible route system, not off on their own.

• CBC 11B‑812.5.2: “An accessible route complying with Section 11B‑402 shall connect the vehicle space and the EV charger which serves it.”

• The EVCS must be on an accessible route to an accessible pedestrian entrance of the building or charging facility.

• CBC 11B‑812.10: the charger has to be adjacent to and within the width of the space it serves, with limited exceptions for chargers serving more than one space.

Think of it this way: a wheelchair user should be able to park in the space, move along a compliant sidewalk, and reach the charger without ramps that are too steep, big bumps, or cords blocking the path.

3. How big do accessible EV spaces need to be?

CBC 11B‑812 tells you the technical details for EVCS.

• Vehicle spaces serving van‑accessible, standard accessible, ambulatory, and drive‑up EVCS must be at least 216 inches (18 feet) long.

• Widths, access aisles, slopes, and vertical clearances follow the same concepts as accessible parking (spaces and aisles essentially level, van spaces with more width and 98 inches of vertical clearance).

• You use 11B‑228.3 to get the count, then 11B‑812 to get the dimensions and layout.

4. What about the charger itself?

The equipment has to be reachable and usable.

• There must be a 30 inch by 48 inch clear space so a wheelchair user can approach and use the charger.

• Controls, screens, and payment devices must be within CBC reach‑range limits and meet the usual operable‑parts rules (no tight grasping, pinching, twisting; reasonable force).

• Cords and equipment cannot block the accessible route.

In everyday terms: if you can only use the charger by standing up and reaching over the hood, it’s not compliant.

5. Where the ADA fits in

Right now, the 2010 ADA Standards don’t have a full EVCS chapter like CBC does, but they still apply.

• The ADA requires accessible routes, accessible parking, and accessible operable parts so people with disabilities can use the facility’s services.

• The U.S. Access Board has issued design recommendations and a proposed EVCS rule that closely mirror the CBC model: minimum numbers, van‑accessible spaces, 132 inch widths, 240 inch lengths, 98 inch vertical clearances, and 1:48 max slopes.

For California owners, the safe approach is:

• Design and build to CBC 11B‑228.3 and 11B‑812 to pass plan review and inspection.

• Assume ADA enforcement will expect accessibility at least to that same level, guided by the Access Board’s EVCS documents.

In California, follow CBC 11B‑228.3 for how many accessible EV chargers you need and 11B‑812 for how they’re laid out and built, and you’ll be in a strong position for ADA compliance as federal EV rules finalize.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified attorney or consultant for advice tailored to your situation.