Chapter 18.170 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS

The intent of this chapter is to encourage the streamlined installation of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) in accordance with Assembly Bill 1236 and Assembly Bill 970, Government Code Section 65850.7 , to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of EVCS while promoting functional site design and circulation.

(Ord. 1267, 2019; Ord. 1321, 3/11/2025)

For the purposes of this chapter, the words and terms used in this chapter shall have the meaning ascribed to them, respectively, as set forth in Chapter 18.08 of this title. Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this chapter, such terms shall have their ordinary meanings such as the context implies.

(Ord. 1267, 2019; Ord. 1321, 3/11/2025)

The standards set forth in this chapter shall apply to all electric vehicle charging stations. (Ord. 1267, 2019; Ord. 1321, 3/11/2025)

• A. General. The siting and design of an electric vehicle charging station should show proper consideration for both the functional aspects of the site, such as automobile, pedestrian, and bicycle circulation, and for its visual effect upon other properties from the view of the public street.

• B. Where Permitted. Subject to the provisions of this chapter, standalone electric vehicle charging stations shall be permitted by right as a primary use in areas of the city where service stations are conditionally permitted.

• C. Siting/Circulation. Electric vehicle charging stations shall be sited in a manner which minimizes interference with existing operations and circulation patterns.

• D. Utilities. All new utility lines associated with the electric vehicle charging station shall be underground. Any proposed utilities associated with the electric vehicle charging station shall be subject to approval by the director of public works and director of community development.

• E. Lighting. Any new lighting provided shall match the lighting in the existing development in terms of fixture type, light output, height, color, and design. New lighting shall comply with the provisions of this chapter. Any light fixtures proposed to be removed to accommodate the installation of an electric vehicle charging station shall not result in unacceptable light levels and may require replacement at the discretion of the planning division.

• F. Aesthetics.

  1. Bollards. When the use of bollards is necessary to ensure the safety of the facility, bollards shall be decorative and shall be reviewed by the planning division prior to installation.

  2. Painting. When the charging stations are entirely self-contained, the equipment cabinets shall be painted to match the adjacent development.

  3. Stalls shall be striped white and marked with white or green only.

• G. Parking.

  1. The number of required parking spaces shall be reduced by the minimum amount necessary to accommodate the electric vehicle charging station.

  2. Electrical vehicle charging parking spaces may be counted as required parking spaces.

• H. Landscape.

  1. Landscaping shall be protected in place to the greatest extent possible.

  2. Any trees proposed for removal to accommodate the installation of an electric vehicle charging station shall be identified on the plans and subject to the provisions of Chapter 18.162 .

I. Signage. Signage shall be limited to the charging station unit and parking stalls, and only for the purpose of identifying the charger. Signage shall not be permitted on equipment cabinets or equipment enclosures. Directional or pricing signage shall not be permitted. Signage not associated with the charging station shall not be permitted. Signage, including parking stall stenciling, shall be reviewed by the planning division prior to installation.

• J. Operational and Maintenance.

  1. Any landscaping or other site damage caused by the installation or maintenance of the charging station and equipment shall be refurbished to the satisfaction of the director of community development.

2. The electric vehicle charging station shall be maintained in a clean, orderly manner free from litter, weeds, graffiti, and debris.

3. Should an electric vehicle charging station fall into disrepair, be damaged, or become inoperable during the course of operation, the charging station shall be replaced or repaired as deemed appropriate by the director of community development.

4. Should the operation of the charging station cease, the charging station shall be removed and the parking lot shall be restored to its previous condition.

(Ord. 1267, 2019; Ord. 1321, 3/11/2025)

• A. Proposals which comply with the standards set forth in Section 18.170.040 may be reviewed and approved by the director of community development. Upon the approval of a permit application, a building permit will be issued for work as described in the application.

• (Ord. 1267, 2019; Ord. 1321, 3/11/2025; Ord. 1324, 6/10/2025)