Can my BC strata refuse my EV charger installation request?

Under Section 90.1 of BC's Strata Property Act, a strata corporation cannot unreasonably refuse a properly made request to install an EV charger — once the required process applies. The process applies to strata corporations that have obtained an Electrical Planning Report (EPR) or after the EPR deadline has passed. For Metro Vancouver strata corporations with 5 or more strata lots, that deadline is December 31, 2026. A refusal may be valid if the strata lacks sufficient electrical capacity. The strata may impose reasonable conditions but cannot refuse on grounds of preference.

What documents do I need to apply to strata for an EV charger?

Your strata application must include: your contact information and strata lot number, a description of the proposed EV charging infrastructure, the location where it would be installed, the name and contact information of the qualified contractor, a written scope of work prepared by the contractor, a cost estimate and time estimate prepared by the contractor, and any additional items required by your strata's bylaws. Once approved, your electrician applies for an electrical permit — through the municipality or Technical Safety BC depending on your building type.

How long does strata approval take in BC?

The Strata Property Act gives the strata council up to 3 months to decide after receiving a request. In practice, strata councils that meet regularly and receive a complete application — including the contractor's written scope of work, cost estimate, and time estimate — often respond faster. Incomplete applications cause delays.

Strata · EV Charger Installation · BC

EV charger installation in BC strata buildings — your rights and how to get it done

BC law gives eligible strata owners the right to make a formal EV charging request. If the required conditions are met, the strata corporation cannot unreasonably refuse, although reasonable conditions and electrical capacity limits may apply. This page covers the law, the Electrical Planning Report (EPR) deadline, the approval process, and what documents you need.

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BC Bill 22 — Strata Property Act Section 90.1 (in force December 2023)

If you have an assigned or exclusive-use parking stall, BC law gives you the right to request EV charging installation at your own cost. The strata corporation cannot unreasonably refuse a properly made request — once the required conditions are met (see EPR section below). They may impose reasonable conditions but cannot refuse on grounds of preference or inconvenience.

Electrical Planning Report (EPR) deadline — Metro Vancouver: December 31, 2026

The full Section 90.1 protections apply to a strata corporation once it has obtained an EPR, or once the EPR deadline has passed. For strata corporations with 5 or more strata lots in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and the Capital Regional District, that deadline is December 31, 2026. After that date, the process applies automatically — whether or not the strata has completed an EPR. Strata corporations with fewer than 5 strata lots must follow the process from December 31, 2026 regardless.

Your rights under Section 90.1

What the law says

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You have the right to apply

Any strata owner with an assigned parking stall (or exclusive-use common property designated for their unit) can submit a written request to install EV charging equipment.

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Strata cannot unreasonably refuse — once conditions are met

Once the strata has obtained an EPR or the EPR deadline has passed (December 31, 2026 for Metro Vancouver), the strata cannot unreasonably refuse a properly made request. A refusal may still be valid if the strata lacks sufficient electrical capacity to support the request.

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3-month decision deadline

Once the process applies, the strata council must make a decision within 3 months of receiving your request. This is set out in the Strata Property Act.

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You pay your own costs

The owner pays for the installation, ongoing electricity use, and any metering required. The strata cannot charge you for their administrative review unless allowed by bylaws.

Common stalls are different

Section 90.1 applies to assigned or exclusive-use stalls. If your stall is a common stall shared with others, you'll need to work with the strata council directly — this is a different process.

The strata approval process — step by step

Confirm your stall type

Check your strata plan and documents to confirm your parking stall is assigned to your unit (or is exclusive-use common property). Common stalls follow a different process. Your strata documents or property manager can confirm stall type.

Get a licensed electrician's written scope and estimate

Before applying to strata, you need a licensed electrician to assess the job and prepare a written scope of work and cost estimate. This document is a required part of your strata application. The electrician will assess the distance from the electrical room to your stall, available panel capacity, and what equipment is needed.

Submit a written application to your strata council

Submit a formal written request including the electrician's scope and cost estimate. A complete application package reduces back-and-forth and typically speeds up the council's response.

Strata council reviews and responds — up to 3 months

The strata council has up to 3 months to decide after receiving your request. If they approve, they may impose reasonable conditions — review those with your electrician to confirm they are achievable. If a refusal appears unreasonable, you may apply to BC's Civil Resolution Tribunal.

Electrician applies for electrical permit and installs

Once approved, your electrician applies for an electrical permit and schedules the installation. Depending on your municipality and building type, the permit may be applied through the municipality or Technical Safety BC. The work must be inspected and signed off.

What to include in your strata application

The following items are required per the Strata Property Act and Regulation:

✓ Your contact information and strata lot number

✓ Description of the proposed EV charging infrastructure

✓ Location where the EV charging infrastructure would be used (your parking stall)

✓ Name and contact information of the qualified contractor (licensed electrician)

✓ Written scope of work prepared by the qualified contractor

✓ Cost estimate and time estimate to complete, prepared by the contractor

✓ Any additional items required by your strata's bylaws

Common questions from BC strata owners

Can my BC strata refuse my EV charger request?

Once the required process applies, the strata cannot unreasonably refuse a properly made request. The process applies to your strata once it has obtained an Electrical Planning Report (EPR) or after the EPR deadline passes — December 31, 2026 for Metro Vancouver strata corporations with 5 or more lots. A refusal may still be valid if the strata can demonstrate it lacks sufficient electrical capacity. Reasonable conditions (dedicated meter, approved contractor, insurance) are allowed; refusal on grounds of preference is not.

What if my strata says no without a good reason?

If you believe the refusal is unreasonable, you can apply to BC's Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT). The CRT handles strata disputes and is specifically empowered to resolve disputes arising from Section 90.1 applications. Consult a strata lawyer or the CRT's self-help resources for more information on the process.

What is an Electrical Planning Report (EPR) and how does it affect my request?

An EPR is a report a qualified professional prepares for a strata corporation that assesses the building's current electrical capacity and its ability to handle future demands like EV charging. For strata corporations with 5 or more strata lots in Metro Vancouver, the EPR must be obtained by December 31, 2026. The full Section 90.1 approval process applies once the strata has its EPR, or automatically after that deadline regardless. An EPR is not the same as an EV Ready Plan — an EV Ready Plan details requirements to wire every parking stall, while an EPR is a general capacity overview. Ask your strata council or property manager whether your building has obtained an EPR.

How long does the strata approval process take?

The Strata Property Act gives the strata council up to 3 months to decide after receiving your request. In practice, strata councils that meet regularly and receive a complete application often respond faster. Submitting all required documents — including the contractor's written scope, cost estimate, and time estimate — reduces the back-and-forth that delays decisions.

I have a townhouse, not a high-rise condo. Does the same law apply?

Yes. Section 90.1 of the Strata Property Act applies to all strata corporations in BC, including townhouse strata complexes. The approval process is the same; the installation itself is often simpler in townhouses because parking is usually adjacent to the unit with easier wiring access.

Start with a free eligibility check

We assess your strata situation, parking stall type, and electrical setup, then connect you with vetted licensed electricians who understand the BC strata approval process and can prepare the scope of work documents you need for your application.

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