San Francisco leaders move to expand curbside EV charging, creating long-term permitting pathways citywide

Legislation aims to turn a curbside EV charging pilot into a citywide program

San Francisco leaders are advancing a plan to expand curbside electric-vehicle charging beyond a limited pilot program, seeking to establish long-term permitting pathways designed to accelerate installations in the public right-of-way. The effort is being led by Mayor Daniel Lurie and Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman, and is framed as a way to increase access for residents who cannot charge at home.

The proposed approach builds on the city’s Curbside Electric Vehicle Charger Pilot, launched in summer 2024. Under the pilot structure, private charging providers can apply to install and operate chargers adjacent to the curb on non-commercial corridors, subject to accessibility rules and reviews to avoid conflicts with emergency access and other regulations. Participating providers must also share data such as utilization, uptime, and user feedback during the pilot term.

Why curbside charging is central to the next phase

City transportation officials have emphasized the practical challenge of home charging in a dense, apartment-heavy city. With a large share of residents living in multi-unit buildings, curbside infrastructure is being positioned as a neighborhood-scale option that complements garage charging, workplace charging, and publicly accessible fast-charging hubs.

San Francisco’s first public curbside Level 2 chargers under the pilot were installed at 55 Fillmore Street and opened in spring 2025. The installation was coordinated among city departments alongside a private operator, and the charging spaces required local parking regulation to dedicate curbside stalls for EV charging.

How installations work and what the city is trying to change

Current pilot rules rely on a multi-agency process involving permitting for work in the public right-of-way and electrical approvals, plus coordination on how curb space is designated for charging. The new legislation under discussion would create a more durable, standardized pathway for private vendors to apply and install chargers, with interdepartmental coordination intended to reduce uncertainty and shorten timelines.

• Expand beyond a demonstration model toward a long-term curbside charging program
• Streamline application and permitting steps across relevant city agencies
• Prioritize areas with high residential density and limited off-street parking
• Continue performance monitoring through operational and utilization data

State permitting requirements add pressure for local streamlining

The push for clearer local pathways comes as California law requires jurisdictions to streamline EV charger permitting. State requirements generally direct local governments to approve qualifying EV charging permits through an expedited, ministerial process unless there is substantial evidence of a specific, adverse impact on public health or safety. The state framework also sets timelines for deeming applications complete and for acting on complete applications, depending on project size.

Leaders backing the expansion argue that scaling curbside charging will require predictable rules for siting, permitting, and managing limited curb space.

Next steps are expected to focus on translating pilot lessons into permanent rules, including how the city evaluates locations, allocates curb space, and integrates charging with street operations and accessibility requirements.