Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 1328 - Permitting Procedures for EV Charging StationsOrdinance No. 1328 CITY OF PALM DESERT BUILDING & SAFETY DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT REQUEST: ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT ADDING CHAPTER 15.36 TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO EXPEDITED PERMITTING PROCEDURES FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS. SUBMITTED BY: Russell A. Grance, Director of Building and Safety DATE: August 24, 2017 CONTENTS: Ordinance No. 1328 EV Charger Guidelines Recommendation: Waive further reading and pass Ordinance No. 1328 to second reading. Strategic Plan Obiective: Energy and Sustainability 1: Reduce per capita consumption of energy and water. This action supports business friendly services by maintaining timely plan review and inspection services. Executive Summary: In 2015, the State of California adopted Assembly Bill 1236 (2015, Chiu, Codified as Government Code Section 65850.7), which requires local jurisdictions with a population less than 200,000 residents to adopt an ordinance to create an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations on or before September 30, 2017. An electric vehicle charging station is any level of electric vehicle supply equipment station that delivers electricity from a source outside an electric vehicle into a plug-in electric vehicle. AB 1236 refers to the recommendations in the most current version of the "Plug -In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist" of the "Zero -Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook" published by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. Ordinance No. 1328 Staff Report Electric Vehicle Charging Stations August 24, 2017 Page 2 of 3 Background or Discussion: Assembly Bill 1236, which amended Government Code Section 65850.7 to require jurisdictions with a population less than 200,000 residents to establish procedures for expedited, streamlined processes for permitting of electric vehicle charging stations. The amendments to Section 65850.7 include the requirement for a jurisdiction to adopt an ordinance for the expedited, streamlined process on or before September 30, 2017. The ordinance shall include the requirement that a jurisdiction adopt a checklist of requirements with which a permit application for an electric vehicle charging station will be 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. 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 also assists the applicant in confirming that the location of the electric vehicle supply equipment will comply with any vehicle clearance requirements in the City's Zoning Ordinance. Section 65850.7 requires that the City develop a checklist that may 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. Assembly Bill 1236 (2015) also clarifies that a jurisdiction may not condition approval of a permit for an electric vehicle charging station based on the approval of a homeowner, or property owner association. Ordinance No. 1328 Staff Report Electric Vehicle Charging Stations August 24, 2017 Page 3 of 3 Fiscal Analysis There is no anticipated fiscal impact as the costs would be recovered through existing building permit fees. As noted, the Building Department is currently providing expedited review and electronic submittal of applications for projects such as small residential rooftop solar systems. Submitted By: Russell A. Grance, Director of Building & Safety Approval: Janet N}bore, Director of Finance Lauri Aylaian, City Manager- ORDINANCE NO. 1328 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT ADDING CHAPTER 15.36 "ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS" TO THE CITY OF PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE WHEREAS, the State of California and the City of Palm Desert has consistently promoted and encouraged the use of fuel -efficient electric vehicles; and WHEREAS, the State of California recent adopted Assembly Bill 1236, which requires local agencies to adopt an ordinance that creates an expedited and streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging systems; and WHEREAS, creation of an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations would facilitate convenient charging of electric vehicles and help reduce the City's reliance on environmentally damaging fossil fuels. NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Palm Desert does ordain as follows: SECTION 1. That Title 15, Section 15.36, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, is hereby added to the City of Palm Desert Municipal Code to read as follows: Chapter 15.36 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS Sections: 15.36.010 Adoption 15.36.020 Purposes 15.36.030 Definitions 15.36.040 Expedited Permitting Requirements 15.36.050 Permit Application Process 15.36.060 Technical Review 15.36.070 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installation Requirements 15.36.010 Adoption That this Chapter is hereby adopted by reference as "The Electric Vehicle Charging Stations" of the City of Palm Desert, and from the date on which the ordinance codified in this chapter shall take effect, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the corporate limits of the City of Palm Desert. Ordinance No.1328i;. 15.36.020 Purposes The purpose of this Chapter is to promote and encourage the use of electric vehicles by creating an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations while promoting public health and safety and preventing specific adverse impacts in the installation and use of such charging stations. This Chapter is also purposed to comply with California Government Code Section 65850.7. 15.36.030 Definitions 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. 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. Electronic submittal means the utilization of one or more of the following: a. Electronic mail or email. b. The internet. c. Facsimile. 15.36.040 Expedited Permitting Requirements The Building Official shall implement an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations, and adopt a checklist of all requirements with which electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with in order to be eligible for expedited review. The expedited, streamlined permitting process and checklist may refer to the recommendations contained in the most current version of the "Plug -In Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Permitting Checklist" of the "Zero -Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook" as published by the Governor's Office of Planning and Research. The City's adopted checklist shall be published on the City's website. 15.36.050 Permit Application Process a) 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. Ordinance No. 1328 b) A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the City's adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed. Upon confirmation by the Building Official that the permit application and supporting documents meets the requirements of the City adopted checklist, and is consistent with all applicable laws and health and safety standards, the Building Official shall, approve the application and issue all necessary permits. Such approval does not authorize an applicant to energize or utilize the electric vehicle charging station until approval is granted by the City. If the Building Official determines that the permit application is incomplete, he or she shall issue a written correction notice to the applicant, detailing all deficiencies in the application and any additional information required to be eligible for expedited permit issuance. c) The Building Official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this Ordinance and associated supporting documentations. In accepting such permit applications, the Building Official shall also accept electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and other documentation in lieu of a wet signature by any applicant. 15.36.60 Technical Review a) It is the intent of this Ordinance to encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations by removing obstacles to permitting for charging stations so long as the action does not supersede the Building Official's authority to address higher priority life -safety situations. If the Building Official makes a finding based on substantial evidence that the electric vehicle charging station could have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety, as defined in this Chapter, the City may require the applicant to apply for a use permit. b) In the technical review of a charging station, the Building Official shall not condition the approval for any electric vehicle charging station permit on the approval of such a system by an association, as that term is defined by Civil Code Section 4080. 15.36.70 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installation Requirements a) Electric vehicle charging station equipment shall meet the requirements of 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 the Public Utilities Commission. b) Installation of electric vehicle charging stations and associated wiring, bonding, disconnecting means and overcurrent protective devices shall meet the requirements of Article 625 and all applicable provisions of the California Electrical Code. Ordinance No. 1328 c) Installation of electric vehicle charging stations shall be incorporated into the load calculations of all new or existing electrical services and shall meet the requirements of the California Electrical Code. Electric vehicle charging equipment shall be considered a continuous load. d) Anchorage of either floor -mounted or wall -mounted electric vehicle charging stations shall meet the requirements of the California Building or Residential Code as applicable per occupancy, and the provisions of the manufacturer's installation instructions. Mounting of charging stations shall not adversely affect building elements. SECTION 2. If any portion of this ordinance is for any reason held by any court to be invalid or unconstitutional, that portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion hereof nor other applications of the ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are declared to be severable. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California at its regular meeting held this day of , 2017, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: JAN HARNIK, MAYOR ATTEST: RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA PHONE (760) 77G6420 FAX (760) 776-6392 WESTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY CODE UNIFORMITY PROGRAM CITY OF PALM DESERT BUILDING & SAFETY RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGER GUIDELINES 7/18/2017 73-51 0 FRED WARING DRIVE. PALM DESERT. CA92260 1 EVSTANDARD.DOC IPAGE 1 OF 5 1 The purpose of this guideline is to assist permit applicants in streamlining the permitting, installation and inspection process for Residential EV Chargers. Be aware that there are different types of Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers. There are 2 basic types of EV chargers for home use (Level 1 and Level 2). Level 1 Chargers are smaller units that plug directly into a standard 120 volt receptacle outlet. These types of chargers typically require a longer period of time to recharge the vehicle. As long as the receptacle outlet being used to plug-in the Level 1 Charger is existing, there is no requirement to secure a permit from the Department of Building and Safety. On the other hand, if you will be installing a new 120 volt receptacle outlet for the charger, you will need to obtain a permit — but you will not need to provide any plans or electrical load calculations as would be required for the more powerful Level 2 type charging systems. A Level 2 EV charging system requires a 240 volt electrical circuit and charges the vehicle battery much faster than a Level 1 charger. Level 2 charger installations typically require an electrical permit and inspections of the installation. In order to obtain the permit you will need to provide some basic information to show that your existing electrical service can handle the added load. What information do I need to provide in order to obtain the permit? This Residential EV Charger Permit Guideline has been developed to streamline the permit, installation and inspection process. In most cases, you or your contractor merely need to fill-in the blanks on this document, attach the manufacturer's installation instructions and charger specifications and submit it to the Department of Building and Safety for review and permit issuance. If all of the information is provided and the proposal complies with the applicable codes, the review and approval process may be performed over- the -counter or within a 5-10 days depending upon workloads and staffing levels at the time of submittal. Once the permit is issued, the installation may begin. When the installation is complete, an inspection of the work must be scheduled with the Building inspector. Inspections are typically performed on the work day following your request for inspection. Keep in mind that someone will need to be present during the inspection so that the Building inspector can access the location of the electrical meter and EV charger (typically in the garage). Installing a Level 2 EV Charging system often requires changes to building's electrical wiring. Before installing the EV charging equipment and the associated wiring. talk to your EV manufacturer about the electrical requirements for the charger unit to be installed at your home. When installing your EV charger, be sure to use a licensed Electrical contractor whose state contractors license and insurance are current The contractor should follow the installation instructions of the EV charger manufacturer and the requirements of California Electrical Code. Why is the Electric Utility concerned about your EV charger installation? Though an individual Level 2 EV charger may have a negligible impact on the utility electric system, the combined effect of several chargers in the same neighborhood could result in overloads on utility secondary wires and transformers. It is important that the Electrical Utility provider be notified of any Level 2 charger installations to ensure that utility electrical system components are adequately sized to maintain high levels of service reliability. 1 LEVEL 2 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER - SERVICE LOAD CALCULATION INSTRUCTIONS: Review the list of electrical loads in the table below and check (I) all that exist in your home (don't forget to include the proposed Level 2 EV Charger). For each item checked (J), fill-in the corresponding "Watts used" (refer to the "Typical usage" column for wattage information). Add up all of the numbers that are written in the "Watts Used" column and write that number in the "TOTAL WATTS USED" box at the bottom of the table, then go to the next page to determine if your existing electric service will accommodate the new loads. (Loads shown are rough estimates; actual loads may vary - for a more precise analysis, use the nameplate ratings for annliances and other loads and consult with a trained electrical professional JCheck All Applicable Loads Description of Load Typical usage Watts used GENERAL LIGHTING AND RECEPTACLE OUTLETCIRCUITS J Multiply the Square Footage of House X 3 3 watts/sq. ft. KITCHEN CIRCUITS J Kitchen Circuits 3,000 watts 3,000 Electric Oven 2,000 watts Electric Stove Top 5,000 watts Microwave 1,500 watts Garbage Disposal under Kitchen Sink 1,000 watts Automatic Dish Washer 3,500 watts Garbage Compactor 1,000 watts Instantaneous Hot Water at Sink 1,500 watts LAUNDRY CIRCUIT J Laundry Circuit 1,500 watts 1,500 Electric Clothes Dryer 4,500 watts HEATING AND MR CONDITIONING CIRCUITS Central Heating (gas) and Air Conditioning 6,000 watts Window Mounted AC 1,000 watts Whole -house or Attic Fan 500 watts Central Electric Furnace 8,000 watts Evaporative Cooler 500 watts OTHER ELECTRICAL LOADS Electric Water Heater (Storage type) 4,000 watts Electric Tankless Water Heater 15,000 watts Swimming Pool or Spa 3,500 watts Other: (describe) watts Other: watts Other: watts ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER CIRCUIT Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charger Wattage Rating* (Add -up all of the watts for the loads you have checkedJ) TOTAL WATTS USED € * Use name plate rating in watts or calculate as: (Ampere rating of circuit X 240 volts = Watts) 2 INSTRUCTIONS: Using the "TOTAL WATTS USED" number from the previous page, check (I) the appropriate line in column 1 and follow that line across t❑ determine the minimum required size of the electrical service panel shown in column 3. In column 4, write- in the size ❑f your existing service panel (main breaker size). If your Existing service panel (column 4) is smaller than the minimum required size of the existing service (column 3), then you will need to install a new upgraded electrical service panel t❑ handle the added electrical load from the proposed Level 2 EVCharger. Table based on CEC 220.83(A), 230.42, and Annex D. 1 2 3 4 /Check the appropriate line Total Watts Used (from previous page) Minimum Required Size of Identify the Size of Your Existing Main Service Breaker (Amps)** Existing 240 Volt Electrical Service Panel Service Breaker Size) _ up t❑ 48,000 _Main 100 amps 48,001 to 63,000 125 amps 63,001 to 78,000 78,001 to 108,000 150 amps 200 amps 108,001 to 123,000 I 225 amps **Please note that the size ❑f your Existing service (column 4) MUST be equal to or larger than the Minimum Required Size (column 3) or a new larger electrical service panel will need t❑ be installed in order to satisfy the electrical load demand of the EV charger. STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE. By my signature, I attest that the information provided is true and accurate. Job Address: Signature: (Print job address) (Signature of applicant) (Date) In addition to this document, you will also need to provide a copy of the manufacturer's installation literature and specifications for the Level 2 charger you are installing. Note: This is a voluntary compliance alternative and you may wish to hire a qualified individual ❑r company to perform a thorough evaluation of your electrical service capacity in lieu of this alternative methodology. Use of this electrical load calculation estimate methodology is at the user's risk and carries n❑ implied guarantee of accuracy. Users of this methodology and these forms are advised to seek professional assistance in determining the electrical capacity of a service panel. 3 OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR EV CHARGER INSTALLATIOW The Table below illustrates the type and size of wire and conduit to be used for various Electric Vehicle Charger circuits. Size of EV Charger Circuit Breaker Required minimum size of Conductors (THHN wire) Conduit Type and Size*** Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit— Schedule 40 (RNC) Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC) 20 amp #12 1/2" 1/2" 1/2" 30 amp #12 1/2" 1/2" 1/2" 40 amp #10 1/2" 112" 1/2" 50 amp #8 3/4" 3/4" 3/4" 60 amp #6 3/4" 3/4" _ 314" 70 amp #6 3/4" 3/4" 3/4" ***Based on 4 wires in the conduit (2-current carrying conductors, 1-grounded conductor, 1-equipment ground). As an alternate, Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable (aka: Romex Cable or NMC) may be used if it is protected from physical damage by placing the cable inside a wall cavity or attic space which is separated from the occupied space by drywall orplywood. The Table below illustrates the required supports for various types of electrical conduit or cable. Conduit Support Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) Rigid Nonmetallic Flexible Metal Conduit — Conduit Schedule 40 (FMC) (RNC) Nonmetallic Sheathed Cable (NMC) Conduit Support Intervals Maximum Distance from Box to Conduit Support 10' 3' 4-1/2' 4-1/2' 3' 3' 1' 1' In addition to the above noted requirements, the California Electrical Code contains many other provisions that may be applicable to the installation of a new electrical circuit. Installers are cautioned to be aware of all applicable requirements before beginning the installation. For additional information or guidance, consult with the Department of Building and Safety staff or a qualified and experienced Electrical Contractor. 4 GENERAL INSTALLATION GUIDELINES FOR LEVEL 2 RESIDENTIAL EVCHARGERS 1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - All Electrical Vehicle Charging Systems shall comply with the applicable sections of the California Electrical Code, including Article625. 2. EQUIPMENT HEIGHT - The coupling means of the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment shall be stored at a height of 18 — 48 inches above the finished floor. (CEC Art 625.29(B)). 3. LISTED EQUIPMENT - All Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. 4. FASTENED IN PLACE - Level 2 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment must be permanently connected and fastened in place in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions (CEC Art. 625.13). 5. PROTECTION FROM PHYSICAL DAMAGE - Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment shall be protected against vehicle impact damage when located in the path of a vehicle. In order to avoid the installation of a substantial pipe bollard as an equipment guard, locate the Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment on a garage side wall, out of vehicular path. (see sample drawing below) (CEC Art. 110.27(B)) 6. IF MORE THAN 60 AMPS- When EV charging equipment is rated at more than 60 amps, the disconnect means shall be provided and installed in a readily accessible location and shall be capable of being locked on the open position. (CEC Art. 625.23) SAMPLE ELECTRICAL PLAN FOR LEVEL 2 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER CIRCUIT INSTALLATION GARAGE NEW 40 AMP RATED LEVEL 2 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER SECURED INPLACE NEW W' CONDUIT WITH #10 CONDUCTORS PER CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE NEW 40 AMP CIRCUIT BREAKER INSTALLED IN THE EXISTINGELECTRIC METER PANEL SAMPLE PROJECT DESCRIPTION: INSTALLATION OF A NEW 40 AMP CIRCUIT FORA LEVEL 2 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER PER MANUFACTURER'S INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE. VEHICLE BATTERIES LISTED AS SUITABLE FOR CHARGING INDOORS WITHOUT VENTILATION. MINIMUM SERVICE PANEL SIZE TO BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESIDENTIAL EV CHARGER GUIDELINES HOUSE 5 CITY OF PALM DESERT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a hearing will be held before the Palm Desert City Council to consider the adoption of ordinance No. which amends specified chapters of the City Municipal Code and adopts Section 15.36, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Copies of the Ordinance No. are available for viewing in the office of the City Clerk, City of Palm Desert, California. Said hearing will be held at 4:00 a.m. on Thursday. August 24, 2017, in the Palm Desert City Council Chambers, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California, at which time and place all interested persons are invited to attend and be heard. Written consent concerning all items covered by this notice shall be accepted up to the date and time of the hearing. If you challenge the proposed action in Court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the hearing described in this notice, as in written compliance delivered to the City Council prior to the meeting. DATE: Tuesday, August 8, 2017 RACHELLE D. KLASEN; ITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA (760) 346-0611 Sanchez, Gloria From: Email, TDS-Legals <legals@thedesertsun.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2017 9:25 AM To: Sanchez, Gloria Subject: RE: Legal Notice - PH August 24, 2017 - Sect 15.36 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Good Morning Gloria! Ad received and will publish on dale(s) requested. Charlene Moeller I Customer Care Representative / Legals The Desert Sun Media Group 750 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262 t 760.778.4578 I f 760.778.4528 e: Ieoals( thedesertsun.com Lobby hours are 9am-noon (closed for lunch) 1:30p-4pm This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended for the individual to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system From: esanchez@citvofoalmdesert.org imailto:gsanchez@citvofpalmdesert.org) Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2017 9:10 AM To: Email, TDS-Legals <legals@thedesertsun.com> Cc: rgrance@cityofpalmdesert.org; scicchini@citvofpalmdesert.org; rklassen@citvofpalmdesert.org; grocha@citvofpalmdesert.ore Subject: Legal Notice - PH August 24, 2017 - Sect 15.36 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Good morning, Charlene! PLEASE PUBLISH THE FOLLOWING: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice of Public Hearing to Consider the Adoption of Ordinance No. , which amends specified chapters of the City Municipal code and adopts Section 15.36, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. TWICE IN THE DESERT SUN Thursday, August 10, 2017 Thursday, August 17, 2017 1f you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you and have a fabulous day. O M. Gloria Sanchez Records Technician 1