DATE: March 23, 2026
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Stefan Chatwin, City Manager
FROM: Cory Call, Chief of Police
DEPARTMENT: Police
SUBJECT: Establishing Parking Prohibitions and Fines for Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations (CVC 22511 and 22562)
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution amending Title 10 of the Municipal Code to establish two new parking prohibitions related to Electric Vehicle (EV) charging spaces, codified as Sections 10.32.262 and 10.32.263, consistent with California Vehicle Code (CVC) Sections 22511 and 22652, and establishing fines and penalties consistent with the City’s adopted fee schedule, including a base fine of $38.00 with a $42.00 penalty for CVC 22511 violations and a base fine of $328.00 for CVC 22652 violations due to the handicap-related nature of the offense.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this staff report is to establish local enforcement authority and corresponding penalties for improper parking in designated Electric Vehicle (EV) charging spaces. Adoption of the proposed Resolution will align the City’s Municipal Code with State law, improve compliance at EV charging locations, and support the City’s sustainability and transportation goals. The proposed fines mirror existing State mandated and locally adopted penalties for similar parking violations, including enhanced penalties for handicap-related violations.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
The City has seen an increase in electric vehicle charging stations installed throughout the city. These charging stations are intended to support the growing number of electric vehicles and promote environmentally sustainable transportation.
CVC 22511 establishes restrictions for parking in designated EV charging spaces, while CVC 22652 authorizes enforcement and removal of vehicles parked in violation of posted restrictions, including violations related to accessible and handicap-designated parking areas. The City’s Municipal Code does not currently include corresponding local provisions specific to EV charging spaces. Establishing these provisions will ensure clear authority for enforcement and alignment with State law.
The proposed action establishes two distinct parking violations to address improper use of EV charging spaces:
CVC 22511: Parking by non-electric vehicles or otherwise parking in EV- designated charging spaces in violation of posted restrictions. CVC 22652: Parking violations at EV charging spaces that involve enforcement and removal authority, including violations associated with accessible or handicap- designated charging spaces.
The enhanced base fine for CVC 22652 violations reflect the handicap-related nature of the offense and is consistent with State law and the City’s current fee schedule.
The proposed new fines will add the following sections to the Municipal Code:
Section 10.32.262 – Parking in EV charging spaces in violation of CVC 22511. Section 10.32.263 – Parking violations at EV charging spaces subject to enforcement and removal under CVC 22652.
Applicable fines shall be as follows:
CVC 22511 (FCMO Section 10.32.262)
Base Fine: $38.00
Penalty: $42.00
CVC 22652 (FCMO Section 10.32.263)
Base Fine: $328.00
Penalty $42.00 due to the handicap-related nature of the violation.
These fines are consistent with existing State and local parking violation penalties and require no changes to current enforcement practices.
PD-15 Concealed Weapon Permit Processing Fee is being eliminated because those permits are processed by the San Mateo County Sheriff, so the fee is no longer relevant.
California Environmental Quality Act
The proposed action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15308 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies), as it involves regulatory enforcement of existing parking facilities and does not result in a physical change to the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action. Enforcement will be conducted using existing staff and resources. Citation revenue, including higher fines associated with handicap-related violations, is expected to be minor and incidental.
CITY COUNCIL VISION, MISSION, AND VALUE/PRIORITY AREA
Smart Planning, Development, and the Local Economy
This action supports sustainable transportation infrastructure, equitable access to parking facilities, and responsible management of public rights-of-way.
ATTACHMENTS:
None