California Could Require EV Charging Stations

California is planning to become the first state to require electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at new nonresidential developments, according to a report by Charged Future. 

The Division State Architect, which oversees the California Building Code, has published recommended amendments to California’s current building code. The amendment would require one EV charging station to be placed at new nonresidential developments where future EV spaces will be placed, according to the report. 

When at least one charging space is required, a space with electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) needs to be installed in addition to the required number of EV charging spaces, according to the amendment. The number of parking spaces indicates the number of required EV charging spaces. For example, when there are 10 to 25 actual parking spaces, two EV charging spaces are required. 

Currently, some California cities like San Luis Obispo and Palo Alto already have rules about installing EV charging stations in their zoning ordinances, according to the report. In one year, the ordinance has created close to 300 new charging stations within the city of San Luis Obispo. 

Click here for the full Charged Future report.