Chowchilla Municipal Code Ch. 15.61 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

The purpose of this chapter is to establish an expedited and streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations in compliance with Government Code Sections 65850.7 and 65850.71. This chapter is intended to facilitate the timely installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure while ensuring that such installations comply with applicable health and safety standards.

(Ord. No. 535-26, § 1, 2-24-2026)

A. This chapter applies to all electric vehicle charging station installations within the city, including, but not limited to:

1. Level 1, Level 2, and direct current (DC) fast charging stations;

2. Public and private charging stations;

3. Charging stations serving light-, medium-, and heavy-duty electric vehicles; and

4. All associated equipment and infrastructure necessary for the operation of electric vehicle charging stations.

B. This chapter applies regardless of whether the electric vehicle charging station is installed as a primary or accessory use.

(Ord. No. 535-26, § 1, 2-24-2026)

For purposes of this chapter, the definitions set forth in Government Code Sections 65850.7 and 65850.71, and any implementing regulations, shall apply. In the event of a conflict, state law shall control.

(Ord. No. 535-26, § 1, 2-24-2026)

A. Applications for electric vehicle charging stations that comply with the requirements of this chapter and the city's standardized permit checklist shall be reviewed and approved ministerially.

B. Review of an electric vehicle charging station application shall be limited to health and safety requirements, including compliance with applicable building, electrical, fire, accessibility, and safety codes and standards.

(Ord. No. 535-26, § 1, 2-24-2026)

A. The city shall maintain and make publicly available a standardized electric vehicle charging station permit checklist consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7.

B. An application shall be deemed complete only when all items identified on the checklist have been submitted.

C. The city shall provide applicants with one complete set of comments identifying all deficiencies in an application, consistent with Government Code Section 65850.71.

(Ord. No. 535-26, § 1, 2-24-2026)

A. The city shall approve or deny an application for an electric vehicle charging station within the timeframes required by Government Code Section 65850.71, based on the size and scope of the proposed project.

B. Failure to act within the applicable timeframe shall result in the application being deemed approved, as provided by state law.

(Ord. No. 535-26, § 1, 2-24-2026)

Electric vehicle charging stations shall not be subject to parking requirements beyond those permitted under Government Code Section 65850.71.

(Ord. No. 535-26, § 1, 2-24-2026)

Permit fees for electric vehicle charging stations shall be limited to the reasonable cost of providing the service for which the fee is charged and shall comply with Government Code Section 66016.

(Ord. No. 535-26, § 1, 2-24-2026)

This chapter shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with Government Code Sections 65850.7 and 65850.71. In the event of a conflict between this chapter and state law, state law shall prevail.

(Ord. No. 535-26, § 1, 2-24-2026)