Report Prepared by: Denise Frazier, Chief Building/Construction Official
Title
SUBJECT: Second Reading and Final Adoption of Ordinance Adding Chapter 17.64, “Electric Vehicle Charging Systems,” to the Merced Municipal Code, Including Definitions, Permitting Process and Installation Requirements
REPORT IN BRIEF
Second reading to add Section 17.64 of Merced Municipal Code. Sections 17.64.010 Definitions, 17-64.020 Permitting Process, and 17.64.030 Installation Requirements.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Ordinance 2515, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Adding Chapter 17.064, "Electric Vehicle Charging Systems" of the Merced Municipal Code.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve subject to other than recommended by staff (identify specific findings and or conditions amended to be addressed by City Council motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer back to staff for reconsideration of specific items (specific items to be addresses in the motion); or
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
The California Government Code section 65850.7 requires that every jurisdiction must adopt an ordinance that creates an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
Assembly Bill (AB) 1236, amended Government Code Section 65850.7. The amendment to Section 65850.7 require a jurisdiction to adopt an ordinance for the expedited, streamlined permitting process. The ordinance mandates that a jurisdiction adopt a checklist of requirements to verify a permit application is eligible for expedited review.
This process includes the establishment of a checklist containing objective requirements for the installation of an electric vehicle charging station and a process for electronic submittal of permit applications. Section 65850.7 requires that the checklist be based on the “Plug-In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist” of the “Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook” of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research.
AB 1236 also clarifies that a jurisdiction shall not condition approval of a permit for an electric vehicle charging station based on the approval of a homeowners’ association.
The City currently has the procedures in place, such as the checklist available on our website and electronic submittal of plans. In addition, the City’s procedures comply with the requirements of AB 1236. By the adoption of this ordinance, Staff is ensuring that successful implementation of an expedited, streamlined process will be available to permit applicants, consistent with state law.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of funds is needed.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Ordinance