City Council Faces Controversy Over EV Charger Advertising Plan

In a recent city council meeting, a proposal for the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers at the outlet mall on Ridgewalk Parkway was met with significant scrutiny. The applicant, Raquel Clement from Volta Charging, sought a condition amendment and a sign waiver to allow for four EV chargers that would also function as electronic advertising signs.

The site, located in Council Ward 6, is currently zoned for general commercial use, but a previous zoning condition prohibits LED signage due to concerns over visual distraction, particularly from a proposed marquee sign that would have faced Interstate 575. The council had previously denied a similar request for advertising screens at another Volta Charging location in 2020, leading to ongoing restrictions on the use of advertising screens at charging stations.

The proposed chargers would be equipped with two LED advertising signs each, totaling 18 square feet per charger. While the installation of the chargers themselves is permitted, the dual function as advertising screens raises concerns regarding compliance with the city’s sign code, which limits electronic signage to specific areas and types of content. The council's staff expressed that the request exceeds the allowable provisions, particularly regarding the proximity of electronic signs and the nature of their content delivery.

During the meeting, staff recommended denial of the request, citing potential safety concerns and the intent of existing regulations to limit distractions for drivers and pedestrians. The Planning Commission had previously affirmed this recommendation unanimously.

Clement defended the proposal, emphasizing the need for EV charging infrastructure in the area and asserting that the screens would be positioned to minimize distraction to drivers. She noted that the chargers would provide free charging to consumers, with revenue generated solely from the advertisements displayed.

The council is expected to deliberate further on the proposal, weighing the benefits of increased EV charging access against the potential risks associated with electronic advertising signage in a busy commercial area.