Lancaster Municipal Code Ch. 15.46 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 1139, § 1, adopted Oct. 28, 2025, amended Ch. 15.46 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former Ch. 15.46, §§ 15.46.010—15.46.050, pertained to similar subject matter, and derived from Ord. No. 1094, § 1, adopted Nov. 8, 2022.

The purpose of this chapter is to promote and encourage the use of electric vehicles, in accordance with California Government Code Section 65850.7, by creating an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations, while promoting public health and safety and preventing specific adverse impacts on the installation and use of such charging stations.

(Ord. No. 1139, § 1, 10-28-2025)

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" PDF uploaded through the online permitting portal.

(Ord. No. 1139, § 1, 10-28-2025)

Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the building official shall:

A. Implement an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations;

B. Adopt a checklist of all requirements with which electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with in order to be eligible for expedited review, which shall be based on the "Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist" of the "Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook" of the Governor's Office of Planning and Research;

C. Ensure that the expedited, streamlined permitting process and checklist shall be published on the city's website;

D. Approval is not subject to Association approval.

(Ord. No. 1139, § 1, 10-28-2025)

A. Prior to submitting an application for processing, the applicant shall verify that the installation of an electric vehicle charging station will not have specific, adverse impacts to public health and safety and building occupants. Verification by the applicant includes, but is not limited to, electrical system capacity and loads; electrical system wiring, bonding, and overcurrent protection; building infrastructure affected by charging station equipment and associated conduits; and areas of charging station equipment and vehicle parking. Upon filing the application, the applicant shall pay a permit application fee as established by a resolution adopted by the city council, as amended from time to time.

B. 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 that the permit application and supporting documents meet 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, 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 final inspection and approval of the installation of the station have been granted by the city. 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. 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 use permit.

D. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the building official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this section 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.

(Ord. No. 1139, § 1, 10-28-2025)

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. 1139, § 1, 10-28-2025)