Chapter 15.54
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING SYSTEMS
Sections:
15.54.040 Electric vehicle charging station system requirements.
15.54.050 Expedited permitting process.
15.54.060 Permit review requirements.
15.54.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to adopt an expedited, streamlined electric vehicle charging station permitting process that complies with AB 1236 (Chapter 598, Statutes 2015) to achieve timely and cost-effective installations of electric vehicle charging stations. The provisions of this chapter encourage the use 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. The provisions of this chapter further allow the city to achieve these goals while protecting the public’s health, welfare and safety. (Ord. 480 § 2, 2017)
15.54.020 Applicability.
A. This chapter applies to the permitting of all electric vehicle charging station systems in the city.
B. Electric vehicle charging station systems legally established or permitted prior to the effective date of 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 an electric vehicle charging station system. Routine operation and maintenance or like-kind replacements of electric vehicle charging stations shall not require a permit. (Ord. 480 § 2, 2017)
15.54.030 Definitions.
A. “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.
B. “Electronic submittal” means the utilization of one or more of the following:
1. Electronic mail or email.
2. The internet.
3. Facsimile.
C. “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. 480 § 2, 2017)
15.54.040 Electric vehicle charging station system requirements.
A. All electric vehicle charging station systems shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the state and the California Building Standards Code, as adopted and amended by the city.
B. Electric vehicle charging station systems shall meet all applicable safety and performance standards established by 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 Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability. (Ord. 480 § 2, 2017)
15.54.050 Expedited permitting process.
A. All documents required for the submission of an expedited electric vehicle charging station system application shall be made available on the publicly accessible city website.
B. Electronic submittal of the required permit application and documents by email, the internet, or facsimile shall be made available to all electric vehicle charging station system permit applicants.
C. The electric vehicle charging station system permit process and checklist(s) shall substantially conform to recommendations for expedited permitting, including the “Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist” contained in the most current version of the Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook published by the Office of Planning and Research.
D. 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 impact 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.
E. The permit application and associated documentation may be submitted to the building department 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. 480 § 2, 2017)
15.54.060 Permit review requirements.
A. The community development director shall administratively approve an application to install electric vehicle charging stations through issuance of a building permit or similar nondiscretionary permit.
B. Review of the application shall be limited to the community development director’s review of whether the application meets local, state, and federal health and safety requirements.
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 community development director of the application and supporting documentation being complete and meeting the requirements of the eligibility checklist, the community development director shall administratively approve the application and issue all required permits or authorizations. Such approval does not authorize an applicant to energize or utilize the electric vehicle charging station until approval is granted by the city.
E. The community development director may require an applicant to apply for a conditional use permit, to be issued by the community development director pursuant to SBMC 17.68.010, if the official finds, based on substantial evidence, that the electric vehicle charging station system could have a specific, adverse impact upon the public health and safety.
F. If a conditional use permit is required, the city may deny an application for the use permit if the city makes written findings based upon substantive evidence in the record that the proposed installation would have a specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid, as defined, the adverse impact. Such findings shall include the basis for the rejection of the potential feasible alternative for preventing the adverse impact.
G. Any condition imposed on an application shall be designed to mitigate the specific, adverse impact upon health and safety at the lowest possible cost.
H. The city shall not condition approval of an application on the approval of an association, as defined in Section 4080 of the California Civil Code.
I. Decisions regarding an electric vehicle charging station system permit application may be appealed to the city council. (Ord. 480 § 2, 2017)