Washington Condo and HOA EV Charging Rights: Owner Applications

Washington law limits when a covered unit owners association can prohibit or unreasonably restrict an owner’s personal, noncommercial EV charging station in a unit or designated parking space. The current rule is RCW 64.90.513. Reasonable restrictions and property-specific conditions still apply. This summary was checked September 25, 2026.

Confirm whether the association approval rule applies

The statute covers charging stations for an owner’s personal, noncommercial use. It applies to a station within the unit or in a parking space specifically designated for that owner. The association may set reasonable restrictions and may require an application.

There is a limited approval exception for certain associations of single-family homes, site condominiums, and planned-use developments where the units are not immediately adjacent. Those associations generally may not require installation approval unless the station is in a common element or connects to common electrical power. Check the community’s legal form, parking designation, electrical supply, and governing documents before relying on this exception.

Apply and track the written response

When approval is required, the application follows the same process as an architectural-modification application. Submit a written request with the proposed location, equipment, parking designation, electrical assessment, installer, and work plan. The association’s approval or denial must be in writing. If it does not deny the application in writing within 60 days after receipt, the application is deemed approved unless a reasonable request for additional information explains the delay. Keep proof of the complete submission and responses; ask for clarification before treating a delayed response as approval.

An association must approve an installation when it is reasonably possible and the owner agrees in writing to the statute’s conditions. These can include complying with reasonable architectural standards and hiring an electrical contractor familiar with EV infrastructure to assess the existing system, identify additional needs, and perform the installation. An association may charge a processing fee only when it charges one for all architectural-modification applications; it cannot charge a separate placement fee for the station.

When association approval is required, RCW 64.90.513 requires written agreement to the listed installation conditions. These include station registration within 30 days after installation and payment for the electricity and the means used to collect payment. For communities covered by the statute’s insurance condition, the owner must provide a certificate naming the association as an additional insured within 14 days after approval. If the station increases the premium, the owner must reimburse that amount within 14 days after receiving the association’s invoice.

Budget for permits, electricity, and upkeep

The owner is generally responsible for installation costs unless a written contract with the association changes that allocation. The owner must obtain required local permits and follow applicable codes and safety standards. The owner also pays for electricity and the means used to measure or collect payment, and remains responsible for inspection, maintenance, repair, replacement, damage, and removal or restoration where required.

Before submitting, ask who controls the parking space and route, what architectural documents the association requires, whether the proposed station uses common electrical power, and what proof of insurance and registration it expects. A charger request does not itself approve electrical work or establish that the building has capacity. Have a qualified contractor and local authority confirm those parts of the project.

Associations may install a shared charger in common elements for all unit owners, but must set terms of use. That shared project is different from an individual owner installing equipment for personal use.

Next steps

Save the application, delivery receipt, written decision, contractor assessment, insurance certificate, permits, and installation record together. If the association requests more information or disputes whether the space is designated for your use, resolve that issue before work starts. Get Washington legal advice for disputes about how RCW 64.90.513 applies to a particular property.

For a board-ready request, see the condo, HOA, or strata proposal guide. Renters can start with the landlord permission checklist; use the local rules and permits workflow for local permits and utility requirements.