Merced Municipal Code Ch. 17.64 Electric Vehicle Charging Systems

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, now existing or hereinafter amended, 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 (1) or more of the following:

1. Electronic mail or email;

2. The internet; or

3. Facsimile.

(Ord. No. 2515, § 1, 6-1-2020)

A. The expedited, streamlined permitting process for electrical vehicle charging systems shall comply with the applicable requirements contained in Section 17.64.030 of this code and all of the following:

1. 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 with in order to be eligible for expedited review.

2. The checklist and required permitting documentation shall be published on a publicly accessible internet website.

3. As allowed by available resources, the building division shall allow electronic submittal of a permit application and associated documentation and shall allow electronic signature in lieu of a wet signature.

4. The building division shall determine whether the application and supporting documentation are complete and meet all requirements of the California Building Standards Codes and then shall promptly approve or deny the application in writing.

5. 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 impact 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.

6. If the application is approved, the building division shall issue all required permits.

(Ord. No. 2515, § 1, 6-1-2020)

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. 2515, § 1, 6-1-2020)