Newark Municipal Code Ch. 15.55 Expedited Streamlined Permitting Process for Electric Vehicle Charging…

The purpose of this chapter is to adopt an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations that complies with AB 1236 (Chapter 598, Statutes 2015, California Government Code Section 65850.7) to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of electric vehicle charging stations. This chapter allows the city to achieve these goals while protecting the public health and safety.

(Ord. No. 524, § 4(Exh. A), 9-24-2020)

For the purpose of carrying out the intent of this chapter, the terms in this chapter have the meaning set forth below:

A. "Electric vehicle charging station" or "charging station" shall mean 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 electrical vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle.

B. "Building official" shall mean the building official for Newark or the building official's designee.

C. "City" shall mean the City of Newark.

D. "Electronic submittal" shall mean the utilization of one or more of the following:

1. Email.

2. The Internet.

3. Facsimile.

E. "Expedited permitting process" or "expedited review" shall mean the process outlined in Section 15.55.030 for permit review and inspection requirements.

F. "Specific adverse impact" shall mean 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. No. 524, § 4(Exh. A), 9-24-2020)

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. 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. The city's adopted checklist shall be published on the city's website and shall be accessible to the public.

(Ord. No. 524, § 4(Exh. A), 9-24-2020)

A. 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. Documentation required to be submitted by the applicant includes but is not limited to: identifying electrical system capacity and loads; electrical system wiring, bonding and overcurrent protection; building infrastructure affected by charging station equipment and associated conduits; charging station equipment location and vehicle parking.

B. The building official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this article 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 applicant.

C. A permit application that satisfies the information/documentation 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's 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.

D. 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.

E. Application approval/permit issuance does not authorize an applicant to energize or utilize the electric vehicle charging station, unless and until an inspection is performed and approval is granted by the city and the utility carrier as necessary.

F. Inspections shall be required. When an inspection is requested, the inspection shall be done in an efficient and timely manner. Inspections shall verify safety requirements and ensure that the electric vehicle charging stations are properly installed and in compliance with Code and the approved plans. If the electric vehicle charging station fails the initial inspection, a subsequent inspection may be required.

(Ord. No. 524, § 4(Exh. A), 9-24-2020)

A. 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.

B. In the technical review of an electric vehicle charging station, 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. 524, § 4(Exh. A), 9-24-2020)

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. 524, § 4(Exh. A), 9-24-2020)

The city council may establish by resolution the fees that shall be charged for permits issued under this chapter.

(Ord. No. 524, § 4(Exh. A), 9-24-2020)