Hermosa Beach Municipal Code Ch. 15.30 Electric Vehicle Charging Systems and Streamlined Permitting

Contents:

15.30.010 Purpose and intent.

15.30.020 Definitions.

15.30.030 Technical requirements.

15.30.040 Expedited permitting process.

15.30.050 Permit application submission.

15.30.060 Permit review and approval.

15.30.070 Automatic deeming provisions.

15.30.080 Parking space adjustments.

15.30.090 Right of way coordination.

15.30.100 Enforcement.

(Ord. # 22-1450 §2, adopted 09/28/2022, effective 10/28/2022; Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. P), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

The purpose of this section is to provide an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging systems in accordance with Government Code sections 65850.7 and 65850.71. This chapter ensures timely and cost effective installation of electric vehicle supply equipment while maintaining public health, safety, and welfare.

The requirements of this chapter apply to all electric vehicle charging systems installed within the City of Hermosa Beach.

(Ord. # 22-1450 §2, adopted 09/28/2022, effective 10/28/2022; Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. P), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

(Ord. # 22-1450 §2, adopted 09/28/2022, effective 10/28/2022; Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. P), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Building Official means the Building Official or designee.

Effective on: 12/9/2025

Electric vehicle charging station or charging station means any level of electric vehicle supply equipment designed and installed in compliance with Article 625 of the California Electrical Code, and any amendments thereto, that delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle.

Effective on: 12/9/2025

Electronic submittal means application materials submitted via email, internet based portal, or other electronic means approved by the Building Official.

Effective on: 12/9/2025

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

Effective on: 12/9/2025

Feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific adverse impact includes cost effective methods applied to similarly situated prior applications that successfully reduced the impact to acceptable levels.

Effective on: 12/9/2025

1. All electric vehicle charging equipment shall meet applicable safety and performance standards of the California Electrical Code, National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and Underwriters Laboratories.
2. Installation of charging stations must comply with Article 625 of the California Electrical Code and all other applicable provisions.
3. Load calculations for new or existing electrical services must include electric vehicle charging systems and treat charging equipment as a continuous load.
4. Floor mounted or wall mounted charging stations shall be anchored as required by the California Building Code or California Residential Code.
5. Installation shall not adversely affect building elements including structural components, fire resistance rated assemblies, or egress pathways.

(Ord. # 22-1450 §2, adopted 09/28/2022, effective 10/28/2022; Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. P), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

1. The Building Official shall maintain an expedited permitting process and a checklist of all requirements with which electric vehicle charging systems must comply to be eligible for expedited review.
2. The checklist may incorporate recommendations published by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research.
3. The most current checklist shall be posted on the City’s website.
4. The checklist shall serve as the basis for completeness review.

(Ord. # 22-1450 §2, adopted 09/28/2022, effective 10/28/2022; Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. P), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

1. Applications may be submitted electronically.
2. The Building Official shall accept electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and supporting documents.
3. A completed application shall be deemed complete upon submittal of all items listed in the City's adopted checklist.
4. A completed application does not authorize energization or use of the system until all inspections are approved.

(Ord. # 22-1450 §2, adopted 09/28/2022, effective 10/28/2022; Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. P), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

1. The Building Official shall review applications for compliance with the California Electrical Code and applicable health and safety standards.

2. If the Building Official finds that an application is incomplete, a written correction notice shall be issued detailing all deficiencies and listing all additional information required.

3. If the Building Official finds that a system presents a potential specific, adverse impact, the City may require the applicant to apply for a conditional use permit.

4. A conditional use permit may not be denied unless written findings are made, supported by substantial evidence, that:

5. The installation would have a specific, adverse impact; and

6. No feasible method exists to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the impact.

7. Appeals of conditional use permit determinations shall follow Title 17 procedures.

(Ord. # 22-1450 §2, adopted 09/28/2022, effective 10/28/2022; Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. P), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

1. An application is deemed complete if the Building Official does not determine otherwise within the statutory time limits established by Government Code section 65850.7.

2. An application is deemed approved if, after the applicable statutory period, all of the following are true:

3. The Building Official has not approved the application;

4. The Building Official has not required a conditional use permit based on a specific, adverse impact;

5. No use permit has been denied; and

6. No appeal has been filed.

(Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. P), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

If installation of a charging station, including equipment, conduits, or transformers, reduces the number of required parking spaces for an existing use, the City shall reduce the required number of spaces by the amount necessary to accommodate the charging station.

(Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. P), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

Any work in the public right of way, including trenching, conduits, or pavement restoration, requires approval from the Public Works Department, including issuance of applicable permits and approval of traffic control plans.

(Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. P), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025

Violations of this chapter or the California Electrical Code as adopted are enforceable under Chapter 15.02, including administrative citations, stop work orders, and recovery of enforcement costs. Violations may also be prosecuted as misdemeanors consistent with Section 1.04.020 of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code.

(Ord. # 25-1493U §4 (Exh. P), adopted 12/09/2025, effective 12/09/2025)

Effective on: 12/9/2025