Article VII — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION PERMIT EXPEDITING

SECTION:

7-52: Definitions

7-53: Purpose

7-54: Applicability

7-55: Expedited Review Process

7-56: Electronic Submittals

7-57: Association Approval

7-58: Permit Application Process

7-58.1: Electric Vehicle Charging System Requirements

7-58.2: Duties of City in Reviewing EVCS Applications

7-58.3: Permit Review and Inspection Requirements

7-58.4: Technical Review

7-59: Conflicts

7-60: Severability

7-52: DEFINITIONS:

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING SYSTEM (EVCS): Any level of electric vehicle supply equipment that is designed and built in compliance with the California Electrical Code, delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into one or more electric vehicles, and meets all applicable safety standards.

ELECTRONIC SUBMITTAL: The utilization of one or more of the following approved methods:

A. E-mail;

B. Internet;

C. Other electronic methods approved by the City.

SPECIFIC, ADVERSE IMPACT: A significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions. (Ord. 1932, 5-5-2026)

7-53: PURPOSE:

The purpose of this article is to adopt an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging systems pursuant to Government Code Section 65850.7. This article is intended to encourage the use of electric vehicle charging systems by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing costs to property owners and the City, and ensuring installations are safe and compliant with applicable codes. The terms, phrases, and words used in this process shall be construed in compliance with California Government Code Section 65850.7. (Ord. 1932, 5-5-2026)

7-54: APPLICABILITY:

This article applies to the permitting of all electric vehicle charging systems within the City. Existing systems legally installed prior to the effective date of this article shall not be subject to these requirements unless modifications are made that require a new permit or until such time as State law mandates such. (Ord. 1932, 5-5-2026)

7-55: EXPEDITED REVIEW PROCESS:

Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the Building Official shall implement an expedited administrative permit review 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 administrative permit review process and checklist may refer to the recommendations in the checklist prescribed by the most current version of the “Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist” of the “Zero-Emission Vehicles in the California: Community Readiness Guidebook” published by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The City’s checklist shall be published on the City’s website. (Ord. 1932, 5-5-2026)

7-56: ELECTRONIC SUBMITTALS:

Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the Building Official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this process and associated supporting documentations. In accepting such permit applications, the Building Official shall also accept electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and other documentation in lieu of a we signature by any applicant. (Ord. 1932, 5-5-2026)

7-57: ASSOCIATION APPROVAL:

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, as defined by Civil Code Section 4080. (Ord. 1932, 5-5-2026)

7-58: PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS:

A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the City’s 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 checklist, and is consistent with all applicable laws 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 approval is granted by the City via required inspections. If the Building Official determines that the permit application is incomplete, they 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. (Ord. 1932, 5-5-2026)

7-58.1: ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

A. All electric vehicle charging systems shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the State of California and the City of Porterville.

B. Electric vehicle charging systems shall comply with all applicable building codes.

C. Electric vehicle charging systems shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer specifications and applicable industry standards. (Ord. 1932, 5-5-2026)

7-58.2: DUTIES OF CITY IN REVIEWING EVCS APPLICATIONS:

A. All required documents for EVCS permit applications shall be made available on the City’s publicly accessible website.

B. Electronic submittal of permit applications shall be accepted.

C. The Building Official shall adopt a standard plan and checklist of all requirements for EVCS installations eligible for expedited review.

D. The permit process, standard plans, and checklists shall conform to current state law and applicable codes.

E. Fees for EVCS permits shall comply with applicable state law. (Ord. 1932, 5-5-2026)

7-58.3: PERMIT REVIEW AND INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS:

A. The Building Official shall implement an administrative, nondiscretionary review process for EVCS applications.

B. The Building Official shall approve applications that meet all checklist requirements and applicable laws.

C. Review of the application shall be limited to compliance with health and safety requirements and building code.

D. The Building Official may require a use permit if there is substantial evidence that the installation would have a specific, adverse impact on public health or safety.

E. Any conditions imposed shall mitigate the impact at the lowest possible cost.

F. If an application is incomplete, a written correction notice shall be provided.

G. Only one inspection shall be required where feasible. Additional inspections may be required if deficiencies are identified or warranted due to contingent and/or related work by code.

H. Inspections shall be scheduled in a timely manner consistent with the expedited process. (Ord. 1932, 5-5-2026)

7-58.4: TECHNICAL REVIEW:

It is the intent of this policy 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 Government Code 65850.7, the City may require the applicant to apply for a use permit. (Ord. 1932, 5-5-2026)

7-59: CONFLICTS:

Any provision of the City or appendices thereto, inconsistent with these provisions, to the extent of such inconsistencies and no further, are hereby repealed or modified to that extent necessary to effect these provisions. (Ord. 1932, 5-5-2026)

7-60: SEVERABILITY:

If any section of this article is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining provisions. (Ord. 1932, 5-5-2026)