Key Approaches to Updating Zoning Ordinances for EV Charging
- Allow EV Charging Stations in All Relevant Zones
Amend zoning codes to permit EV charging stations as an accessory use in all zoning districts, including residential, commercial, and industrial. This avoids the need for special variances and encourages widespread installation. - Create Specific Land Use Categories for EV Charging
Introduce land use definitions that distinguish EV charging stations from traditional fueling stations. This prevents misclassification that could restrict locations or impose onerous regulations. - Set Minimum and Flexible Parking Requirements
Update ordinances to count EV charging spaces toward minimum off-street parking requirements or create minimum EV space mandates. This allows developers to install chargers without losing required parking capacity or facing penalties. - Streamline Permitting and Approval Processes
Implement expedited, predictable permitting procedures and remove extra parking reviews or special application hurdles when EV charging stations are proposed. This reduces delays and lowers costs for developers. - Mandate Public Accessibility and Compatibility
Require publicly available charging ports to support multiple vehicle makes and models to ensure usability and encourage investment from a broad user base. - Incorporate EV Readiness in New and Existing Construction
Encourage or require EV charging infrastructure in new developments and facilitate retrofits in existing buildings through zoning incentives or mandates. This can include allowances for the additional electrical equipment space needed. - Use Zoning as a Planning Tool to Incentivize or Require EVSE
Municipalities can designate specific zones or overlay districts that incentivize or require EV supply equipment installation, integrating EV infrastructure planning into comprehensive community development goals.
Summary
By revising zoning ordinances to broadly permit EV charging stations, create clear land use classifications, address parking requirements, streamline permitting, and ensure public access, municipalities can remove regulatory barriers and provide clear guidance to developers. These updates make it easier and more attractive for investors and property owners to develop EV charging infrastructure, supporting EV adoption and meeting future transportation electrification needs.
This proactive regulatory approach aligns local zoning with emerging transportation trends and federal/state incentives aimed at building robust EV charging networks.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-can-zoning-ordinances-be-updated-to-attract-ev-charging-infrastructure-investment/
