La Puente Municipal Code Ch. 8.50 Expedited Permit Process for Electric Vehicle Charging Systems

Sections:

• 8.50.010 Purpose.

• 8.50.020 Definitions.

• 8.50.030 Expedited permitting process.

• 8.50.040 Permit application process.

• 8.50.050 Technical review.

• 8.50.060 Electric vehicle charging station installation requirements.

The purpose of 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 intended to comply with California Government Code Section 65850.7.

(Ord. 983 § 2 (part), 2023)

For the purpose of this chapter, the words, terms and phrases as defined in this section shall be construed as hereinafter set forth, unless it is apparent from the context that a different meaning is intended:

"Charging station", "charging system", or "electric vehicle charging station" means any level of an 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.

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

(1) Electronic mail or email.

(2) Facsimile.

(3) The internet.

"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. 983 § 2 (part), 2023)

Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the building official shall implement an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations, and adopt a checklist of all requirements with which electric vehicle charging stations shall comply in order to be eligible for the expedited review. The city's adopted checklist shall be published on the city's website.

(Ord. 983 § 2 (part), 2023)

(a) A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the city's 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 city adopted checklist, and is consistent with all applicable laws and health and safety standards, the building official shall, consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, administratively approve the application and issue all necessary permits.

(b) If the building official determines that the permit application is incomplete, a written correction notice shall be issued to the applicant within five business days for projects with up to twenty-five charging stations at a single site or within ten business days for projects with twenty-six or more charging stations at a single site. The written correction notice shall detail all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance. This correction notice may be in the form of a printed document, electronic mail, or "red line" corrections on the submitted plans.

(c) Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the building official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this chapter and associated supporting documentation. In accepting such permit applications, the building official shall also accept electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and other documentation in lieu of a wet signature by any applicant, provided that the city has the software necessary to accept electronic signatures.

(d) In conjunction with the application process, the applicant shall verify that the installation of an electric vehicle charging station will not have a specific, adverse impact to public health and safety or building occupants. Verification by the applicant includes but is not limited to the following documentation: electrical system capacity and loads; electrical system wiring, bonding and overcurrent protection; building infrastructure affected by charging station equipment and associated conduits; areas of charging station equipment and vehicle parking.

(e) In the technical review of a charging station, 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 of a common interest development, as that term is defined by Civil Code Section 4080.

(f) Approval of the expedited permit does not authorize an applicant to energize or utilize the electric vehicle charging station until the required inspection and approval to energize the system is granted by the City. The inspection shall be performed in a timely manner and include consolidated inspections, if required.

(Ord. 983 § 2 (part), 2023)

It is the intent of this chapter to encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations by removing obstacles to permitting for charging stations so long as the action 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, as defined in this chapter, the city may require the applicant to apply for a site plan and design review subject to a minor review and consideration by the development services director pursuant to Chapter 10.94 of the Zoning Code.

(Ord. 983 § 2 (part), 2023)

(a) Electric vehicle charging stations and associated equipment shall meet all applicable health and safety standards and requirements, including but not limited to any requirements imposed by the state and the La Puente Municipal Code, the Los Angeles County fire department, the California Electrical Code, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories, rules of the Public Utilities Commission or an electric utility company regarding safety and reliability, and any applicable federal laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act.

(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. 983 § 2 (part), 2023)