§ 3312.56 — Electric vehicle parking administrative requirements

3312.56 - Electric vehicle parking administrative requirements.

A. General Requirements. 1. An Electric Vehicle (EV) is defined as a motor vehicle that uses one or more electric motors for propulsion. Onboard batteries provide electricity for propulsion, which can be charged using Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). 2. For EVSE Installed pursuant to this Chapter, the owner or their designee shall provide to the City on an annual basis such standard utilization data as may be required by rules promulgated under this chapter. 3. Electric Vehicle parking spaces shall meet all performance standards of Chapter 3312. 4. EV Readiness requirements are categorized in three levels as follows: a. EV Capable: These parking spaces provide dedicated conduit from the planned location of a breaker or sub panel expansion to the EV Capable parking spaces. b. EV Ready: These parking spaces provide dedicated electrical panel capacity, conduit, and wiring installed with termination at an outlet to the EV Ready parking space. c. Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE Installed): These parking spaces provide dedicated panel capacity, conduit, and EVSE Installed, as defined by rules promulgated under this chapter. B. Technical Specifications, Rules. The Director of the Department of Building and Zoning Services shall promulgate rules and regulations for the administration of the Technical Specifications of Sections 3312.55 through 3312.58 which may change over time due to changing technologies for EVSE in electric-powered vehicles, as well as any other rules reasonably necessary for the effective implementation of EV Ready parking such as are not in conflict with applicable provisions of Columbus City Code. C. Number of Spaces Required. 1. The parking requirements of this Chapter are intended to provide minimum standards. For parcels with a minimum vehicular parking requirement, the EV parking requirements are based on a percentage of the minimum required parking spaces per a project's approved zoning after approval of any variance thereto. If the project includes parking above the minimum requirements of this Zoning Code, such additional parking shall be exempt from the minimum EV Capable, EV Ready, or EVSE Installed requirements herein. For parcels with no minimum vehicular parking requirements, including those with 2024 Zoning Code district designations, EV parking requirements are based on the number of provided parking spaces. 2. Where the calculation of percent served results in a fractional parking space, it shall be rounded up to the next whole number. 3. The total number of EV Capable or EV Ready spaces required shall decrease by the total number of EVSE Installed spaces that exceed the minimum required percentages for EVSE Installed provided in Sections 3312.57 and 3312.58 below. 4. These standards are subject to variance as provided for in Chapter 3307. 5. For existing parking lots, the removal or displacement of parking spaces due to the installation of EV charging stations and associated equipment, are permitted without a parking space reduction variance so long as the minimum number of required parking spaces is not reduced by more than one parking space, or 2% of the total number of required spaces, whichever is greater (standard rounding rules apply). 6. Where a development includes both commercial and residential uses, the required number of EV parking spaces is determined based on the number of proposed dwelling units, followed by commercial EV requirements for any remaining proposed parking. D. Design. 1. Charging equipment must be mounted on the wall or on a structure adjacent to the EV parking space. 2. No charging devices may be placed within the dimensions of a parking space. 3. When cords and connectors are not in use, retraction devices or locations for storage shall be located sufficiently above the pedestrian surface and the parking lot as to reduce conflicts with pedestrians and vehicle maneuvering. 4. Cords, cables, and connector equipment shall not extend across the path of travel in any sidewalk. 5. Equipment mounted on structures such as pedestals, lighting posts, bollards, or other devices shall be located in a manner that does not impede pedestrian, bicycle, or transit travel. Signage mounted on structures is subject to Title 33, Article 15, the Graphics Code, or Title 34, Section G.20.060, as applicable. 6. Upon a showing of good cause, alternative designs may be approved by the Director or their designee. 7. Screening shall be required for charging stations and/or related mechanical equipment such as transformers in excess of 60 inches in height and 30 square feet consistent with screening requirements in Section 3321.11, Screening of mechanical systems. 8. Charging equipment (including transformers, cabinets, and switchgear) that exceed 8.5 feet in height are subject to the minimum parking setback line per Section 3312.27. 9. EV equipment must be shown on the site plan submitted for zoning clearance, or a note shall be provided on the site plan that alerts the reviewer to the page on which the equipment is shown. E. Accessibility. 1. A minimum of one (1) EVSE Installed space must be located adjacent to an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility designated space to provide access to the charging station. 2. The EVSE Installed accessible spaces must comply with ADA Guidelines referenced in Section 3312.31 Parking space for ADA compliance. 3. The EVSE Installed accessible spaces shall have all relevant parts located within accessible reach, and in a barrier-free access aisle for the user to move freely between the EVSE and the EV. F. Enforcement. The owner shall retain exclusive authority to enact and enforce reasonable rules governing access to and use of EVSE Installed parking space(s) not in the public right of way. Any EVSE Installed parking space that the owner designates as exclusively for EV charging, in whole or in part, shall include signage in compliance with the Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (FHWA MUTCD) standards applicable to EV charging, as such manual may be amended, or re-issued, by its successor in interest. All other EVSE Installed parking spaces shall include signage denoting the availability of EV charging and shall be substantially similar in design to FHWA MUTCD standards applicable to EV charging. EV parking spaces shall not be required to be exclusively reserved for EV vehicles. Owners shall have the right to enforce EV parking restrictions and reserve the use of EV spaces for residents, employees, and patrons, unless otherwise required by local, state, or federal rules, regulations, or laws.

(Ord. No. 1617-2022, § 2, 7-25-2022; Ord. No. 1872-2023, § 1, 7-31-2023; Ord. No. 2111-2024, § 1(Att.), 7-29-2024; Ord. No. 2526-2025, § 1, 11-24-2025)