Chapter 17.110
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY EXCHANGE STATIONS
Sections:
17.110.020 General requirements – Designation of electric vehicle charging stations.
17.110.030 Standards for electric vehicle charging stations.
17.110.040 Minimum parking requirements.
17.110.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to ensure the effective installation of electric vehicle charging stations and electric vehicle battery exchange stations. (Ord. 817 § 1 (Exh. A § 25.01), 2024; Ord. 807 § 1 (Exh. A § 25.01), 2023)
17.110.020 General requirements – Designation of electric vehicle charging stations.
An electric vehicle charging station is a public or private parking space that is served by battery charging equipment with the purpose of transferring electric energy to a battery or other energy storage device in an electric vehicle and is classified based on the following levels:
(1) Level 1 is considered slow charging.
(2) Level 3 is considered fast charging. Level 3 stations can also be referred to as rapid charging stations that are typically characterized by industrial grade electrical outlets that allow for faster recharging of electric vehicles.
(3) Battery exchange station is considered a fully automated facility that will enable an electric vehicle with a swappable battery to enter a drive lane and exchange the depleted battery with a fully charged battery through a fully automated process. (Ord. 817 § 1 (Exh. A § 25.02), 2024; Ord. 807 § 1 (Exh. A § 25.02), 2023)
17.110.030 Standards for electric vehicle charging stations.
Electric vehicle charging stations utilizing parking stalls located in a parking lot or parking garage or in on-street parking spaces shall comply with the following standards. Due to the fact the technology associated with electric vehicles, batteries and electric vehicle charging stations is relatively new and is anticipated to change, and that there is a lack of municipal experience on consumer and community preferences and attitudes with regard to electric vehicles, the planning commission may authorize variations from these standards, so long as the intent and goal of the standards and this chapter are addressed.
(1) Except when located in conjunction with single-family residences, electric vehicle charging stations shall be reserved for parking and charging of electric vehicles only.
(2) Signage. Each electric vehicle charging station shall be posted with signage indicating the space is only for electric vehicle charging purposes. Wayfinding signs conveniently located to guide motorists to the charging stations are permitted with approval of the planning commission. Signage should include identifying voltage and amperage levels, time of use, fees, and safety information.
(3) Accessibility. The design and location of the electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with the following barrier-free accessibility requirements:
(a) Accessible charging stations shall be located in proximity to the buildings or facility entrances and shall be connected to a barrier-free accessible route of travel.
(b) Accessible charging stations shall comply with the requirements of WAC 51-50-005.
(4) An applicant looking to establish electric vehicle infrastructure must also obtain an electrical permit through Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. City building department will only verify permit opening, changes, and closing. (Ord. 817 § 1 (Exh. A § 25.03), 2024; Ord. 807 § 1 (Exh. A § 25.03), 2023)
17.110.040 Minimum parking requirements.
Electric vehicle charging stations located within parking lots or garages may be included in the calculation of the minimum required parking spaces required pursuant to Chapter 17.90 CDMC, Traffic and Parking. (Ord. 817 § 1 (Exh. A § 25.04), 2024; Ord. 807 § 1 (Exh. A § 25.04), 2023)