San Fernando Municipal Code Div. 21 Vehicle Fueling and Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations

This section provides location, development, and operating standards for vehicle fueling and/or EV charging stations in compliance with section 106-766.

(Ord. No. 1732, § 3(Exh. A), 5-5-2025)

Vehicle fueling or EV charging stations shall be limited to selling vehicle fuels, other fuels and other supplying goods necessary for electric vehicles or zero emission vehicles, and supplying goods and services required in the operation and maintenance of motor and/or electric vehicles. These shall include the following.

(1) Automotive retail sales. The retail sale of batteries, motor fuels, tires, lubricants, and oils.

(2) Repairs. Incidental minor repairs, including brake, lubrication, tire, and tune up service, shall be conducted entirely within an enclosed structure, in compliance with the standards in division 6 of article IV and where allowed by the zone, subject to the standards of the underlying zone.

(3) Convenience store. A new or existing vehicle fueling or EV charging station may include an onsite convenience store as an accessory use, where allowed by the zone.

(Ord. No. 1732, § 3(Exh. A), 5-5-2025)

The following uses and services are prohibited at vehicle fueling or EV charging stations.

(1) Autobody and fender repair, painting, upholstery work, and dismantling.

(2) Tire recapping, machine work or welding.

(3) Overhauling, replacement, or repairing of differentials, engines, front suspension, and transmissions.

(Ord. No. 1732, § 3(Exh. A), 5-5-2025)

All vehicle fueling or EV charging stations shall comply with the following operational standards.

(1) Location and display of accessories, batteries, and tires for sale shall be on or within three feet of the pump island or the main structure's exterior;

(2) No vehicle rental activities shall be conducted on the vehicle fueling or EV charging station site; and

(3) All outdoor/open storage of materials shall be limited to a maximum area of 150 square feet, and shall be enclosed by a six-foot-high, solid decorative masonry wall, subject to the approval of the director.

(4) All EV charging systems shall meet the requirements of the California Electrical Code, the California Building Code, the California Green Building Standards Code, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, accredited testing laboratories, and rules of the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability.

(Ord. No. 1732, § 3(Exh. A), 5-5-2025)

All vehicle fueling or EV charging stations shall comply with the following development standards.

(1) If a vehicle fueling or EV charging station adjoins a zone or overlay that allows residential uses, a six-foot-high, solid decorative masonry wall, in compliance with division 7 of article III (Walls and Fences), shall be installed along the property line that adjoins the property that is zoned to allow residential.

(2) A three-foot-wide planting strip shall be located on the station site along the entire length of the wall separating the vehicle fueling or EV charging station from adjacent property that allows residential uses and public street rights-of-way, except for driveway openings. All unpaved areas shall be landscaped in compliance with division 4 of article III (Landscaping Standards for Private Property).

(3) A planter area of not less than 100 square feet shall be provided at the corner of two intersecting streets, in compliance with division 4 of article III (Landscaping Standards for Private Property).

(4) Additional landscaping may be required by the director to screen the vehicle fueling or EV charging station from adjacent residential properties.

(5) All exterior light sources, including canopy, flood, and perimeter, shall be energy efficient, stationary, and shielded or recessed within the roof canopy, to ensure that all light, including glare or reflections, is directed away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way, in compliance with section 106-353 (Outdoor Lighting).

(Ord. No. 1732, § 3(Exh. A), 5-5-2025)

All vehicle fueling or EV charging stations shall comply with the following maintenance standards.

(1) Used or discarded automotive parts or equipment, or permanently disabled, junked, or wrecked vehicles, shall not be located outside of the main structure.

(2) A refuse storage area, completely enclosed with a masonry wall not less than five feet high, with a solid gated opening, and large enough to accommodate standard-sized commercial trash bins, shall be located to be accessible to refuse collection vehicles.

(3) Driveways and service areas shall be maintained and kept free of oil, grease, and other petroleum products, in addition to litter. These areas shall be periodically cleaned with equipment that dissolves spilled oil, grease, and other petroleum products without washing them into the drainage, gutter, and sewer system.

(4) Additional conditions. Additional conditions (e.g., hours of operation, sign regulations, structure materials and design) may be imposed by the applicable review authority as deemed reasonable and necessary to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community.

(Ord. No. 1732, § 3(Exh. A), 5-5-2025)