MURBs and EV Charging Laws: Understanding the Legal Landscape
As electric vehicle (EV) adoption surges, so do the expectations placed on multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) to provide charging access. Whether you're a property manager, condo board member, or developer, understanding the evolving legal framework around EV charging isn’t optional—it’s essential.
In this post, we break down the current mandates, highlight what’s coming, and offer practical tools to help you stay ahead of the curve.
The Rise of “Right to Charge” Laws
Across North America, more jurisdictions are enacting Right to Charge legislation, giving condo and apartment residents the legal right to install EV charging infrastructure—often at their own expense.
A few examples:
- British Columbia: Since 2021, strata corporations must not unreasonably deny owners from installing EV chargers.
- California: Civil Code Section 4745 gives HOA residents the right to install charging stations, with few exceptions.
- Ontario: Condominium Act regulations support owners’ applications to install chargers and streamline the approval process.
These laws shift the burden of proof to building managers or condo boards—meaning they need clear, reasonable grounds to deny an EV charging request.
New Construction Mandates
Beyond retrofit rights, building codes and zoning laws across North America are increasingly mandating EV charging readiness in new developments. These requirements help ensure that buildings are future-proofed, reducing the cost and complexity of adding chargers later.
Here are some examples:
- Vancouver: Requires 100% of parking stalls in new multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) to be EV-ready, including conduit and panel capacity.
- Toronto: Updated zoning by-laws now require new multi-residential developments to include EV charging infrastructure as part of site plan approval.
- California (Title 24): Building energy codes mandate that a set percentage of parking stalls in new residential buildings be EV-capable or EV-ready, depending on project type and size.
- New York City: Local Law 130 mandates that all new parking garages and lots with 10+ spaces be built “EV charger ready” (conduit and electrical capacity). The city also offers financial incentives for developers through its Clean Energy program.
These policies aim to eliminate the need for disruptive retrofits by requiring the infrastructure—like conduit, breaker space, and future-proofed panels—to be installed during construction.
What's on the Horizon?
As EV adoption accelerates across North America, governments in both Canada and the United States are setting ambitious targets to phase out internal combustion vehicles and reduce building emissions. This momentum is already shaping new policies—and it’s only the beginning.
Expect to see stricter mandates and retrofit requirements for multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) as part of broader electrification goals.
Watch for:
- EV-readiness targets for existing buildings: Jurisdictions like California, New York, British Columbia, and Ontario are already exploring or implementing retrofit guidelines that require buildings to upgrade infrastructure to support EV charging—even if chargers aren’t installed immediately.
- Utility-driven incentives and compliance programs: Utilities across the U.S. and Canada (e.g., Con Edison, Hydro Québec, BC Hydro) are offering rebates and programs that reward properties for installing smart chargers, load management systems, and EV infrastructure.
Integration with carbon reduction and green building programs: As sustainability certifications (LEED, BOMA BEST, Energy Star) evolve, expect EV energy monitoring to factor more heavily into scoring and carbon credit programs. Some Canadian buildings are already using EV charging data to earn alternative compliance credits.
Legal Readiness Checklist: Is Your Property EV-Ready?
Use this quick checklist to evaluate your current position:
✅ Do you know your local or provincial “Right to Charge” laws?
✅ Have you reviewed recent building code updates?
✅ Does your building have a written EV charging policy?
✅ Are your electrical panels and conduit infrastructure EV-ready?
✅ Have you budgeted for future EV infrastructure needs?
✅ Do you know which party is responsible for EV charger maintenance?
If you answered “no” to any of the above, now’s the time to take action!
Sample EV Charging Policy Framework
As EV adoption grows, many multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) are finding it essential to create a clear, standardized policy for residents who want to install or access EV chargers.
Whether driven by new “Right to Charge” laws, increased resident demand, or infrastructure planning, these policies help avoid confusion, streamline approvals, and protect both the building and its residents.
Here’s a simple framework to help your property get started:
1. Application Process
Outline what residents need to submit: application forms, charger specifications, contractor information, and electrical drawings if required.
2. Installation Guidelines
Specify which charger models are approved, where installations are permitted, and which electrical or safety standards must be followed.
3. Cost Responsibility
Clarify who is responsible for paying for equipment, installation, any necessary upgrades, and monthly energy usage.
4. Maintenance & Ownership
Define who owns the charger, who maintains it, and who is liable for any issues related to the installation.
5. Network & Usage Rules
Set rules for how chargers will be accessed and monitored, how electricity will be billed, and whether shared chargers will be supported (e.g., for visitor use or in common stalls).
💡 Tip: Download our MURB EV Policy Starter Pack, complete with a customizable policy template, application form, and installer checklist, to help streamline this process - link at bottom of this post!
Questions to Ask Your Electrical Contractor
Legal readiness is only part of the equation—you also need to know what’s technically feasible. Here are questions to ask your contractor:
- Can our current electrical system support additional chargers?
- What are our options for load management to avoid panel upgrades?
- Do we need to increase service capacity or install subpanels?
- Can we pre-wire additional parking stalls to future-proof our site?
- What’s the best layout for conduit and cable runs in our structure?
A qualified electrical contractor with EVSE experience can guide you through both compliance and cost-effective implementation.
Final Thoughts
The legal tide has turned: EV charging in multi-unit residences is no longer just a nice-to-have amenity—it’s quickly becoming a legal requirement. Building owners and condo boards that prepare now will not only avoid costly legal challenges but also increase tenant satisfaction and future-proof their properties.
