BACKGROUND:
To increase the state-wide deployment of Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) infrastructure, the California Legislature has passed two bills that have been signed into law streamlining the permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations. Assembly Bill (AB) 1236 and AB 970 set requirements for local jurisdictions to develop an expedited, streamlined permitting process for EVCS. Both AB 1236 and AB 970 apply to all charging station installations, including: Level 1 (L1 – 120-volt; regular home outlet), Level 2 (L2 – 220-volt), and Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC – 480-volt); public and private charging stations; light-, medium-, and heavy-duty charging stations; and accessory and primary use stations of a site. Additionally, AB 1236 and AB 970 applies to new charging station installations and upgrades of existing installations.
AB 1236, approved in 2015, mandates that cities and counties must adopt a streamlining ordinance and permitting checklist. AB 970, approved in 2021, builds on AB 1236, adding timelines for EVCS application review and approval.
On December 13, 2023, the City Council conducted a public hearing where the Ordinance was introduced and provided first reading.
DISCUSSION:
The required ordinance to create an expedited, streamlined permitting process is included as Attachment A. The purpose of the proposed ordinance is to further the state policy of promoting and encouraging the installation and use of electric vehicle charging systems by limiting obstacles to their use through a streamlined permitting process.
Consistent with AB 1236, staff has also developed the required checklist containing objective requirements for the installation of an EVCS (Attachment B). The content of the checklist requires the permit applicant to check the features of the existing electrical service such as rating in amperes, system voltage, connected or calculated load, spare capacity in amperes, voltage and ampere rating of the electric vehicle supply equipment, circuit rating of the electric vehicle supply equipment, location of the electric vehicle supply equipment, if ventilation is/or is not required, and clearances of the charging equipment to comply with all applicable building and fire safety laws. The checklist substantially follows the “Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist” contained in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research “Zero Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook” and is purposed to augment the guidebook’s checklist.
FISCAL IMPACT: This Ordinance will not have a fiscal impact as staff will continue to collect standard plan review and permit fees to cover services.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal B: Community Investment
Objective: Cathedral City roads, gateways, public spaces, and other infrastructure are well planned, designed, constructed and maintained.
Action B-1 Develop and Electric Vehicle transition plan to comply with upcoming state mandates and include consideration of providing publicly accessible charging stations.
In addition to the state’s requirements for cities to adopt this ordinance, this will also address Action Item B-1, referenced in the city’s Five-Year Strategic Plan. Adopting this ordinance provides a milestone achievement towards the Strategic Plan while addressing EVCS to the public as well as the streamlined review processes and ability to deliver the project in a timely manner.