Fresno County Municipal Code Ch. 15.80 Electric Vehicle Charging Systems

A. Assembly Bill 1236, which requires local agencies to adopt an ordinance that creates an expedited and streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging systems, this Chapter is to promote and encourage the use of electric vehicles by creating an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations while promoting public health and safety and preventing specific adverse impacts in the installation and use of such charging stations. This Chapter is also purposed to comply with California Government Code Section 65850.7.

(Ord. No. 23-001, § 1(Exh. 2), 2-28-2023)

A. 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 Chapter and delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle.

B. "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.

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

1. Fresno County online Customer Portal.

2. Email.

(Ord. No. 23-001, § 1(Exh. 2), 2-28-2023)

A. The expedited, streamlined permitting process and checklist may refer to the recommendations contained in the most current version of the "Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist" of the "Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook" as published by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.

B. A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed. Upon confirmation by the Building Official, or his/her designee, that the permit application and supporting documents meets the requirements of the, adopted checklist, and is consistent with all applicable laws, ordinances, and health and safety standards, the Building Official shall, consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, 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 inspection approval is granted by the County of Fresno. If the Building Official determines that the permit application is incomplete, he or she shall 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. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this Ordinance and associated supporting documentations shall be acceptable. In accepting such permit applications, electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and other documentation in lieu of a wet signature by any applicant shall be accepted.

(Ord. No. 23-001, § 1(Exh. 2), 2-28-2023)

A. The provisions of this ordinance does not supersede the Building Official's authority to address higher priority life-safety situations. If the Building Official makes a finding based on substantial evidence that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety, the County of Fresno may require an application for a use permit.

B. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the Building Official shall not condition the approval for any electric vehicle charging station permit on the approval of such a system by an association, as that term is defined by Civil Code Section 4080.

(Ord. No. 23-001, § 1(Exh. 2), 2-28-2023)

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 or a Municipal Electric Utility Company 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. No. 23-001, § 1(Exh. 2), 2-28-2023)

A. The provisions of this chapter take precedence over any less restrictive conflicting local laws, ordinances, and codes.

B. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of any competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance not deemed invalid or unconstitutional.

(Ord. No. 23-001, § 1(Exh. 2), 2-28-2023)