Oakdale Municipal Code Art. XIV Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permitting Streamlining

[Added 9-15-2025 by Ord. No. 1295]

In compliance with AB 1236 (effective 2016–17) and AB 970 (effective January 1, 2023, for local jurisdictions with fewer than 200,000 residents), municipalities are required to adopt an ordinance and checklist establishing an expedited, streamlined permitting process limited to health and safety criteria for EVCS.

Jurisdictions previously found compliant demonstrate the effectiveness of such measures in aligning with the state’s EV permitting goals.

[Added 9-15-2025 by Ord. No. 1295]

AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION (AHJ)

The city’s Building Official (or designee).

COMPLETE APPLICATION

One that meets all checklist submission requirements.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION (EVCS)

Includes Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, DC Fast Charging, and associated infrastructure.

[Added 9-15-2025 by Ord. No. 1295]

a. Permit Streamlining Ordinance. The city shall accept EVCS permit applications electronically, including electronic signatures.

b. Checklist. The AHJ shall publish an online checklist identifying all application submittal requirements for eligible expedited review (both residential and non-residential).

c. Administrative approval. EVCS projects that satisfy the checklist may be approved administratively, without discretionary planning review, limited strictly to health and safety evaluation under applicable building codes.

[Added 9-15-2025 by Ord. No. 1295]

a. 25 chargers at a single site.

1. Completeness review — five business days to issue a single complete deficiency notice or deem the application complete.

2. Approval decision — within 20 business days after deemed complete, otherwise permit is deemed approved by operation of law.

b. 26 or more chargers at a single site.

1. Completeness review — 10 business days.

2. Approval decision — within 40 business days after deemed complete, otherwise deemed approved by operation of law.

[Added 9-15-2025 by Ord. No. 1295]

If an application is incomplete, the AHJ shall issue one complete written deficiency notice listing all required additional information and allow applicant to resubmit. No multiple rounds of new deficiency comments are permitted.

[Added 9-15-2025 by Ord. No. 1295]

The AHJ shall not require EVCS applicants to obtain design review, use permits, or other discretionary approvals unless the AHJ, based on substantial documented evidence, finds the proposed EVCS would cause a specific adverse impact on public health or safety.

[Added 9-15-2025 by Ord. No. 1295]

In accordance with AB 970, any required parking spaces shall be reduced in number as necessary to accommodate EVCS installations when they replace or interfere with designated parking.

[Added 9-15-2025 by Ord. No. 1295]

The city shall accept electronic permit submittals and electronic signatures as legally binding. If the city is unable to accept electronic signatures on specific documents, the ordinance shall specify the reasons for such inability.

[Added 9-15-2025 by Ord. No. 1295]

EVCS permit issuance shall not be subject to approval by a homeowners’ or property owners’ association under Civil Code Section 4080.

[Added 9-15-2025 by Ord. No. 1295]

The checklist required by § 7-99 shall be posted publicly on the City’s website. The website shall clearly state the streamlined process for EVCS permitting, timelines, contact information, and provide applicant guidance.

[Added 9-15-2025 by Ord. No. 1295]

The Building Official (or designee) shall implement this article by issuing staff procedures, providing training, and updating the checklist as needed.

The city clerk shall forward the adopted article and checklist to GO-Biz to confirm compliance status and be listed as an EVCS-streamlined jurisdiction.

[Added 9-15-2025 by Ord. No. 1295]

If any provision of this article is found invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect.