Chapter 15.96 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS

The purpose of this ordinance is to create an expedited and streamlined electric vehicle charging station permitting process that complies with Government Code Section 65850.7 to achieve the timely and cost- effective installation of electric vehicle charging stations.

(Ord. 477, § 2(Exh. A), 2017)

A.

"Electronic Submittal" means the utilization of one or more of the following: email, the Internet, or facsimile.

B.

"Electric Vehicle Charging Station" or "charging station" means any level of electric vehicle supply equipment station this is designed and built in compliance with Article 625 of the California Electric Code, as it reads on the effective date of this section, and delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle.

(Ord. 477, § 2(Exh. A), 2017)

A.

A City building permit is required to install an electric vehicle charging station.

B.

All documents required for the submission of an expedited electrical vehicle charging station application shall be made available on the City website, which includes the City's standard building permit application form and the City's standard electric vehicle charging station checklist.

C.

The Building Official shall adopt and maintain a standard electrical vehicle charging station checklist that substantially conforms to the checklist in the most current version of the "Plug-In Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist" of the "Zero Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook" published by the Office of Planning and Research. The City may adopt an ordinance that substantially modifies the checklist and standards found in the guidebook due to unique climactic, geological, seismological, or topographical conditions. The checklist will include all requirements that an electric vehicle charging station must meet to be eligible for review and approval under this section.

D.

An application to install an electric vehicle charging station may be submitted electronically.

(Ord. 477, § 2(Exh. A), 2017)

A.

The Building Official shall establish and implement an administrative review process to expedite approval of electric vehicle charging stations. An application will be deemed complete if the Building Official determines the application includes all of the information and documents required by the standard application form and the electrical vehicle charging station checklist, and is consistent with all applicable laws and health and safety standards.

B.

If an application is deemed incomplete, the Building Official will notify the applicant in writing of the deficiencies and any additional information or documentation needed to complete the application. After an application is deemed complete, the Building Official will perform an expedited review of the application and all submittals.

C.

Permit Issuance. A City building permit will be issued following the Building Official's approval of an application for an electric vehicle charging station and after all required fees have been paid. If the application was submitted electronically, the permit may be issued electronically.

D.

Inspection and Authorization to Operate. As soon as practical after the applicant notifies the Building Official that an electric vehicle charging station has been installed, the Building Official will inspect the system to verify compliance with the building permit. If the Building Official determines that a system was not installed in compliance with a building permit, the Building Official will notify the permittee of the actions needed to comply with the building permit and will conduct additional inspections as necessary. No electric vehicle charging station may be operated unless the Building Official verifies in writing that it complies with the building permit.

(Ord. 477, § 2(Exh. A), 2017)

A.

Electric vehicle charging station equipment shall 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.

B.

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

C.

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

D.

Anchorage of either floor-mounted or wall-mounted electric vehicle charging stations shall 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 shall not adversely affect building elements.

(Ord. 477, § 2(Exh. A), 2017)

The requirements of this chapter are in addition to any other applicable requirements of this Code, and any requirements of a utility provider, that must be satisfied before an electric vehicle charging station may be installed or operated.

(Ord. 477, § 2(Exh. A), 2017)