Chapter 15.46
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
Sections:
15.46.010 Purpose.
15.46.020 Definitions.
15.46.030 Applicability.
15.46.040 Electric vehicle charging stations requirements.
15.46.050 Submittal requirements.
15.46.060 Plan review, permit, and inspection requirements.
15.46.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to adopt an expedited, standardized, and ministerial permitting process for electric-vehicle charging stations (EVCS) consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, as may be amended from time to time. This chapter updates local requirements to align with the 2025 California Electrical Code (Title 24, Part 3), 2025 California Energy Code (Part 6), and 2025 California Green Building Standards Code (Part 11). The intent is to promote the rapid deployment of safe and reliable zero-emission-vehicle infrastructure by enforcing the state’s standardized checklist, 20-business-day ministerial approval timeline, and current technical standards for bidirectional and managed-load EV supply equipment. This chapter encourages the use of electric vehicle charging stations by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing costs to property owners and the city of Foster City, and expanding the ability of property owners to install electric vehicle charging stations. This chapter allows the city of Foster City to achieve these goals while protecting the public health and safety. (Ord. 697 § 8, 2025)
15.46.020 Definitions.
“Electric vehicle charging station (EVCS)” means any level of electric-vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) designed and installed in accordance with the 2025 California Electrical Code, Article 625, and capable of delivering electricity to or receiving electricity from a plug-in electric vehicle. EVCS includes bidirectional EV supply equipment (BEVSE), electric vehicle energy management systems (EVEMS), and power export equipment (PEE).
“Specific, adverse impact” has the same meaning as set forth in California Government Code Section 65850.7, and shall be supported by written, substantial evidence based on objective health or safety standards existing at the time the application is deemed complete. (Ord. 697 § 8, 2025)
15.46.030 Applicability.
This chapter applies to the permitting of all EVCS installations, expansions, and upgrades within the city of Foster City. Legally established stations prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter remain authorized unless modified to increase capacity or add bidirectional or managed-load capability. Routine maintenance and software updates do not require a new permit. (Ord. 697 § 8, 2025)
15.46.040 Electric vehicle charging stations requirements.
All electric vehicle charging stations shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the state and the city.
Electric vehicle charging stations shall also meet all applicable safety and performance All EVCS installations shall comply with applicable provisions of the 2025 California Electrical Code (Title 24, Part 3), including Article 625 and Sections 625.44 and 625.48 regarding energy management and network communication; the 2025 California Energy Code (Part 6, Section 6.5.3 and Joint Appendix JA13) governing load management systems; and the 2025 CALGreen Code (Part 11, Sections 5.106.5.3 and 4.106.4) for EV-ready and accessible spaces. All equipment shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and shall meet all PUC reliability standards. (Ord. 697 § 8, 2025)
15.46.050 Submittal requirements.
All required submittal documents shall be posted on the city’s website and accepted electronically with digital signatures. Applications that meet the state standardized EVCS checklist issued by the California Energy Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development shall be reviewed in accordance with Government Code Sections 65850.7 and 65850.71.
The city’s building and safety division shall adopt a checklist of all requirements with which the electric vehicle charging stations shall comply to be eligible for expedited review. The electric vehicle permit process, standard(s) and checklist(s) may substantially conform to recommendations for permitting, including the checklist and standards contained in the “Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist” of the “Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook” published by the Office of Planning and Research.
All fees prescribed for the permitting of electric vehicle charging stations must comply with California Government Code Sections 65850.55, 66015 and 66016, and California Health and Safety Code Section 17951 as set forth in the fee schedule adopted by resolution by the governing body of the city of Foster City.
The determination of value or valuation under any of the provisions of this chapter shall be made by the building official. (Ord. 697 § 8, 2025)
15.46.060 Plan review, permit, and inspection requirements.
All plan reviews and inspections for EVCS shall be conducted on a ministerial basis per California Government Code Sections 65850.7 and 65850.71. The building official shall approve the permit if the application meets the state checklist and no specific, adverse health or safety impact is identified. No “use permit” or discretionary review shall be required. If a potential specific adverse impact exists, the city may impose conditions limited to mitigating that impact at the lowest possible cost. Inspections may include verification of compliance with Title 24 Parts 3, 6, and 11 and accessibility per CBC 11B-812. All fire inspections shall be performed by the San Mateo consolidated fire department as applicable.
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. A separate fire inspection may be performed by the city of Foster City fire department, if required. (Ord. 697 § 8, 2025)