EV Charger Permit in Des Moines, Iowa
Permit required
Yes, a permit is required
Before adding a circuit for a home EV charger; a service upgrade needs a state-licensed electrical contractor.
Issued byCity of Des Moines Development Services Department, Permit and Development Center
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
Des Moines publishes nothing EV-specific; a hardwired charger or new 240-volt circuit is electrical work, which Sec. 26-401 bars without a city electrical permit. The city panel handout says a homeowner may pull permits for branch-circuit wiring after obtaining a homeowner's electrical permit, while any service upgrade or panel change-out must be done by an Iowa-licensed electrical contractor and permitted and inspected by the city. Service updates and load calculations may be required for added load.
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When a permit is usually needed
Before adding a circuit for a home EV charger; a service upgrade needs a state-licensed electrical contractor.
What an EV charger permit costs in Des Moines
How to apply in Des Moines
In Des Moines, in most of the US, installing a Level 2 (240 volt) home EV charger is handled as an electrical permit built around a load calculation and a single line diagram showing the new dedicated circuit. A Level 1 charger that simply plugs into an existing 120 volt outlet typically needs no permit unless new wiring is added.
What most EV charger permit applications include:
- For Des Moines, a Level 2 charger needs its own dedicated 240 volt circuit and requires an electrical permit with inspection, since each outlet installed for EV charging must be fed by an individual branch circuit with no other outlets on it (NEC 625.40).
- For Des Moines, the application includes an electrical load calculation showing the existing service panel has enough spare capacity for the added EVSE demand, worked out using the standard dwelling load calculation method (NEC 220.83).
- For Des Moines, the breaker or other overcurrent device feeding the charger must be sized for continuous duty, rated at not less than 125 percent of the equipment's maximum load (NEC 625.41).
- Plan submittal typically includes a single line diagram showing conductor size, breaker size, conduit, and panel rating, plus the charger's manufacturer specifications, since the EVSE itself must be a listed product (NEC 625.5).
- For charging equipment rated over 60 amps or over 150 volts to ground, the application has to show a disconnecting means installed in a readily accessible location and capable of being locked open (NEC 625.43).
- For Des Moines, the charger must be shown connected and fastened in place according to the manufacturer's installation instructions, whether it is hardwired or a plug in unit on a dedicated receptacle (NEC 625.44).
General submittal guidance from National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), Article 625 Electric Vehicle Charging System and Article 220 Load Calculations, 2017 to 2023 editions. Source. City of Des Moines Development Services Department, Permit and Development Center sets the exact checklist for Des Moines.
Where to apply in Des Moines:
City of Des Moines Development Services Department, Permit and Development Center
- T.M. Franklin Cownie City Administration Building (City Hall), 1200 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309
- Phone: 515-283-4200
- Email: permits@dmgov.org
Inspections and closing out your permit
In Des Moines, a Level 2 EV charger installation gets a rough wiring inspection if any new conductors will be hidden inside walls, ceilings, or run underground, then a final inspection that checks the dedicated circuit, breaker sizing, any required GFCI protection, the disconnect, and the charger's listing before the permit closes.
- In Des Moines: if new EVSE conductors will be concealed in a wall or ceiling, or run underground, they must pass a rough wiring inspection before being covered, since that inspection confirms the dedicated branch circuit required for the charger (NEC 625.40).
- In Des Moines: at final inspection, the breaker or other overcurrent device serving the charger is checked to confirm it is properly rated for the continuous EV charging load (NEC 625.41).
- In Des Moines: any receptacle installed for EV charging, as opposed to a hardwired connection, has to be checked for ground fault circuit interrupter protection (NEC 625.54).
- In Des Moines: where the EVSE is rated over 60 amps or 150 volts to ground, the inspector confirms a lockable, readily accessible disconnecting means was installed (NEC 625.43).
- In Des Moines: the inspector verifies the charger, along with its fittings and associated equipment, carries a nationally recognized testing laboratory listing (NEC 625.5).
- In Des Moines: mounting height is checked against the manufacturer's instructions, with the coupling means generally required to sit at least 18 inches above an indoor floor or 24 inches above outdoor grade unless the equipment is listed otherwise (NEC 625.50).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Des Moines permit portal or by phone at 515-283-4200.
Inspection sequence from National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), Article 625 Electric Vehicle Charging System, 2017 to 2023 editions. Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your EV Charger Permit checklist for Des Moines
- Confirm the requirement. Yes, a permit is required. Usually needed: Before adding a circuit for a home EV charger; a service upgrade needs a state-licensed electrical contractor.
- Budget the fee. "Electrical permit for electrical installations associated with alterations and additions to existing dwellings and accessory structures: $77.25" (City of Des Moines PDC Permit Fee Schedule, "New Fees 1-1-26"). Official fee schedule.
- Apply. In Des Moines, in most of the US, installing a Level 2 (240 volt) home EV charger is handled as an electrical permit built around a load calculation and a single line diagram showing the new dedicated circuit. A Level 1 charger that simply plugs into an existing 120 volt outlet typically needs no permit unless new wiring is added. Start at the Des Moines permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. City of Des Moines Development Services Department, Permit and Development Center. Phone: 515-283-4200. Address: T.M. Franklin Cownie City Administration Building (City Hall), 1200 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309.
- Plan for inspections. In Des Moines, a Level 2 EV charger installation gets a rough wiring inspection if any new conductors will be hidden inside walls, ceilings, or run underground, then a final inspection that checks the dedicated circuit, breaker sizing, any required GFCI protection, the disconnect, and the charger's listing before the permit closes.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked .
Permitting activity in Des Moines
In 2025, Des Moines authorized permits for 1,676 new residential housing units (221 single-family, 1,455 in multi-family buildings), valued at $410M, up from 618 the year before. That works out to about 7.9 permits per 1,000 residents.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, 2025 annual data · population 212,082.
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need an EV charger permit in Des Moines?
- Des Moines publishes nothing EV-specific; a hardwired charger or new 240-volt circuit is electrical work, which Sec. 26-401 bars without a city electrical permit. The city panel handout says a homeowner may pull permits for branch-circuit wiring after obtaining a homeowner's electrical permit, while any service upgrade or panel change-out must be done by an Iowa-licensed electrical contractor and permitted and inspected by the city. Service updates and load calculations may be required for added load. Always confirm with the City of Des Moines Development Services Department, Permit and Development Center before starting.
- How much does an EV charger permit cost in Des Moines?
- "Electrical permit for electrical installations associated with alterations and additions to existing dwellings and accessory structures: $77.25" (City of Des Moines PDC Permit Fee Schedule, "New Fees 1-1-26"). See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- Where do you apply for an EV charger permit in Des Moines?
- You can apply through the Des Moines permit portal or contact the City of Des Moines Development Services Department, Permit and Development Center directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull an EV charger permit themselves in Des Moines?
- Under Iowa law (Iowa Code 103.22(7); 105.11(3); 91C.1(1)(a); 103A.19(1)): Yes, with limits. The electrical licensing law does not stop an owner from doing electrical work on their own principal residence, or require a license, if the home is an existing dwelling rather than new construction, is no larger than a single-family dwelling, is not an attached apartment, and qualifies for the homestead tax credit (103.22(7)). The plumbing and mechanical licensing law has the same owner exemption for an existing single-family principal residence or farm property, also tied to the homestead credit (105.11(3)). A person working on their own property is not a contractor and need not register (91C.1). Building permit applications under the state code must be signed by the owner or the owner's authorized agent (103A.19(1)); whether an owner may pull a local building permit is otherwise set by the city or county. No state owner-builder disclosure form or resale restriction was found. Confirm how Des Moines applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Des Moines
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Remodel Permit | It depends | When the remodel removes and replaces finishes on an entire wall or ceiling, alters... | "Renovations to dwellings: $154.50" for the building permit, plus $77.25 each for... |
| Deck Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...retaining walls, swimming pools, hot tubs, and other accessory structures: $77.25"... |
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...alterations and additions to existing dwellings and accessory structures:... |
| Fence Permit | It depends | Height above which a fence needs a permit for fences other than chain-link; chain-link fences need one above 4 feet | ...retaining walls, swimming pools, hot tubs, and other accessory structures: $77.25"... |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...alterations and additions to existing dwellings and accessory structures:... |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...alterations and additions to existing dwellings and accessory structures:... |
| Pool Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...retaining walls, swimming pools, hot tubs, and other accessory structures: $77.25"... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | It depends | Today: only when roof sheathing, decking or framing (rafters) is repaired or replaced | ...residential building permit lines (for example "Renovations to dwellings: $154.50")... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | Floor area of a one-story detached storage shed, playhouse or similar accessory building | "New detached sheds and garages: $180.25" (City of Des Moines PDC Permit Fee Schedule... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...alterations and additions to existing dwellings and accessory structures: $77.25"... |
| Water Heater Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...alterations and additions to existing dwellings and accessory structures: $77.25"... |
Everything above, sourced
Code references
National and state model-code sections the general guidance on this page is drawn from. They are not Des Moines documents; the office above sets the local rules.
How this EV charger permit page for Des Moines was verified. 2 official sources: dsm.city, dsm.city; fee schedule: official document. Last checked by Mario Bailey, not confirmed with City of Des Moines Development Services Department, Permit and Development Center. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: Report an error on this page
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