Chapter 14.75
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING SYSTEMS – STREAMLINED PERMITTING
Sections:
14.75.010 Purpose.
14.75.020 Definitions.
14.75.030 Electrical vehicle charging station requirements.
14.75.040 Expedited permitting process.
14.75.050 Permit application process.
14.75.060 Permit review – Timing.
14.75.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to create an expedited and streamlined electric vehicle charging station permitting process that complies with Cal. Gov’t Code § 65850.7 to achieve the timely and cost-effective installation of electric vehicle charging stations. Pursuant to Cal. Gov’t Code § 65850.7 and notwithstanding any other provision of this code pertaining to conditional or accessory uses, only an electrical permit shall be required for an electric vehicle charging station. (Ord. 961 § 3, 2022)
14.75.020 Definitions.
A. A feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact includes, but is not limited to, any cost-effective method, condition, or mitigation imposed by the city on another similarly situated application in a prior successful application for a permit.
B. Building official means the chief building official of the city or his or her designee.
C. 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, and any subsequent amendments thereto, and delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle.
D. 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.
E. Electronic submittal means the utilization of one or more of the following:
1. Email;
2. The internet;
3. Facsimile. (Ord. 961 § 3, 2022)
14.75.030 Electrical vehicle charging station requirements.
A. The electric vehicle charging station shall meet the applicable safety and performance standards established by 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 and the local 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. 961 § 3, 2022)
14.75.040 Expedited permitting process.
Consistent with Cal. Gov’t Code § 65850.7, the building official 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 with 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 city’s adopted checklist shall be published on the city’s website. (Ord. 961 § 3, 2022)
14.75.050 Permit application 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 specific, adverse impact to public health and safety and building occupants. Verification by the applicant includes but is not limited to: electrical system capacity and loads; electrical system wiring, bonding and overcurrent protection; building infrastructure affected by charging station equipment and associated conduits; and areas of charging station equipment and vehicle parking.
B. A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the city’s adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed. A completed application does not authorize an applicant to energize or utilize the electric vehicle charging station until approval and all necessary permits are granted by the city.
C. 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.
D. 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. 961 § 3, 2022)
14.75.060 Permit review – Timing.
A. The building official shall review all electric vehicle charging station applications. Notwithstanding the expedited permit processing set forth in this chapter, the building official retains authority at all times to identify and address higher priority life-safety situations.
B. 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, the city may require the applicant to apply for a conditional use permit. The building official’s decision may be appealed by the applicant to the planning commission.
C. An application for a conditional use permit to install an electric vehicle charging station shall not be denied unless the planning commission makes written findings based upon substantial evidence in the record that the proposed installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety, and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact. The findings shall include the basis for the rejection of potential feasible alternatives. If denied, the planning commission’s decision may be appealed by the applicant to the city council.
D. In the technical review of a charging station application, the building official shall not condition the approval of any electric vehicle charging station permit on the approval of such a system by an association, as that term is defined by Cal. Civ. Code § 4080.
E. 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 and health and safety standards, the building official shall, consistent with Cal. Gov’t Code § 65850.7, as may be amended, approve the application and issue all necessary permits. (Ord. 961 § 3, 2022)