The purpose of this chapter is to develop a standard for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. Where any other provisions of the Pickerington Codified Ordinances directly conflict with this chapter, this chapter shall control.

(Ord. 2021-23. Passed 10-5-21.)

   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. 2021-23. Passed 10-5-21.)

   (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 C3 and C4 Districts, but require a conditional use permit in all other zoning districts.

      (1)   A conditional use permit will be issued for a Level 3 electric vehicle charging station when it complies with the regulations of the district in which it is located and also with the provisions of Chapter 1272 and Chapter 1286, as determined by the Planning and Zoning Commission, and also with the criteria listed below:

         A.   Whether there is adequate landscaping or other buffer around the charging station.

         B.   Whether there are limitations on the hours of operation of the charging station.

         C.   Whether the charging station will create an undue burden on public facilities and services, such as streets, utilities, or schools.

         D.   Whether the charging station, either due to appearance, noise, pollution, traffic, or any other condition, will detrimental to existing and future neighboring uses, and will involve a use, structure, or condition of operation that constitutes a nuisance or hazard to any persons or property.

   (c)   Battery exchange stations are permitted in C3 and C4 Districts, but require a conditional use permit in all other zoning districts.

(Ord. 2021-23. Passed 10-5-21.)

   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 standards in this section. Because 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.

      (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 all state and federal requirements.

      (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.

      (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. 2021-23. Passed 10-5-21.)

   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.

(Ord. 2021-23. Passed 10-5-21.)