Chapter 15.19
PERMITTING PROCESS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING SYSTEMS
Sections:
15.19.040 Electric vehicle charging station installation requirements.
15.19.050 Duties of the City and building official.
15.19.060 Expedited permitting process.
15.19.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to promote and encourage the use of electric vehicles by creating an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations while promoting public health and safety and preventing specific adverse impacts in the installation and use of such charging stations. This chapter is also purposed to comply with California Government Code Section 65850.7. (Ord. 1167 § 1, 2017.)
15.19.020 Applicability.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, this chapter shall apply to the permitting of all electric vehicle charging systems in the City.
Electric vehicle charging systems legally established or permitted prior to the effective date of this chapter are not subject to the requirements herein, 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 new permitting. Routine operation and maintenance or like-kind replacements shall not require a permit. (Ord. 1167 § 1, 2017.)
15.19.030 Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
“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.
“Electronic submittal” means the utilization of one or more of the following:
1. Electronic mail or email.
2. The internet.
3. Facsimile.
“Specific, adverse impact” means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified, and written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete. (Ord. 1167 § 1, 2017.)
15.19.040 Electric vehicle charging station installation requirements.
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 Healdsburg municipal electric utility department regarding safety and reliability.
B. 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.
C. 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. 1167 § 1, 2017.)
15.19.050 Duties of the City and building official.
A. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the City Manager, or his/her designee, shall implement an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations, and adopt a checklist of all requirements with which electric vehicle charging stations shall comply in order to be eligible for expedited review. The expedited, streamlined permitting process and checklist may refer to the recommendations contained in the most current version of the “Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist” of the “Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook” as published by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The adopted checklist shall be published on the City’s website.
B. It is the intent of this chapter 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 City’s authority to address higher priority life-safety situations. If the City building official finds that the construction documents do not conform to requirements of pertinent laws, the building official may reject such application in writing, stating the reasons therefor.
C. In the technical review of a charging station, consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the City 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. (Ord. 1167 § 1, 2017.)
15.19.060 Expedited permitting process.
A. Prior to submitting an application for processing, the applicant shall verify that the installation of an electric vehicle charging station will not have a specific, adverse impact to public health and safety and building occupants. Verification by the applicant includes but is not limited to submission of information verifying: electrical system capacity and loads; electrical system wiring, bonding and overcurrent protection; building infrastructure affected by charging station equipment and associated conduits; areas of charging station equipment and vehicle parking.
B. 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 are consistent with all applicable laws and health and safety standards, the City 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. If the City determines that the permit application is incomplete, a written correction notice shall be issued to the applicant, detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance.
C. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the City shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this chapter and associated supporting documentation. In accepting such permit applications, the City shall also accept electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and other documentation in lieu of a wet signature by any applicant. (Ord. 1167 § 1, 2017.)