A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to facilitate adequate and convenient electric vehicle infrastructure to serve the needs of the travelling public, provide opportunities for Cowlitz County residents to have safe and efficient personal electric charging stations at their place of residence, and to provide the opportunity for commercial and industrial developments to supply electrical vehicle charging station services to their customers and employees.

B. Charging Station Siting.

1. Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations shall be permitted uses in the commercial (C-1 and C-2) and industrial (ML, MH, and AG-I) zoning districts. Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations shall be accessory uses in all other zoning districts.

2. Level 3 charging stations and battery exchange stations shall be permitted uses in the commercial (C-1 and C-2) and industrial (ML, MH and AG-I) zoning districts. Level 3 charging stations and battery exchange stations shall be special uses in all other zoning districts.

3. Where a special use permit is required, it shall be processed in accordance with CCC 18.10.280 through 18.10.315.

C. Installation Process.

1. Charging Station Installation. Charging stations do not require a specific installation approval from the county; except, that installations may require approvals under state building codes and provisions of county code, depending upon station design and construction. Electrical installations are subject to Washington State Department of Labor and Industries approval.

2. Signage Installation. Signs identifying the location of charging stations placed within or adjacent to a public right-of-way may be subject to approvals by federal, state and local agencies.

D. General Requirements.

1. Electric vehicle charging stations shall be reserved for charging electric vehicles only.

2. Each charging station space should be posted with signage indicating the space is only for electric vehicle charging purposes. Signage should include identifying voltage and amperage levels, time of use, fees or safety information.

3. Installation of wayfinding signs should be conveniently located to effectively guide motorists to the charging station space(s).

4. Charging station equipment shall not interfere with accessibility requirements of WAC 51-50-005. [Ord. 14-053 § 1 (Exh. A), 6-10-14]