Burlingame Municipal Code Ch. 13.45 Electric Vehicle Parking and Charging Spaces

(a) The purpose of this chapter is to ensure that parking spaces designated for the charging of electric vehicles remain available for that purpose and to promote sustainable and alternative transportation practices.

(b) This chapter is adopted pursuant to the authority granted by California Vehicle Code Sections 22511 and 22511.1, which authorize local regulation and enforcement of parking in electric vehicle charging station spaces.

(Ord. 2044, 12/15/2025)

For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

"Charging event"

means an EV is plugged into an electric vehicle charging station and in the process of charging.

"Designated electric vehicle charging space"

means a parking space clearly marked and reserved for the exclusive purpose of charging electric vehicles.

"Electric vehicle (EV)"

means a motor vehicle that operates, either partially or exclusively, on electrical energy from an external source of electricity or an off-board battery.

"Electric vehicle charging station"

means equipment installed for the primary purpose of transferring electric energy to a battery or other energy storage device in an electric vehicle.

(Ord. 2044, 12/15/2025)

(a) Designated Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. The public works director, or authorized designee, is authorized in accordance with the purposes of this chapter to designate spaces on streets or in off-street public parking facilities, within the city for the exclusive parking of electric vehicles that are connected to electric vehicle charging stations for the purpose of conducting a charging event.

(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 Section 22511 indicating that vehicles left standing in violations of the electric vehicle parking restriction may be removed. The parking restriction shall not apply to the designated parking spaced until the sign or markings have been placed.

(Ord. 2044, 12/15/2025)

(a) Where a sign designating a parking space for the exclusive use of charging electric vehicles is posted, only electric vehicles are allowed to park for charging events and, where applicable, only during designated hours or lengths.

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

(c) It is unlawful for the operator of any vehicle to allow a vehicle to park, stand, obstruct, or block access to a designated electric charging station space.

(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 Section 22511 or California Vehicle Code Section 22651, subdivision (n).

(Ord. 2044, 12/15/2025)