El Cerrito Municipal Code Ch. 16.14 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

The purpose of this chapter is to adopt an expedited, streamlined electric vehicle charging station permitting process that complies with California Government Code section 65850.7 to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of electric vehicle charging stations. The provisions of this chapter encourage the use of electric vehicle charging stations by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing costs to property owners and the city, and expanding the ability of property owners to install electric vehicle charging stations. The provisions of this chapter further allow the city to achieve these goals while protecting the public's health, welfare and safety.

(Ord. No. 2017-05, § 2, 9-19-2017)

The following words and phrases as used in this section are defined as follows:

A. "A feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact" includes, but is not limited to, any cost-effective method, condition, or mitigation imposed by a city, county, or city and county on another similarly situated application in a prior successful application for a permit.

B. "Electronic submittal" means the utilization of one or more of the following:

1. Email;

2. The internet;

3. Facsimile.

C. "Electric vehicle charging station" or "charging station" means any level of electric vehicle supply equipment station that is designed and built in compliance with Article 625 of the California Electrical 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.

D. "Specific, adverse impact" means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.

(Ord. No. 2017-05, § 2, 9-19-2017)

A. This chapter applies to the permitting of all electric vehicle charging stations in the city.

B. Electric vehicle charging stations legally established or permitted prior to the effective date of this ordinance are not subject to the requirements of this chapter unless physical modifications or alterations are undertaken that materially change the size, type, or components of an electric vehicle charging station in such a way as to require a new permit.

(Ord. No. 2017-05, § 2, 9-19-2017)

A. All electric vehicle charging station systems shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the state and the California Fire Code, as adopted and amended by the city.

B. Electric vehicle charging station systems shall be certified by an accredited listing agency as defined by the California Electrical Code.

C. Electric vehicle charging station systems shall meet all applicable safety and performance standards established by 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 public utilities commission regarding safety and reliability.

(Ord. No. 2017-05, § 2, 9-19-2017)

A. All documents required for the submission of an electric vehicle charging station's application shall be made available on the city's website.

B. Prior to submitting an application, the applicant shall, at the applicant's cost, verify to the applicant's reasonable satisfaction using standard electrical inspection techniques and providing electrical load calculations that the existing main panel make and type is adequately sized, based on the existing electrical system's current use, to carry all new electric vehicle charging station imposed loads and accept new electrical connections.

C. An applicant may submit the permit application and associated documentation to the city's building division by personal, mailed, or electronic (when developed and available) submittal together with any required permit processing and inspection fees. An applicant's electronic signature shall be accepted on all forms, applications, and other documents in lieu of a wet signature.

D. The city's building official shall adopt a checklist of all requirements with which the electric vehicle charging stations shall comply to be eligible for expedited review. The electric vehicle permit process, standard(s) and checklist(s) may substantially conform to recommendations for permitting, including the checklist and standards contained in the "Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist" of the "Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook" published by the office of planning and research.

(Ord. No. 2017-05, § 2, 9-19-2017)

A. The building official shall implement an administrative review process to expedite approval of electric vehicle charging stations. Where the application meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standards and there are no specific, adverse impacts upon public health or safety, the building and safety division shall complete the building permit approval process, which is nondiscretionary. Review of the application for electric vehicle charging stations shall be limited to the building official's review of whether the application meets local, state, and federal health and safety requirements.

B. If the building official determines a permit application is incomplete, he or she will send to the applicant a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the permit application and any additional information or documentation required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance within five business days of receipt of the application.

C. Once the building official determines a permit application is complete, he or she shall act on the permit within five business days of that determination.

D. All electrical vehicle charging stations are exempt from design review.

(Ord. No. 2017-05, § 2, 9-19-2017)

The city council may establish by resolution fees that shall be charged for permits issued under this chapter.

(Ord. No. 2017-05, § 2, 9-19-2017)