Charging an EV without a driveway in Oakland, CA

Short answer: Level 1 and Level 2 cords allowed under OakDOT guidance. Permanent curbside charging still in planning.

Last updated: Oct 25, 2026

What the official sources say

• OakDOT's guidance (Feb. 25, 2025) covers ground-floor homes with an adjacent sidewalk and no dedicated off-street parking, in RD, RH, RM and RU residential zones.
• It does not apply on blocks with a grade over 5%, or within 5 ft of broken pavement or another major sidewalk obstruction.
• The cord cover must span the whole sidewalk, cross at a right angle, be bright and reflective, be slip resistant when wet, and not flex noticeably under a 200-pound point load. Gaps can be no more than ½ in. and the bottom lip no more than ¼ in.
• Equipment must come off the sidewalk when charging ends, and always within 24 hours of starting. Covers must be at least 5 ft from another cover on the same sidewalk, and the cord needs a contact label.
• Level 2 is allowed if the cord is hardwired, or plugs into an outlet the public can't reach. Cord-and-plug equipment can't be rated over 80% of the branch circuit. The city suggests $1 million of liability coverage.

Home charging costs in Oakland, CA: city page. Other cities: no-driveway hub.