An EV Charging Project is defined in our code as:

The development of Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) EV charging stations and equipment that serves as the primary function and land use on the property, which may include other supporting site improvements like landscaping, lighting, weather protection, rest areas or seating, and public restrooms.

Only primary-use DCFC stations are considered EV Charging Projects for land use purposes. Accessory EV chargers, such as Level 2 chargers serving an existing commercial, multifamily, industrial, or mixed-use development, are not considered EV Charging Projects and are not subject to separate land use approval.

Land Use Approval (EV Charging Projects only)

Land use approval is required for all EV Charging Projects (Direct Current Fast Charging EV charging stations and equipment that serve as the primary function and land use on the property). The land use process requires approval of a Site Development Plan (SDP). The approval process varies by use category:

• Limited Use SDPs are reviewed and approved administratively by the City’s Development Review Team (DRT)
• Adaptable Use SDPs are reviewed and approved administratively by the DRT. Compatibility standards apply, and a neighborhood meeting is required.
• Conditional Use SDPs require a neighborhood meeting and approval by the City’s Planning Commission.

The table identifying use allowances and review types by zoning district can be found in Unified Development Code Section 18.02.04.08 – Motor Vehicle and Transportation Land Use by Zone.

Accessory EV Chargers

Accessory EV chargers, including Level 2 chargers serving existing developments, are not considered EV Charging Projects for land use purposes. These installations are reviewed through the building permit process only.

Electrical Building Permits

All EV charging stations, both primary and accessory, require an electrical building permit from the City’s Building Division.

The following permit applications are available on our website:

• Site Development Plan (EV Charging Project)
• Electrical Building Permit application (all EV Charging Stations)

For information about what to submit with your application, please refer to the Site Development Plan Checklist on our Current Planning website. For a Building Permit, please review the New Construction Building Permit Submittal Checklist on our Building Division website.

Applicable Land Use Standards for EV Charging Projects

An EV Charging Project means Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) EV charging stations and equipment that serve as the primary function and land use on the property. Land use standards are provided in Section 18.02.04.09 Motor Vehicle and Transportation Standards of our code. EV Charging Projects must comply with all applicable UDC Standards, including:

• Screening materials – including landscaping and screen walls – shall comply with the electrical equipment safety and access distances from national electrical safety standards, including National Fire Protection Association standards, the National Electric Safety Code, and other relevant national safety standards.
• EV charging stations and equipment installed within pedestrian walkways shall maintain a minimum unobstructed clear width of 3 feet along all accessible routes.
• Digital advertising screens that exceed 2 square feet and bright lighting that is stylistic rather than functional are not allowed on EV charging stations and equipment located in or adjacent to residential zones and residential uses.
• EV charging equipment shall be screened along perimeter streets for the length of the EV charging equipment, in accordance with Section 18.04.07.17.D Ground-Mounted Equipment.
• The use must comply with the standards in Section 18.02.04.09.C Surface Parking, Section 18.08.03.06 Parking Buffers, Section 18.08.04.03 Parking Lots, and Section 18.09.02 Lighting, unless waived by the director of Development Services through an administrative variation.
• Parking shelters for EV Charging Projects must comply with the canopy height and lighting criteria in Section 18.02.04.09.A Fueling or Service Station, subsections 3.c and 5.
• Special Standards for Downtown Zone - In addition to the other standards:
  • The use is not allowed in the Core, Neighborhood Transition, and Fourth Street Character Districts within the Downtown Zone
  • The use is an adaptable use in the General Character District within the Downtown Zone

Applicable Land Use Standards for Accessory Use EV Charging

Accessory EV Charging standards are in our code in Section 18.04.07.01 Accessory Use EV Charging. These standards apply to DCFC stations, but they do not count as EV Charging Projects because the stations are not the primary use of the land. Level 1 and Level 2 chargers are exempt from land use standards.  

Accessory EV Charging stations and equipment:

• Are allowed in all zone districts
• Are reviewed through the building permit process
• Must maintain a 3-foot clear pedestrian route when installed in walkways
• Exempt from screening requirements unless voluntarily provided
• Must comply with setback requirements unless an administrative variation is approved
• May be located within easements only with written utility provider consent 

In addition, please note that:

• Installation does not trigger broader site compliance unless other changes are proposed
• Large digital advertising screens and bright stylistic lighting are prohibited near residential zones or uses
• Removed landscaping must be replaced to stay in compliance

Timelines vary depending on project complexity and completeness of submittal. The following outlines the general application and review process timelines.

Step 1: Pre-application (if required)

• Planning Division actions: Provide guidance on process and applicable standards
• Applicant actions: Schedule and attend a meeting with the Development Review Team
• Estimated duration: 3-4 weeks

Step 2: Permit application submittal

• Planning Division actions: -
• Applicant actions: Submit complete application electronically
• Estimated duration: -

Step 3: Completeness review

• Planning Division actions: Review application for required materials
• Applicant actions: Provide missing items, if needed
• Estimated duration: 3 days

Step 4: Review and revision (if needed)

• Planning Division actions: Determine project conformance and provide review comments
• Applicant actions: Resubmit plans addressing comments
• Estimated duration: 4 weeks per review round

Step 5: Final decision - varies by type (limited, adaptable, conditional)

Limited Use

• Review type: Administrative approval
• City actions: Planning Division issues decision
• Applicant actions: Submit final signed plans
• Estimated duration: 2 weeks

Adaptable Use

• Review type: Administrative approval with neighborhood meeting
• City actions: Oversee neighborhood meeting process and issue decision
• Applicant actions: Complete mailing and posting requirements and attend and present at neighborhood meeting
• Estimated duration: 4 weeks

Conditional Use

• Review type: Planning Commission approval
• City actions: Oversee neighborhood meeting, schedule public hearing, and Planning Commission approves or denies the application
• Applicant actions: Complete neighborhood meeting requirements and present at Planning Commission public hearing
• Estimated duration: 30-60 days

• Planning application fees
• Building permit and electrical permit fees

Fees are adopted by City Council resolution and may be updated annually.