Wasco Municipal Code Ch. 15.38 Expedited Permit Process for Electric Vehicle Charging

SYSTEMS

Sections: 15.38.010 Purpose. 15.38.020 Definitions. 15.38.030 Applicability. 15.38.040 Expedited review process. 15.38.050 Submittal requirements. 15.38.060 Electric vehicle charging station installation requirements. 15.38.070 Plan review, permit, and inspection requirements.

The purpose of this chapter is to adopt an expedited, streamlined permitting process that complies with the 2015 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Open Access Act and AB 1236 (Government Code Section 65850.7) to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of electric vehicle charging systems. This chapter encourages the use of zero emission vehicles by removing unreasonable barriers and facilitating the ability of property owners to install electric vehicle charging systems while protecting the public health and safety. (Ord. 687 §1, 2017).

The terms, phrases, and words used in this chapter shall be construed in compliance with the definitions set forth in California Government Code Section 65850.7.

A. "Electric vehicle charging station" or "charging station" means 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 electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle.

B. "Electronic submittal" means the utilization of one or more of the following:

1. Electronic mail or email.

2. The internet.

3. Facsimile. (Ord. 687 §1, 2017).

This chapter applies to the permitting of all electrical vehicle charging systems in the city. Electrical vehicle charging systems legally established or permitted prior to the effective date of this chapter are not subject to the requirements of this chapter unless physical modifications or alterations are undertaken that materially change the size, type, or components of an electric vehicle charging system in such a way as to require a new permit. Routine operation and maintenance shall not require a permit. (Ord. 687 §1, 2017).

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 California: Community Readiness Guidebook" published by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The city’s adopted checklist shall be published on the city’s website.

Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the building official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this chapter 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 wet signature by any applicant. (Ord. 687 §1, 2017).

All documents required for the submission of an expedited electric vehicle charging system application shall be made available on the city website and elsewhere as deemed appropriate by the building official.

A. An applicant may submit a permit application and associated documents for an electric vehicle charging system by electronic submittal. As an alternative, an applicant may submit a permit application and associated documents at the planning and building department counter during regular business hours.

B. An applicant’s and/or property owner’s electronic signature will be accepted on all forms, applications, and other documents in lieu of a wet signature.

C. An applicant’s submittal must comply with the adopted checklist of all requirements for electric vehicle charging systems before any application will be eligible for expedited review. (Ord. 687 §1, 2017).

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. 687 §1, 2017).

The planning and building department shall expedite approval of electric vehicle charging systems as follows:

A. Review of the application shall be limited to the building official’s review of whether the application meets all local, state, and federal health and safety requirements.

B. An application for an electric vehicle charging system that satisfies the information requirements in the adopted checklist, as determined by the building official, shall be deemed complete.

C. Upon confirmation by the building official that the permit application and supporting documents meet the requirements of the city adopted 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.

D. 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 that term is defined by Civil Code Section 4080.

E. Such approval does not authorize an applicant to energize or utilize the electric vehicle charging station until approval is granted by the city.

F. 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.

G. 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 site plan review approval. (Ord. 687 §1, 2017).