Chapter 15.120
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION PERMITTING

Sections:

15.120.010    Purpose and intent.

15.120.020    Expedited review process.

15.120.030    Electronic submittals.

15.120.040    Association approval.

15.120.050    Permit application processing.

15.120.060    Accessibility.

15.120.070    Technical review.

15.120.010 Purpose and intent.

Electric vehicle charging stations which qualify for expedited permit processing, pursuant to California Government Code Section 65850.7, shall be subject to the administrative permitting procedures set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 1065 Sec. 1, 2021)

15.120.020 Expedited review process.

Consistent with California Government Code Section 65850.7, the Building Official shall implement an expedited administrative permit review 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 administrative permit review process and checklist may refer to the recommendations in the checklist prescribed by the most current version of the “Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist” of the “Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook” published by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. The City’s adopted checklist shall be published on the City’s website. (Ord. 1065 Sec. 1, 2021)

15.120.030 Electronic submittals.

Consistent with California Government Code Section 65850.7, 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 the applicant. (Ord. 1065 Sec. 1, 2021)

15.120.040 Association approval.

Consistent with California Government Code Section 65850.7, the 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 California Civil Code Section 4080. (Ord. 1065 Sec. 1, 2021)

15.120.050 Permit application processing.

A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the City’s adopted 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’s adopted checklist, and is consistent with all applicable laws, the Building Official shall, consistent with California 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 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. (Ord. 1065 Sec. 1, 2021)

15.120.060 Accessibility.

All designs for electric vehicular charging for public use must comply with all Federal and State laws regarding accessibility, specifically the Americans with Disabilities Act and California Building Code Section 11B-228.3. EV stations permitted for private use, at private residences need not comply. (Ord. 1065 Sec. 1, 2021)

15.120.070 Technical review.

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 Building Official’s authority to address higher priority life-safety situations. 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, as defined in California Government Code Section 65850.7, the City may require the applicant to apply for a use permit, as described in the City’s General Plan. (Ord. 1065 Sec. 1, 2021)