HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 1328 - EVCharging Stations - Permitting Procedures(,'
ORDINANCE NO. 1320 etitt
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL C ""T`FtIE A -4.. , ,-._r4......__:..,,.
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. 13213i;
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 Toads;
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
WESTERN RIVERSIDE COUNTY CODE UNIFORMITY PROGRAM
CITY OF PALM DESERT
BUILDING & SAFETY
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGER
GUIDELINES
PHONE (760) 776-6420
FAX (760) 776-6392 7/ 1 8/2017
73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA92260
IEVSTANDARD.DOC I
PAGE 1 OF 5
The purpose of this guideline is to assist permit applicants in streamlining the
permitting, installation and inspection process for Residential EVChargers.
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
contractor's 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 (✓) all that
exist in your home (don't forget to include the proposed Level 2 EV Charger). For each item
checked (✓), 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 appliances and other loads and consult with a trained electrical professional
'Check All
Applicable
Loads
Description of Load
Typical usage
Watts used
GENERAL LIGHTING AND RECEPTACLE OUTLET CIRCUITS
✓
Multiply the
Square Footage of House X 3
3 watts/sq. ft.
KITCHEN CIRCUITS
Kitchen Circuits
Electric Oven
Electric Stove Top
Microwave
Garbage Disposal under Kitchen
Sink
Automatic Dish Washer
Garbage Compactor
Instantaneous Hot Water at Sink
3,000 watts
2,000 watts
5,000 watts
1,500 watts
1,000 watts
3,500 watts
1,000 watts
1,500 watts
3,000
LAUNDRY CIRCUIT
Laundry Circuit
Electric Clothes Dryer
1,500 watts
4,500 watts
1,500
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING CIRCUITS
Central Heating (gas) and Air
Conditioning
Window Mounted AC
6,000 watts
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)
Electric Tankless Water Heater
Swimming Pool or Spa
Other: (describe)
Other:
Other:
4,000 watts
15,000 watts
3,500 watts
watts
1 watts
watts
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER CIRCUIT
1
Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charger Wattage Rating*
(Add -up all of the watts for the loads you have checked')
TOTAL WATTS USED €
2
INSTRUCTIONS: Using the "TOTAL WATTS USED" number from the previous page,
check (✓) the appropriate line in column 1 and follow that line across to determine the
minimum required size of the electrical service panel shown in column 3. In column 4, write-
in the size of 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 to handle the added
electrical Toad from the proposed Level 2 EV Charger.
1
'Check
the
appropriate
line
Table based on CEC 220.83(A), 230.42, and AnnexD.
2
Total Watts Used
(from previous page)
up to 48,000
48,001 to 63,000
63,001 to 78,000
78,001 to 108,000
108,001 to 123,000
3
Minimum Required Size of
Existing 240 Volt Electrical
Service Panel
(Main Service Breaker Size)
100 amps
125 amps
150 amps
200 amps
225 amps
4
Identify the Size of
Your Existing Main
Service Breaker
(Amps)**
**Please note that the size of your Existina service (column 4) MUST be equal to or larger
than the Minimum Reauired Size (column 3) or a new larger electrical service panel will
need to 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:
(Print job address)
Signature:
(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 or
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 no 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 INSTALLATIONS:
The Table below illustrates the type and size of wire and conduit to be used for various
Electric Vehicle Charger circuits.
Conduit Type and Size***
Size of Required Rigid
EV Charger minimum size Electrical Nonmetallic Flexible Metal
Circuit Breaker of Conductors Metallic Tubing Conduit — Conduit
(THHN wire) (EMT) Schedule 40 (FMC)
(RNC)
20 amp #12 1/2" 1/2" 1/2"
30 amp #12 1/2" 1/2" 1/2"
40 amp #10 1/2" 1/2" 1/2"
50 amp #8 3/4" 3/4" 3/4"
60 amp #6 3/4" 3/4" 3/4"
#6 3/4" 3/4" 3/4"
70 amp
***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.
Rigid
Conduit Electrical Nonmetallic Flexible Metal Nonmetallic
Support Metallic Conduit — Conduit Sheathed
Tubing Schedule 40 (FMC) Cable
(EMT) (RNC) (NMC)
Conduit
Support 10' 3' 4-1/2' 4-1/2'
Intervals
Maximum
Distance from 3' 3' 1' 1'
Box to
Conduit
Support
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 EV CHARGERS
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 I
GARAGE
NEW 40 AMP RATED LEVEL 2
ELECTRIC VEHICLECHARGER
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 FOR A 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