Chapter 70.36
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
Sections:
70.36.040 Permit application and submittal requirements.
70.36.050 Permit review and issuance.
70.36.060 Electric vehicle charging station installation requirements.
70.36.010 Purpose and intent.
The purpose of this chapter is to promote and encourage the use of electric vehicles in accordance with the City’s climate action plan by providing an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations for residential and nonresidential uses consistent with California Government Code Section 65850.7. The intent is to remove regulatory barriers and minimize permit processing costs in order to achieve timely and cost-effective installations. This chapter allows the City to achieve those goals, prevent adverse impacts in the installation and use of electric vehicle charging stations, and maintain the Building Official’s authority to protect the public health and safety and to identify and address higher priority life-safety situations, where applicable. (Ord. 2023-03 § 3 (Exh. A), 2023)
70.36.020 Definitions.
The following definitions shall apply to this chapter:
A. “Checklist” means the submittal checklist required by the City of Coronado to be submitted with the permit application for an electric vehicle charging station to demonstrate compliance.
B. “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.
C. “Electronic submittal” means the utilization of electronic mail (email); the Internet; or any combination of thereof.
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. “Association” means a nonprofit corporation or unincorporated association created for the purpose of managing a common interest development. (Ord. 2023-03 § 3 (Exh. A), 2023)
70.36.030 Applicability.
A. This chapter applies to the permitting of all electric vehicle charging stations in the City of Coronado.
B. Electric vehicle charging stations legally established or permitted prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in 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 the electric vehicle charging station in such a way as to require new permitting. Routine operation and maintenance or like-kind replacements shall not require a permit. (Ord. 2023-03 § 3 (Exh. A), 2023)
70.36.040 Permit application and submittal requirements.
A. All electric vehicle charging stations shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the State and the City.
B. 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 impacts 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; areas of charging station equipment and vehicle parking.
C. All documents required for the submission of an electric vehicle charging station application are available on the City website, including a checklist of submittal requirements for expedited review. Unless otherwise specified, the checklist shall be the most current version of the “Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist” of the “Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness” guidebook.
D. Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents by email, fax, or the Internet shall be made available to all electric vehicle charging station permit applicants.
E. The permit application and associated documentation may be submitted to the Building Division in person, by mail, or by electronic submittal together with required permit processing and inspection fees. In the case of electronic submittal, the electronic signature of the applicant on all forms, applications, and other documents may be used in lieu of a wet signature. (Ord. 2023-03 § 3 (Exh. A), 2023)
70.36.050 Permit review and issuance.
A. The Community Development Department shall implement an administrative, nondiscretionary review process to expedite approval of electric vehicle charging stations.
B. A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the City’s adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed.
C. If an application is deemed incomplete, a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information or documentation required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance shall be sent to the applicant for resubmission.
D. Upon confirmation by the Building Official that the permit application and supporting documents meet the adopted checklist and are consistent with all applicable laws and health and safety standards, the Building Official 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 the building permit is finaled by the city. (Ord. 2023-03 § 3 (Exh. A), 2023)
70.36.060 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 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. 2023-03 § 3 (Exh. A), 2023)