Board updates zoning and parking rules to make EV charging easier and enforce charging-only spaces

The County Board on June 13 adopted two related measures to accelerate electric vehicle charging infrastructure and to protect charging spaces. The board adopted a zoning ordinance amendment (ZOA‑2026‑03) to allow EV supply equipment (EVSE) to encroach into required setbacks, to permit EVSE as an accessory use across zoning districts, and to establish standards for parking areas with EVSE. At the same meeting the Board adopted a companion change to Chapter 14.2 of the County Code creating § 14.2‑38.4 to prohibit parking in spaces clearly marked for charging by non‑plug‑in vehicles or plug‑in vehicles not actively charging, with a civil penalty of up to $25.

The zoning change was initiated by the Board and recommended by the Planning Commission in early June; the staff report and attachments explain design and setback allowances, standards for EV accommodation spaces, and updates to parking‑space definitions (SEG 395–425). The parking ordinance establishes the definition of a "plug‑in electric motor vehicle" for enforcement purposes (a battery with at least four kilowatt hours capacity and on‑road vehicle classification) and requires signage indicating the $25 penalty where the restrictions apply (SEG 446–455).

Both measures were adopted on the consent agenda by a unanimous 5‑0 vote. County staff packaged the two items together in the meeting materials to streamline permitting and enforcement for public and private EV chargers; the changes aim to remove technical zoning barriers and provide an enforceable parking rule to keep charger access available.