Chapter 16.09
EXPEDITED PERMIT PROCESS FOR ELECTIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
Sections:
16.09.060 Electrical vehicle charging station installation requirements.
16.09.010 Title.
This chapter shall be known and cited as “Expedited Permit Process for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.” [Ord. 7-2017 § 1].
16.09.020 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations that complies with California Government Code Section 65850.7, in order to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of electric vehicle charging stations. The provisions of this chapter encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations by removing unreasonable barriers, minimizing costs to property owners and the city, and expanding the ability of property owners to install electric vehicle charging stations. This chapter allows the city to achieve these goals while protecting public health and safety. [Ord. 7-2017 § 1].
16.09.030 Definitions.
“Association” means a nonprofit corporation or unincorporated association created for the purpose of managing a common interest development. (Civil Code Section 4080)
“Building official” means the city’s building official or his or her designee.
“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 delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle.
“Electronic submittal” means the utilization of one or more of the following:
1. Electronic mail or email;
2. The internet; or
3. Facsimile.
“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. [Ord. 7-2017 § 1].
16.09.040 Process.
The city shall administratively approve an application to install electric vehicle charging stations through the issuance of a building permit. Review of the application to install an electric vehicle charging station shall be limited to the building official’s review of whether it meets all health and safety requirements of local, state, and federal law. However, 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 use permit. The decision of the building official may be appealed to the planning commission of the city.
In developing an expedited permitting process, the city shall adopt a checklist of all requirements with which electric vehicle charging stations shall comply to be eligible for expedited review.
A. An application that satisfies the information requirements in the checklist shall be deemed complete. Upon confirmation that the application and supporting documents are complete and meet the requirements of the checklist, and consistent with this chapter, the city shall approve the application and issue all required permits.
B. Upon receipt of an incomplete application, the city shall issue a written correction notice detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance. An application submitted to the city shall demonstrate compliance with the serving utility’s interconnection policies prior to approval.
C. The checklist and required permitting documentation shall be published on the city’s website. The building official shall allow for electronic submittal of a permit application and associated documentation pursuant to this chapter and shall authorize the electronic signature on all forms, applications, and other documentation in lieu of a wet signature by an applicant. [Ord. 7-2017 § 1].
16.09.050 Technical review.
In the technical review of a charging station, consistent with 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 Civil Code Section 4080, and provided in RCMC 16.09.030, Definitions. [Ord. 7-2017 § 1].
16.09.060 Electrical 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. 7-2017 § 1].