Berkeley Municipal Code Ch. 14.46 Electric Vehicle Parking

This chapter is enacted pursuant to California Vehicle Code §§ 22511 and 22511.1. (Ord. 7601-NS § 2 (part), 2018)

The electric vehicle parking standards established in this chapter are intended to promote sustainable and alternative transportation practices; manage the availability of on-street parking, particularly in areas that will maximize the use of electric vehicles; and thereby improve traffic and parking circulation. (Ord. 7601-NS § 2 (part), 2018)

As used in this chapter, unless otherwise apparent from the context, the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:

A. "Electric vehicle (EV)" means any vehicle that operates, either partially or exclusively, on electrical energy from an off-board source that is stored on-board for motive purpose.

B. "Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)" means a unit of fueling infrastructure that supplies electric energy for the recharging of electric vehicles, such as plug-in electric vehicles, including electric cars, neighborhood electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrids. EVSE is also referred to as EV charging station unit and EV charging infrastructure.

C. "Charging event" means an EV is plugged into the EVSE and in the process of charging.

D. "Electric vehicle charging station" means a parking space dedicated to active charging events. (Ord. 7601-NS § 2 (part), 2018)

A. Designation of Parking Spaces. The City Traffic Engineer is authorized in accordance with the purposes of this chapter to designate spaces on street for the exclusive parking of electric vehicles that are connected to electric vehicle charging stations for the purpose of transfer of electricity to the battery or other energy storage device of an electric vehicle.

B. Signs or Markings. Upon designation of a parking space or spaces for the exclusive use of electric vehicles pursuant to Subsection A of this section, the Public Works department shall place signs or markings giving adequate notice that the parking space or spaces are restricted and to be used only for such electric vehicles. The signs or markings shall be in compliance with California Vehicle Code § 22511 indicating that vehicles left standing in violation of the restriction may be removed. The parking restriction shall not apply to the designated parking spaces until the sign or markings have been placed. (Ord. 7601-NS § 2 (part), 2018)

A. In parking stalls designated by the use of markings and/or posting as electric vehicle charging stations, only electric vehicles are allowed to park for charging events during designated hours.

B. It is unlawful for the operator of any vehicle to allow a vehicle to park or stand in a designated electric vehicle charging station longer than the posted time limit.

C. It is unlawful for the operator of an electric vehicle to allow that vehicle to park or stand in a designated electric vehicle charging station unless the vehicle is actively conducting a charging event.

D. The police department is authorized to cite and/or remove or cause the removal of vehicles parked in violation of this section in accordance with California Vehicle Code § 22511. (Ord. 7601-NS § 2 (part), 2018)