The purpose of this chapter is to ensure the effective installation of electric vehicle charging stations. Where any other provisions of the Chelan Municipal Code directly conflict with this chapter, this chapter shall control.

(Ord. 1425 § 3 (part), 2011)

An electric vehicle charging station is a public or private parking space(s) that is (are) served by battery charging equipment with the purpose of transferring electric energy to a battery or other energy storage device in an electric vehicle and is classified based on the following levels:

A.

Level 1 is considered slow charging and operates on a 15 to 20 amp breaker on a 120 volt AC circuit.

B.

Level 2 is considered medium charging and operated on a 40 to 100 amp breaker on a 208 or 240 volt AC circuit.

C.

Level 3 is considered fast or rapid charging and operated on a 60 amp or higher breaker on a 480 volt or higher three phase circuit with special grounding equipment. Level 3 stations can also be referred to as rapid charging stations that are typically characterized by industrial grade electrical outlets that allow for faster recharging of electric vehicles.

(Ord. 1425 § 3 (part), 2011)

A.

Level 1 and 2 electric vehicle charging stations are a permitted use in all zoning districts.

B.

Level 3 electric vehicle charging stations are a permitted use in the Warehouse and Industrial (W-I), Highway Service Commercial (C-HS), and Public Lands and Facilities (PLF) zoning districts, but require a conditional use permit in Downtown Mixed Use (DMU), Tourist Accommodation (T-A), Special Use District (SUD) and Waterfront Commercial (C-W) zoning districts.

C.

Battery exchange stations are permitted in the Warehouse and Industrial (W-I), Highway Service Commercial (C-HS), and Public Lands and Facilities (PLF) zoning districts.

(Ord. 1425 § 3 (part), 2011)

Electric vehicle charging stations utilizing parking stalls located in a parking lot or parking garage or in on-street parking spaces shall comply with the following standards. Due to the fact the technology associated with electric vehicles, batteries and electric vehicle charging stations is relatively new and is anticipated to change, and that there is a lack of municipal experience on consumer and community preferences and attitudes with regard to electric vehicles, the planning director may authorize variations from these standards, so long as the intent and goal of the standards and this chapter are addressed.

A.

Except when located in conjunction with single-family residences, electric vehicle charging stations shall be reserved for parking and charging of electric vehicles only.

B.

Signage. Each electric vehicle charging station shall be posted with signage indicating the space is only for electric vehicle charging purposes. Signage shall include items contained in subsection F of this section. Way finding signs conveniently located to guide motorists to the charging stations are permitted with approval of the planning department.

C.

Accessibility. The design and location of the electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with the following barrier-free accessibility requirements:

1.

Accessible vehicle charging stations shall be provided based on the following table:

2.

Accessible charging stations shall be located in proximity to the buildings or facility entrances and shall be connected to a barrier-free accessible route of travel.

3.

Accessible charging stations shall comply with the requirements of WAC 51-50-005.

D.

Lighting. Adequate site lighting shall be provided, which shall also comply with chapter 17.62, Outdoor Lighting on Public and Private Property.

E.

Equipment. Equipment for electric vehicle charging stations shall comply with the following standards:

1.

Equipment mounted on pedestals, lighting posts, bollards, or other devices for on-street charging station shall be designed and located as to not impede pedestrian travel or create trip hazards within the right-of-way.

2.

Charging station outlets and connector shall be no less than 36 inches or no higher than 48 inches from the top of the surface where mounted and shall contain a retraction device or a place to hang cords and connectors above the ground surface.

3.

Equipment shall be protected by wheel stops or concrete-filled bollards.

F.

Notification. The following information shall be posted at all electric vehicle charging stations:

1.

Voltage and amperage levels;

2.

Hour of operations if time limits or tow-away provisions are to be enforced by the property owner;

3.

Usage fees;

4.

Safety information;

5.

Contact information for reporting when the equipment is not operating or other problems.

(Ord. 1425 § 3 (part), 2011)

Electric vehicle charging stations located within parking lots or garages may be included in the calculation of the minimum required parking spaces required pursuant to the Development Standards, section 9.

(Ord. 1425 § 3 (part), 2011)