Camarillo Municipal Code Ch. 16.55 Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations

The words, phrases and terms used in this chapter will have the meaning set forth in this section unless another meaning is clearly apparent from the context.

"Building official" means the person or entity designated as such by the city council or that person or entity's designee, as set forth under Section 16.040.020.B, who is authorized to interpret and administer the provisions of this chapter.

"Electronic submittal" has the meaning set forth in Government Code section 65850.7(i)(2), as it may be amended.

"Electric vehicle charging station" or "charging station" has the meaning set forth in Government Code section 65850.7(i)(3), as it may be amended.

"A feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact" has the meaning set forth in Government Code section 65850.7(i)(1), as it may be amended.

"Specific, adverse impact" has the meaning set forth in Government Code section 65850.7(i)(4), as it may be amended.

(Ord. No. 1143, § 3, 9-27-2017)

This chapter implements an expedited, streamlined permitting process for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, and establishes a checklist of requirements before an applicant may be eligible for expedited review of eligible permit applications for electric vehicle charging stations. The city's checklist will be published on the city's website.

(Ord. No. 1143, § 3, 9-27-2017)

A. Prior to submitting an application, the applicant must verify that the installation of an electric vehicle charging station will not have specific, adverse impact to public health and safety. Verification by the applicant includes, but is not limited to, review of the following for adequate safety: electrical system capacity and loads; electrical system wiring, bonding and overcurrent protection; building infrastructure affected by charging station equipment and associated conduits; areas of charging station equipment and vehicle parking.

B. After submission, a permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the city's adopted checklist will be reviewed. If deemed complete, the permit application will be promptly processed. Upon confirmation by the building official that the permit application and supporting documents meets the requirements of the city adopted checklist, and is consistent with all applicable laws and health and safety standards, the building official will approve the application and issue all necessary permits. Such approval does not authorize an applicant to energize or utilize the electric vehicle charging station until approval is granted by the city. If the building official determines that the permit application is incomplete, he or she will issue a written correction notice to the applicant, detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.

C. The building official will allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this chapter and associated supporting documents. In accepting such permit applications, the building official will also accept electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and other documentation in lieu of a wet signature by any applicant.

(Ord. No. 1143, § 3, 9-27-2017)

A. If the building official makes a finding based on substantial evidence that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific adverse impact upon public health or safety, as defined in this chapter, the city may require the applicant to apply for a use permit.

B. In the technical review of a charging station, the building official may not condition the approval for any electric vehicle charging station permit on the approval of such a system by an association, as defined by Civil Code section 4080 (a nonprofit corporation or unincorporated association created for the purpose of managing a common interest development).

C. Any conditions imposed on an application to install an electric vehicle charging station must be designed to mitigate the specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety at the lowest cost possible.

D. The city may not deny an application for a use permit to install an electric vehicle charging station unless it makes written findings based upon substantial evidence in the record that the proposed installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety, and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact. The findings will include the basis for the rejection of potential feasible alternatives of preventing the adverse impact.

E. Electric vehicle charging station equipment must meet the requirements of the California Electrical Code, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories, and rules of the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability.

F. Installation of electric vehicle charging stations and associated wiring, bonding, disconnecting means and overcurrent protective devices must meet the requirements of Article 625 of the California Electrical Code, and all other applicable provisions of the California Electrical Code.

G. Installation of electric vehicle charging stations must be incorporated into the load calculations of all new or existing electrical services and must meet the requirements of the California Electrical Code. Electric vehicle charging equipment will be considered a continuous load for the purposes of such calculations.

H. Anchorage of either floor-mounted or wall-mounted electric vehicle charging stations must meet the requirements of the California Building or Residential Code as applicable per occupancy, and the provisions of the manufacturer's installation instructions. Mounting of charging stations may not adversely affect building elements.

(Ord. No. 1143, § 3, 9-27-2017)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2032, § 7, adopted July 9, 2025, repealed § 16.55.050, which pertained to appeals and derived from Ord. No. 1143, § 3, 9-27-2017.