Planning board adopts site-plan rules to require EV-ready spaces in new developments

The Lebanon Planning Board voted unanimously to adopt amendments to section 5.1 of the site-plan review regulations that require applicants to show submission details for electric vehicle (EV) parking spaces and related infrastructure. Planners and advisory-committee members said the amendments are meant to complement the city’s existing zoning language in section 607.8.

Tim, planning staff, told the board the proposed changes were prepared after feedback from the board, and that copies of the revised language are available at the Planning and Development Department and on the city website. Members of the Lebanon Energy Advisory Committee presented the measure as a way to require developers to anticipate future charging needs by designating a percentage of units with EV-capable or EVSE-ready ‘‘planned’’ spaces rather than retrofitting later.

‘‘Most of the cost is deferred until such point in time as the demand exists,’’ a LEOAC member said while explaining the rationale. The advisory-group presenters pointed to a simple diagram in the packet showing how conduit or modest rough‑ins can be installed during building to avoid major pavement or wall work later. Board members and attendees praised the clearer language after public comment. One member moved to adopt the amendments as drafted; another seconded the motion, and the board approved it by show of hands.

The amendments take effect under the timeline the board sets in the adopting vote and will be incorporated into the site-plan review regulations; staff said those changes are intended to reduce future construction disruption and grid impacts while ensuring new multifamily developments provide for incremental expansion of EV charging.